Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs have been used for male and female reproductive disorders since 200 AD. Herbs have long been recognised for their ability to balance the mind, body and spirit. They are still used extensively in China to treat a wide range of women’s health (gynaecology) disorders and infertility due to their high success rates for some types of infertility and other disorders such amenorrhea (no period), anovulation (no ovulation), endometriosis, fibroids and sperm abnormalities. The herbs used at Eastwest fertility are generally prescribed in granule form which are dissolved in water and taken as a tea. Capsules and pills are also used. They are a safe, effective and efficient way to promote reproductive, sexual and general health.

A Chinese herbal formula contains from between 3 to 15 individual herbs. They work via a gentle synergistic process to address energetic imbalance, adjust the Yin and Yang and promote wellbeing. Balanced bodily systems are healthy and function at their peak. This includes the endocrine, neurological and reproductive systems which are important in women’s and men’s health, fertility and pregnancy. At EastWest Fertility, we usually create an individualised herbal formula which is based upon the Chinese medicine diagnosis. Female infertility and gynaecological disorders are generally treated with a group of formulas which are alternated according to the the phases of the menstrual cycle.

The Chinese pharmacopeia contains thousands of herbs of either plant, mineral or animal origin. Eastwest fertility uses herbs that are TGA approved and strictly avoids the use of animal parts from endangered species or when they have been collected by inhumane methods.

Chinese herbs are divided into several categories. The main categories that are important in treating women’s and men’s health disorders, infertility and obstetric disorders include tonic herbs and moving herbs. Although there is debate about the exact science behind the efficacy of Chinese herbs for reproductive and sexual health, empirical evidence of past and present Chinese herbalists, as well as several small research studies, suggests some of the following possible effects:

Chinese herbs enhance the effect of acupuncture, and both therapies are frequently combined. Of course herbs can be prescribed and taken without acupuncture.

Chinese herbs can also treat a wide range of general health complaints such as: