Every prescription that I write for a patient is tailored specifically to them and may contain between 9-15 different herbs that are chosen to work to their individual TCM diagnosis. This is the wonderful thing about Chinese herbal medicine, it is not off the shelf! It has a clear framework of how to treat most illnesses and the ability to tailor to the person, as not all illnesses present the same way.

There are two main approaches for taking internal herbal medicine:-

1) Single herb concentrated powders that are mixed into formulas and put into sachets
2) Raw herbs that are boiled to make a liquid called a decoction (available pre-boiled or boil yourself)

1) SACHETS OF CONCENTRATED POWDERS

This is the main approach I use as it is easy to manage and comply with on a day to day basis. The herbs or are of great quality and it is so convenient to take. Sachets are made up of a combination of single herb powders that have been mixed together to the individuals prescription requirements.  I only use suppliers that have been approved by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) and who adhere to their strict rules and guidelines on herb quality and safety.

All of the herbs are high quality, plant-based and free of pesticides, sulphides, xeno-oestrogens and steroids and will just need to be mixed into a couple of easy-to-prepare drinks each day.

Directions for use. Put one sachet of the powder into a cup and add just off boiling water (1/2 cup is sufficient), and mix to allow the powders to dissolve. Cool down a little and drink with joy!

Dosage. Drink twice a day, warm usually after a meal (unless otherwise specified)

2) THE DECOCTION METHOD

In some circumstances I also offer both pre-boiled herbs and herbs that you can boil yourself  with the instructions below.

Pre boiled herbs come in vacuum packs which are delivered directly to your door and you just heat them up and drink (one sachet contains a days worth). These are the easiest way take to get perfectly prepared herbs and I recommend this approach above any other.

Boil your own herbs come in bags (1-3 days worth in each bag) and whilst you may have to boil them to specific instructions in general they are as written below.

Directions for boiling.  You will be given a bag of herbs per day (or 2-3 days). Soak the bag of herbs in cold water (2 inches above the level of the herbs) for one hour then bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and keep the liquid. 
How to drink your daily dosage.  Drink twice a day (half of the daily liquid each time) warm usually after a meal (unless otherwise specified)

Kate Freemantle is a proud member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine and strictly adheres to their guidelines. For more information on the RCHM click on the image below to go to their website. For more information about Kate’s fertility programmes and practices go to katefreemantle.co.uk.