Chinese Herbal Medicine: What It Is and How It Works in TCM Practice
Chinese herbal medicine has been around for thousands of years and somehow ended up misrepresented in multiple ways: dismissed as folklore by some, reduced to a shelf supplement by others. Neither is accurate.
It is a proper clinical system, with a detailed pharmacopoeia and a way of building prescriptions that is different from anything found in Western herbalism or conventional medicine.
This post covers what Chinese herbal medicine is, how prescriptions are put together, what conditions it may support, and how it fits into practice in an acupuncture studio.
What Chinese herbal medicine is
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is a core branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, alongside acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion. It has been practised continuously for over 2,000 years, and the classical formulas that form the basis of modern practice are drawn from texts that have been refined across generations of clinical use.
The materia medica of Chinese herbal medicine includes several hundred commonly used substances — the majority of which are plant-based: roots, leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, and fruit. In my practice, only traditional herbal plant products are used. No animal products, mineral products, or endangered plant species are part of my recommendations.
How a Chinese herbal prescription works
This is where Chinese herbal medicine differs most fundamentally from both Western herbalism and over-the-counter supplements.
In Chinese herbal medicine, herbs are rarely prescribed as single ingredients. They are combined into formulas (typically of anywhere from five to fifteen individual herbs) according to classical prescribing principles that have been refined over centuries. For example, each herb in a formula has a specific purpose: some target the primary complaint directly, others support the organs involved in the pattern, or reduce the risk of side effects from the stronger ingredients, while others act as guides who direct the formula toward the part of the body that needs it most.
The formula is also built around the individual, not just the condition (which is the foundation of TCM as a whole). Two people presenting with the same complaint (say, disrupted sleep) may receive quite different formulas depending on the pattern underlying the symptom, their lifestyle, and other concerns they might have. In TCM, the same symptom can have different root causes, and the approach always addresses the root issue.
This is the main reason why Chinese herbal prescriptions are very different from taking a standardised supplement off the shelf.
What conditions Chinese herbal medicine may support
Chinese herbal medicine has a broad application. The conditions it is most commonly used for in clinical practice, and where there is a growing body of research, include:
Stress, anxiety, and sleep: Several classical herbal formulas have been studied for their effects on anxiety, stress-related symptoms, and insomnia. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has shown that Chinese herbal medicine may support sleep quality and help regulate the nervous system's response to stress. This area of research is growing, and while more high-quality trials are still needed, the evidence is increasingly interesting.
Digestive health: The Spleen and Stomach in TCM are considered central to the body's ability to transform food into usable energy. Digestive complaints (bloating, sluggish digestion, IBS-type patterns) are among the most commonly treated conditions in classical Chinese herbal practice.
Hormonal and reproductive health: Chinese herbal medicine is frequently used alongside acupuncture to support cycle regularity, menstrual health, and the hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause and menopause. The herb-acupuncture combination is well-established in TCM practice and increasingly supported by clinical research.
Recovery and fatigue: Post-illness fatigue, low energy, and what TCM describes as Qi or Blood deficiency respond well to herbal support. Tonic herbs (those that build and replenish rather than simply address a symptom) are a significant part of the Chinese materia medica.
While these are great examples, keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. Chinese herbal medicine covers a wide range of presentations, and what is appropriate for any individual depends entirely on the TCM assessment.
How it is used in this practice
In my practice, CHM is used alongside acupuncture; the two work very well together and the combination can significantly improve and speed up results. The herbs prescribed are in capsule format, so they are easy to take (generally 3 capsules twice daily).
Chinese herbal medicine is used here to complement acupuncture, particularly in cases of anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, period regulation, endometriosis, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS), menopause, skin concerns such as urticaria, eczema, and acne, and sinusitis and rhinitis. If you would like to read more, there is a post on acupuncture and women's hormonal health and another on acupuncture for stress and burnout on the blog.
What to expect
A Chinese herbal consultation involves the same kind of TCM assessment as an acupuncture session — including a thorough conversation about symptoms, history, and what is happening in the body. The prescription is built from that picture and can be adjusted over the course of treatment as the pattern changes.
Herbal medicine is not a quick fix, and it is not suitable as a self-prescribed supplement. It works best when it is part of a properly assessed and monitored treatment plan.
If something on this page has resonated (whether you have a clear diagnosis or just know something has been off for a while), a consultation is a good place to get started. That is where we can look at the full picture and understand whether herbal medicine, acupuncture, or a combination of both is likely to help.
Book through the link below, or get in touch if you have questions first.
Frequently asked questions about Chinese herbal medicine
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Chinese herbal medicine is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses combinations of plant-based ingredients (like roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark) prescribed in formulas according to classical TCM principles. Formulas are tailored to the individual rather than prescribed by symptom alone.
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When prescribed by a qualified practitioner following a proper TCM assessment, Chinese herbal medicine is generally safe and well-tolerated. In this practice, only traditional herbal plant products are used — no animal products, mineral products, or endangered plant species. It is important to disclose all medications and health conditions at the consultation stage.
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Yes, and it often is. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are frequently used together in TCM practice.
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Yes. Amanda Nordell Acupuncture is based in Windy Arbour, Dublin 14, and offers Chinese herbal medicine as part of a full Traditional Chinese Medicine practice. Consultations can be booked directly on the website.
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Herbs are dispensed in capsule format, so any taste is minimal — earthy, if you notice it at all.
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This depends on the specific situation. Some people notice a difference within a few weeks. Chronic or long-standing patterns typically require a longer course of treatment. The prescription is usually reviewed and adjusted as the picture changes, which is part of what makes the approach more effective over time than a fixed supplement.
Different formulas also have different time frames for action, and the severity of the condition and how long symptoms have been present both play a role — so anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks is not uncommon for an initial response.