How To Take Your Chinese Herbs
- Boil the kettle with filtered water.
- Add the prescribed amount (e.g. 1 heaped teaspoon) into a ceramic cup. Choose a special cup and make it a ceremony.
- Pour around 50mL (a quarter of a cup) of cold water first on the Herbs to preserve the essential oils and constituents.
- Pour some hot water into the cup so it is warm to drink.
- Drink like a warm cup of tea. Make sure you consume the glug at the end.
- Take either 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals as prescribed. If you forget to take a dose you can enjoy it as a cup of tea anytime during the day or night.
About Chinese Herbs
Dr. Ilana Sowter (Chinese Medicine) prescribes only the highest quality Chinese Herbs available from Taiwan. The producer adheres to strict manufacturing practice at international standards. They create the most safe, potent and stable traditional Chinese herbs on the market. They also have a high conscientious integrity with a loyal support that is earned amongst Chinese medicine practitioners worldwide. Naturally, this brand is the only Chinese herbal manufacturer to track full transparency of manufacturing and quality control processes from start to finish. These herbs are the best because they are safe, potent and the best quality available and proven so. They are also much easier than boiling raw herbs for hours for patient compliancy and convenience. They are practitioner-only.
Gluten-Free & Non-GMO
Not only are these Chinese Herbs high quality, but for your peace of mind they are gluten-free and Non-GMO.
Why Chinese Herbs?
Chinese Herbs have been used for thousands of years. Many of the formulae Dr. Ilana Sowter prescribes are classics. Passed down from Chinese empirical knowledge. Chinese Herbs are an excellent choice of medicine. Firstly, they are holistic. They can treat a myriad of illness patterns, signs and symptoms all in one formula. This saves you taking too many different pills or supplements. The art of Chinese medicine is in the diagnosis and prescription, as your symptoms change, so will your Herbal prescription. Dr. Ilana Sowter has studied a Masters Degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Thus she modifies your formula as needed, safely and effectively. Dr. Ilana (Chinese Medicine) has a full dispensary of Chinese Herbs for your needs and health.
What Form Of Chinese Herbs Are Prescribed?
The Herbs are in powdered form and simply dissolve in hot water. This saves you hours of boiling and monitoring them.
When To Take Chinese Herbs
As prescribed. Dr. Ilana (Chinese Medicine) will tell you to take them either:
- 30 minutes before meals or
- 1 hour after meals.
- You can take it without food as morning and afternoon tea.
Chinese Herbs FAQ’s
Can I Sweeten Chinese Herbs?
Depending on the formula the taste will differ. You can always add some honey or juice to sweeten the taste. Ideally it is best to get used to the taste. When the true flavour of the herbs enters the mouth this makes them more effective. As the flavour enters the mouth. Gan Can (Liquorice) is often added to sweeten the prescription and harmonise the actions of the various herbs.
How Do I Store My Chinese Herb Container?
Dr. Ilana dispenses your herbs in a container. It is important that they are stored in a cool, dark place. They can be stored in the fridge but this is not necessary. Storing them in the fridge may make them hard and difficult to spoon out. Do not expose your herbs to direct sunlight or heat. Chinese Herbal medicine is prescribed for the patient only and should be safely kept out of reach of children.
When Chinese Herbs Expire?
Usually one year after dispensing. You should not use them after they have expired.
Are the Herbs Safe?
Yes, providing you are taking a formula that has been prescribed by Ilana Sowter for your specific condition and constitution. These herbs are safe for babies, the elderly, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, pre-conception and fertility support.
Chinese Herbs & Allergic Reactions
The truth is any substance that comes in contact with our body can cause an allergic reaction. After practising and studying Chinese Herbs for over ten years I have only once ever came across an allergic reaction and it manifested as a mild rash. Ultimately, adverse reactions with Chinese Herbs are extremely rare. If you are unsure, stop drinking the Chinese Herbs and contact Ilana.
Do I Keep Taking The Chinese Herbs If I Feel Better?
As consulted by your Chinese Herbalist, continue taking the Chinese Herbs until they are finished.
Can I Continue The Chinese Herbs If I Get Sick?
If you develop a cold or flu it is best to consult with Dr. Ilana (Chinese Medicine) to see if you can continue the formula. Usually it is best to stop until you are better again. You can contact Dr. Ilana (Chinese Medicine) for a quick scripts where she will quickly issue you a Chinese Herb formula for the acute sickness you have developed.
What Foods Or Drinks Do I Avoid When Taking Chinese Herbs?
Depending on your condition, it is wise to avoid very spicy, rich or greasy foods. In summary, all things in moderation.
Can I Drink Alcohol?
It depends what you have the herbal prescription for. Ideally, avoid drinking alcohol. Moderate your alcohol intake to a maximum of 2-3 glasses per week.
Can Medication Interact?
Yes, always inform Dr. Ilana Sowter (Chinese Medicine) of any medications you are taking. She can advise your GP on what Chinese Herbs you are taking. Always notify her of any new medications that you are taking so she can adjust your Herbs accordingly. Remember that if you are taking any medications, to take your herbs 2 HOURS away from the medication.
Can I Take My Vitamins & Supplements With?
Usually, yes you can. If unsure, please confirm with Dr. Ilana.
Can I React To Chinese Herbs?
Sometimes a formula is too strong or doesn’t agree with you. The most common reported reaction is gastrointestinal upset such as bloating, indigestion or diarrhoea. This is easily fixed by modifying the formula with some digestive Herbs and taking the Herbs after meals rather than beforehand.
Do You Use Endangered Species or Animals?
Dr. Ilana Sowter (Chinese Medicine) uses the highest quality brand of Chinese Herbs available. She does not use nor endorse the use of endangered or prohibited species. Occasionally animal products such as gelatine or oyster shell are used. If you are vegan or object to this please let her know.
How Are The Herbs Manufactured?
Initially the raw materials are screened. The raw herb material is inspected by quality control. Herbs are then cleaned and prepared. Later, the herbs are precisely scale and then the herbal extract is taken from the raw material. This manufacturer differs to most as they also have an essential oil extraction & collection process. Thus your herbs contain medicinal essential oils rich in antioxidants. Filtration is the next process. They are concentrated at low temperature to preserve all beneficial constituents. Once again, a quality control inspection is taken. Then the mixture is spray granulated and mixed with the essential oil. The semi-finished product is then inspected by quality control for a third time. Dosage forms are manufactured. The product is then packaged, passed through quality inspection again and results in the final, excellent finished product.
Helpful Hints for Chinese Herbs
- Drink herbs warm or at room temperature.
- Drink the powder at the bottom it contains all the goodies.
- If you feel like you are getting used to the herbs, you can first try taking the herbs after eating so they are more gently on your stomach.
- If you miss a dose you can always take them like a cup of tea.
- Keep your herbal formula in a dark, cool place to best preserve the medicine.
- Stop taking the Herbs if you develop symptoms for cold & flu. Ilana can make you a quick script formula at your convenience.
- Contact Ilana if you experience any signs or symptoms that feel unusual to you.
Contact
Dr. Ilana Sowter (Chinese Medicine) is a Chinese Herbalist in Fairfield, Melbourne. To contact her regarding Chinese herbs call 03 9005 6730 or email info@femmevitalacupuncture.com
