Chinese Medicine > Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine: All About Balance And Harmony

Chinese herbal medicine is about much more than just taking herbs. It’s a whole system of care—built on rhythm, relationship, and restoring flow throughout your body and mind.

It has supported people for thousands of years, helping with everything from menstrual cycles and fertility to digestion, sleep, immunity, mood, and emotional well-being. But despite its long history, it’s often misunderstood.

This medicine doesn’t separate the body into parts. It sees you as an interconnected whole, always responding to your environment, your experiences, and the natural rhythms of life.

If life is like weaving threads of experience, herbal medicine helps those threads thicken, smooth out, and hold their colour more vibrantly. It helps your whole system move with more ease, rhythm, and coherence.

What Makes Chinese Herbal Medicine Unique?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doesn’t work on a “this herb for that symptom” model. If two people come in with menstrual cramps, they’ll likely get completely different herbal formulas. And we might even use the same herbs for very different concerns—like nightmares and cramps—depending on what’s happening underneath.

That’s because we don’t treat just the symptoms—we treat the root pattern behind them (what is pattern?).

Chinese herbalists choose herbs based not on diagnosis alone, but on what we observe in your body’s pattern of imbalance, how the herbs function energetically and physiologically, and how they interact with each other.

Think of it like building a project team. You don’t just gather a bunch of qualified people—you choose based on how they collaborate. The team has a leader, support staff, someone to guide direction, and someone to keep everything flowing smoothly. The synergy is what makes it work.

In the same way, a Chinese herbal formula is constructed with purpose, precision, and rhythm—tailored to your unique body, your current state, and how things are showing up in real time.

That’s why the intake process is so important. It sets the tone for everything we build together.

What Are “Chinese Herbs,” Exactly?

You can think of each herb as a player on the team.

There are thousands of herbs documented in Chinese medicine, but most practitioners use a core group of around 100 regularly. The majority are plant-based—roots, bark, twigs, leaves, seeds, and flowers.

Some are derived from minerals (like shells or salts), and a smaller number are from animal products.

But to be very clear: we do not use endangered or unethical ingredients. While some historically used ingredients like snake oil or pangolin scales are still taught for historical context, they are illegal in Canada and not used in clinical practice. We’re trained in ethical substitutions that preserve both safety and tradition.

Some herbs are gently processed—steamed, toasted, or cooked—to enhance their action or reduce side effects or toxicity. And some are foods you may already know, like goji berries or fresh ginger, but used with intention and in synergy with others.

Western Herbs vs. Chinese Herbal Medicine

While Western and Chinese herbal traditions may use some of the same plants, the approach is very different.

Western herbalism tends to focus on the plant’s biochemistry—what its active compounds “do.”

Chinese herbalism sees each herb as having a whole personality and a role to play based on context. We look at:

  • Temperature (warming, cooling, neutral)

  • Flavour (bitter, sweet, pungent, etc.)

  • Directionality (upward/downward, inward/outward)

  • Meridian or organ affinity

  • Compatibility with other herbs (who it works well with—or not)

It’s not just about what the herb does—it’s about when, how, and with whom it does it. That kind of nuance is difficult to capture in randomized controlled trials, though many studies do support the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine overall.

In this model, herbs are not just ingredients. They are relational, contextual tools chosen with deep care and consideration.

Herbal Formulas: Like Soup, Not Salad

Chinese herbs are almost never used alone. Instead, we create formulas—carefully composed combinations of herbs that support each other and your body.

Think of it like making a soup. Boiling one vegetable won’t really make a good soup, But when various ingredients are thoughtfully combined, cooked in balance, and layered with intention, you get something deeply satisfying and nourishing. It’s the same with Chinese Medicine herbal formulas: balance, synergy, and structure do matter.

In a formula, each herb plays a specific role, such as:

  • The main herb – leads the action and addresses the core issue

  • Supporting herbs – strengthen or enhance the effect of the main herb

  • Guiding herbs – direct the formula’s effect to specific areas or systems in the body

  • Harmonizing herbs – balance the whole formula and help prevent side effects

This is why formulas often work better than single herbs. In one formula, you might find herbs that—according to Western frameworks—have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, adaptogenic, anti-clotting, and tonifying actions, all carefully balanced.

This is also why reading about one Chinese medicine herb on its own won’t give you the full picture. Herbs work best as part of a dynamic team, not in isolation.

Many people also find Chinese herbal formulas to be more cost-effective and easy to manage. Rather than adding one herb or supplement after another, a single, well-balanced formula can address multiple concerns at once, efficiently.

Customizing Your Formula

There are time-tested “base” formulas that practitioners often start with, but we almost always modify them based on your current presentation.

We may:

  • Add or remove herbs

  • Adjust the dosage or proportions

  • Combine two (or more) formulas (with careful attention to their interaction)

And as your body changes, your formula evolves with you. It’s not static. What supports you today might be too much—or not enough—tomorrow. We fine-tune as we go.

A Daily Dose Of Care

One of the gifts of herbal medicine is that it allows you to receive treatment every day, even at home. It becomes a regular rhythm—a steady, supportive presence.

Herbs won’t replace lifestyle or dietary practices, but they can:

  • Gently move stuck patterns

  • Support recovery

  • Lay the groundwork for deeper treatments like acupuncture to work more effectively

This is especially helpful if:

  • You can’t attend regular in-person sessions

  • You’re managing a condition that needs consistent attention

  • We’re working on foundational healing before introducing other modalities

Who Benefits From Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Short answer? Almost anyone. But only if they’re actually taken!

Chinese herbs can be used for a variety of reasons:

  • Preventatively – for seasonal support, stress resilience, or life transition

  • Therapeutically – for acute symptoms or chronic conditions

  • Constitutionally – to build long-term strength and vitality

We find them especially helpful for:

  • People with weak constitutions — those who feel tired, frail, cold, or easily overwhelmed. (Acupuncture is wonderful, but it uses Qi. Herbs help rebuild it.)

  • Those with gynecological or hormonal concerns — PMS, PMDD, irregular or painful periods, fertility support, peri/menopause, postpartum, etc.

  • People with emotional-physical patterns — when emotions show up in the body—or vice versa.

Chinese herbal medicine has been a foundational pillar in care plans for pelvic, reproductive, breast, and emotional health.

That said, at Tsumugi, we usually prescribe and dispense herbs to those who are ready to commit to taking them. We're also mindful of the cost, the deeper values behind Chinese Medicine, and the fact that many herbs are limited natural resources. Some products are hard to source, and supply has been unstable. We'd much rather avoid them going unused or ending up in the trash.

See a list of commonly treated conditions (not exhaustive) below.

    • PMS, PMDD

    • Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles

    • Painful menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids

    • Fertility support (including IUI/IVF)

    • Recurrent miscarriages

    • Pregnancy support: morning sickness, breech presentation, labour preparation

    • Postpartum recovery

    • Low or high milk supply, plugged ducts, mastitis

    • Weaning support

    • (Peri)menopause, hot flashes, night sweats etc..

    • Breast tenderness or cyclical pain

    • Dense/fibrocystic breasts

    • Breast cancer support

    • Post-mastectomy recovery

    • Anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations

    • ADHD / AuDHD

    • Addiction, disordered eating

    • Self-image & identity concerns

    • Grief, sadness, fear, anger

    • Trauma recovery & dissociation

    • Loneliness or isolation

    • Lack of meaning or direction

    • Suicidal ideation or self-harming urges*
      (please also seek immediate support through crisis lines or mental health professionals)

    • Digestive discomfort (e.g., bloating, nausea, reflux, constipation)

    • Sleep issues (difficulty falling/staying asleep, unrestful sleep)

    • Fatigue or low energy

    • Immune system regulation

    • Headaches or migraines

    • Chronic pain (e.g., jaw, neck, back)

    • Temperature regulation (e.g., cold hands/feet, night sweats)

    • Support during life transitions or burnout recovery etc.

We're working on a dedicated conditions page. Have something you'd like us to include? Feel free to submit Anonymous Website Content Request or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on new resources!

Each practice prescribes herbs a little differently.

At Tsumugi, we offer several forms of herbal prescriptions to fit your lifestyle and treatment goals. Most formulas are taken twice daily, but the exact frequency and timing depend on your unique needs and the type of formula.

Each format has its own strengths and considerations. Here’s an overview of what we offer:

(Note: Costs are approximate and may vary.)

How Are Chinese Herbs Taken?

Raw Herbs (Boiled at Home)

    • Traditional and cost-effective

    • Fully customizable

    • Available as fine or coarse ground herbs

    • Requires stovetop decoction (20–30 min) or overnight steeping in a thermos

    • Comes with detailed cooking instructions

    • ~ $25–30 per 2 weeks (from Chinatown dispensaries)

Patent Pills (Pre-Made Formulas)

    • Convenient and portable

    • Great for classic, uncomplicated patterns

    • Supply and selections can be limited in Canada; not all formulas are readily available

    • May require combining more than one formula for full coverage

    • $45 for 60 pills (10–15 days)

    • $130 for 240 pills (1.5–2 months)

Custom Granules (Dissolvable Powder)

    • Tailored specifically to your pattern

    • Dissolve in hot water and drink

    • Formulated and shipped by a certified dispensary in Keswick

    • ~ $120+ per 2 weeks, plus shipping

    • Encapsulation available upon request (additional fee)

Premade Tinctures (In-House, Alcohol-Based)

    • Made in small batch, double-extracted

    • Non-customized

    • Ready to use, no prep

    • Added to warm water and drink

    • $60 for 4 oz | $140 for 8 oz

in-house premade tincture in a glass jar, demonstrating a convenient way to take herbs

Custom Tinctures (Alcohol-Based)

    • Fully customized formulas

    • Convenient and shelf-stable

    • Added to warm water and drink

    • Dispensed by a certified company in Keswick

    • ~ $70+/2 weeks + shipping

a bottle of custom Chinese herbal tincture, held by women's hands, demonstrating convenient administration while catering the personalized needs.

Topical Herbs

    • Used for localized support: scars, mastitis, injuries, fertility points, etc.

    • Applied as salves, oils, compresses, plasters, peristeam, or soaks

    • $40–85, depending on the item

a chinese herbal topical product, demonstrating that Chinese herbs can be used externally to help conditions such as scars, mastitis, and fertility concerns.

The Taste: Honestly?

Some herbs are bitter. Some are earthy. Some are pleasant.

But here is the truth: herbal tea is not a matcha latte from a café. So, set the taste expectation aside.

There’s a saying: “Good medicine tastes bitter.”

You might not love the taste—but your body might still love the effect.

Interestingly, Many people say, “It tastes weird… but I kind of like it.”

You do get used to it, and taste plays a role—each flavour supports different organs in TCM (a little discussion in the Nourishment page HERE)

If taste is still a major barrier, we can explore:

  • Taking granules in capsules (just know it may add to the cost for extra preparation at the dispensary)

  • Switching to pills or tinctures (if this is applicable)

  • Putting extra emphasis on lifestyle and dietary nourishment, or

  • Adjusting our goals—as progress may be slower without herbal support

Treatment Timeline At Tsumugi (Example)

Every person’s journey is different, but here’s what a general course of herbal therapy might look like.

Your pattern or overall presentation of symptoms might change as we go along the herbal treatment.

That’s why adjusting your formula through follow-ups is essential. We’d want to avoid you continuing herbs that are no longer relevant—or missing out on herbs your body now needs.

For example, in menstrual regulation, we may prescribe different formulas depending on the phase of your cycle, and rotate them accordingly.

At Tsumugi, we typically prescribe herbs in shorter or smaller batches to reduce cost and waste (both financial and environmental).

1. First course

  • Often shorter: 5–14 days

  • For chronic and weak/depleted case: We might start at a lower dose to see how things go depending on the state of your digestive system and overall presentation.

  • For acute or severe symptoms: we might start at a full dose (or higher than full dose) to “attack” it.

  • Your job: 

    • take herbs as instructed.

    • Curiously monitor what changes your body and mind is going through - and report it back at your follow-up.

2. Follow-up

  • Often done at 1 week mark.

  • We reassess your symptoms and any changes and prescribe a second course of herbs if needed.

3. Second Course

  • Often longer prescription: 2-4 weeks.

  • Herbs are taken at a targeted dose.

  • Your job: 

    • Continue taking herbs as instructed.

    • Curiously monitor what changes your body and mind is going through - and report it back at your follow-up.

4. Further follow-ups

  • Each time, we reassess and refine your formula to fit how your body is changing based on your feedback.

  • With each check-in, we fine-tune the formula to keep up with your body’s evolving pattern.

  • Most people stay on a 4- to 8-week cycle.

  • Others shift to longer or seasonal support.

  • Herbal formulas often evolve over time—nothing is static.

We continue the cycle of follow-ups, reassessments, and readjust formulas until we reach the next phase of your care.

5. consolidation & wrap-up

  • For chronic conditions

  • Once your condition has stabilized, we may give one last formula to “seal the deal.” 

  • For things like gynaecological/menstrual health, we like to see 3 consecutive solid, symptom-free cycles before wrapping up with the last formula.

  • In some cases, herbs become a long-term part of care—with breaks and re-adjustments as needed.

When It Feels Like “Herbs Are Making Things Worse”

Sometimes, it can feel like herbal medicine is stirring things up. But that’s not always a bad sign.

Chinese herbal medicine doesn’t aim to suppress symptoms—it works by encouraging your body to process and release what’s been stuck. So, a temporary increase or shift in symptoms can actually be a sign that your body is responding and rebalancing.

When starting herbal treatment, you might notice things like:

  • More frequent or looser bowel movements

  • Increased vaginal discharge

  • Heavier menstrual flow or passing larger clots

  • Skin changes (like acne or hives)

  • Mild fever or spontaneous sweating

These are often part of the healing process.

That said—if anything feels off or concerning, please reach out to us first before deciding to stop taking your herbs or discontinuing your care altogether. Together, we’ll assess whether:

  • this is a helpful and expected reaction

  • or we need to adjust the dose or formula

Even responses that seem unpleasant can sometimes be meaningful steps toward healing. But it’s important we stay in dialogue—your feedback helps us guide your treatment safely and effectively.

Medications, Supplements & TCM Herbs: Can They Work Together?

Yes. But we need to know what you’re taking!

Chinese herbs can often work well medications and supplements.

At Tsumugi, we consider both drug/supplement-herb interactions in biomedicine context and how these substances function within a Chinese medicine framework.

Understanding both lenses helps us build a herbal plan that complements—not competes with—your current routine.

That’s why we ask you to list all prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter products on your intake form.

Because we want to:

  • Avoid unwanted interactions

  • Understand what’s affecting your system

  • Choose herbs that support—not overwhelm—you

It's not about choosing one system over the other—it's about making sure everything you're using works together in harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes.

    Please make sure to include all known allergies in your health history, and we’ll formulate your herbs accordingly.

  • We can start at a lower dose for anyone who is new to herbs or sensitive to them. However, we’ll gradually increase the dose to ensure you get the full benefit.

  • Generally, yes.

    Having said this, some herbs may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always let us know if you’re pregnant (or you might be pregnant) or nursing so we can adjust your herbal formula accordingly.

    Your safety and the safety of your baby are our top priority.

  • Yes.

    Your values matter, and we always respect them.

    In most cases, plant-based substitutions are enough to create meaningful change.

    That said, some animal-based herbs have unique functions that aren’t always easy to replicate with plants. If you're open to a temporary "medical exception" while we work on a particular condition, that could help—but it’s entirely your choice.

    If not,—we’ll adapt the treatment plan accordingly. Just know it may take a little more time, and we’ll set goals with that in mind.

  • Yes!

    In fact, Chinese herbs often work synergistically with acupuncture and other forms of holistic treatment. Acupuncture can help address energy blockages, while herbs support long-term health and wellness. To learn more about treatment planning and options, check out this page.

  • Raw herbs can go into your organic waste.

    For all other forms—pills, granules, tinctures, or topicals—please bring them to your nearest pharmacy. Health Products Stewardship Association’s Returning Medications program accepts natural health products for safe disposal at no cost:

    • Pills and granules can go in a clear sealed plastic bag.

    • Tinctures and topical products can be brought in their original containers. Be sure to remove or cover any personal information on the label.

    To learn more about safe disposal, please visit here.
    To find a collection location near you, click here.

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