Chinese herbal medicine

[MiniN]

i've noticed quite alot of these shops popping up all over the place. has anyone tried chinese medicine as an alternative to treat an illness? do they work?

[puddicat]

I dont rate them at all and i am slightly worried, i went to get some help over a furry coating on my tongue,they mixed a concoction what semed to be twigs and leaves, i had to make a infusion with them and drink twice a day, it was the most vile substance ever,needless to say didnt cure my tongue issue, also read reports about some people getting kidney failure from some of these potions, i know that chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years,but think i will stick to british medicine!!!!

[DONNA1458]

I went to one for just a massage ended up telling me that from having accupuncture and cupping which bruised me for weeks that my diabetes could be helped dramatically didnt believe this at all but wanted to try the treatment anyway they dont tell you till the end that there is a consultation fee and try and sell you aftersales products at the end and try and tie you into a treatment plan paying upfront!!!

[sandmaster]

Why would you consider ingesting a compound you cannot even pronounce the name of? I do use a naturopath who has worked wonders for me, but I will leave Chinese medicine to the Chinese. Don't get me wrong, I like the Chinese generally and admire their work ethic, but Rhino horn and Tiger parts leave me cold.

[terambulan]

Probably full of melamine........kill you but they will apologise.

[mrs_overall]

Are you serious? Here is a list of just a few Chinese medicines.
Dried placenta (they buy them from hospitals) for "women's problems"
Hedgehog skin - for rheumatism
Sea horses - for "youthfulness"
Newts - for stomach ache
Dogs kidneys - for sexual arousal

Other favourites include bat faeces, seals genitals, snakeskins and all manner of body parts from endangered species such as tigers and leopards.

No thanks. I'll stick with paracetamol & coffee!

[andy-hughes]

My wife consulted a Chinese herbalist in London twenty years ago in desparation to try and find relief from serious eczema. She was given a potion to drink daily, which she had to distill from various parcecls of bark and similar vegatable matter, and yes, it smelled and tasted horrible.

But it worked. She has seen Chinese herbaklists regularly since - including a local practitioner which saves the London trips. The potion keeps her skin clear, compared with the complete lack of effect from NHS medication.

The medicine usually has to be used in conjunction with dietary adjustments - no citrus fruits, spices, pork, dairy produce, and occasional tea or coffee.

I would be inclined to avoid the bright 'theme' stores in shopping malls, but find a local qualified practitioner, and give them a try.

[smurfchops]

Andy you are the lucky one. I wouldn't go near them. Bad reports of kidney failure in the newspapers, I can't believe these shops are still opening up all over England.