Chinese Herbal Medicine
Individual Chinese Medicine Prescriptions in Cape Town
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the therapeutic approaches used within Traditional Chinese Medicine.
At Dr Jeff Lan's practice, herbal medicines are prescribed following an individual consultation and Chinese Medicine assessment.
They are not sold as general wellness supplements or selected simply according to a symptom.
Dr Jeff Lan
Registered Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioner
AHPCSA Registration A04492
An Individual Approach
Two people with similar symptoms may not receive the same herbal prescription.
A consultation considers the broader clinical picture, which may include:
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- Your current symptoms
- Health history
- Medication and supplements
- Digestion and appetite
- Sleep
- Energy
- Menstrual or menopausal changes where relevant
- Pulse and tongue findings
- Previous response to treatment
The prescription is then selected according to the individual assessment.
Chinese Medicine Pattern Assessment
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses its own diagnostic framework to understand patterns within the body.
You may hear terms such as:
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- Qi deficiency
- Blood deficiency
- Heat or Cold
- Dampness
- Stagnation
- Yin or Yang patterns
These are Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts used as part of Chinese Medicine assessment.
They should not be confused with conventional medical diagnoses.
Why Might Herbal Medicine Be Considered?
People consult Dr Jeff about herbal medicine for a variety of health concerns.
These may include:
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- Digestive symptoms
- Sleep concerns
- Stress-related symptoms
- Menstrual and menopausal concerns
- Respiratory complaints
- Skin concerns
- General health and wellbeing
- Recovery and constitutional support
Whether herbal medicine is suitable depends on the individual.
It may be used on its own or alongside acupuncture where clinically appropriate.
Your Prescription
Chinese herbal medicine may be supplied in different preparations depending on what is appropriate and available.
Your prescription may include guidance on:
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- What to take
- How much to take
- When to take it
- How long to use it
- When it should be reviewed
Herbal prescriptions are not intended to be continued indefinitely without appropriate review.
Herbs, Medication & Supplements
Please tell Dr Jeff about all medication and supplements you currently use.
This includes:
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- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medicine
- Vitamins and minerals
- Herbal products
- Traditional remedies
- Nutritional supplements
Also advise the practice if you:
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- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have allergies
- Have an existing medical condition
- Are preparing for surgery
- Have recently changed medication
This information forms part of deciding whether herbal medicine is appropriate for you.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
Chinese herbal prescribing is not simply a once-off purchase.
Where appropriate, follow-up allows Dr Jeff to review:
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- Changes in your symptoms
- How you are responding to the formula
- Whether the prescription should continue
- Whether the dosage should change
- Whether a different formulation is more appropriate
Your prescription may therefore change as your clinical picture changes.
Existing Patients
If you are already a patient and need to discuss an existing herbal prescription, contact the practice.
Repeat supply is considered according to your existing treatment plan and whether further review is required.
Herbal Medicine & Conventional Healthcare
Chinese herbal medicine does not require you to abandon conventional medical care.
Please continue prescribed medication unless the appropriately qualified prescribing healthcare professional advises otherwise.
If symptoms require medical investigation, emergency treatment or another healthcare discipline, this should remain part of your wider healthcare plan.
About Dr Jeff Lan
Dr Jeff Lan is registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa in the profession of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
AHPCSA Registration A04492
Chinese herbal medicine forms part of his clinical Chinese Medicine practice in Cape Town.
Begin With a Consultation
You do not need to know which herbal formula you need before your appointment.
Begin with the assessment.
Dr Jeff can then advise whether Chinese herbal medicine is appropriate and, if so, what form of prescription should be considered.