Herbal Medicine

Herbal Pills

Traditional Chinese herbal formulas in easy-to-take pill form: based on classical prescriptions, selected by our practitioners to match your diagnosis and constitution, with no brewing needed.

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Background

Understanding Herbal Pills

01
Traditional Background

Traditional Chinese herbal teapills

How Did Herbal Pills Develop?

Pills (wan, 丸) are one of the classical ways of preparing Chinese herbal medicine. Powdered herbs were traditionally bound with honey or water and rolled into pills, which kept well and could be carried easily. Many formulas still taken today were first written as pills in Song dynasty texts, including Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, recorded by the paediatrician Qian Yi in the early 12th century.
A classical saying holds that “pills act gently” (丸者缓也). Compared with decoctions, pills were seen as a slower, steadier way to take herbs, well suited to long-standing patterns and to continuing treatment once the main symptoms have settled. Our herbal pills follow this tradition: each formula is based on classical prescriptions and clinical experience, and your practitioner selects it according to your diagnosis and body constitution.
Classicalformulas based on centuries of recorded use
Selectedchosen for your TCM diagnosis and constitution
Gentlea steady approach suited to longer-term patterns
Portableno brewing; easy at work, when travelling or overseas
Figure 1. What sets herbal pills apart in the Chinese medicine tradition.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Do Herbal Pills Work?

A herbal pill contains the same kinds of plant compounds as the equivalent decoction, in a concentrated and measured form. Manufacturing in pill form offers more consistent dosing, but it also means quality depends heavily on the manufacturer. Reviews have reported that some unregulated Asian herbal products have been contaminated with heavy metals or undeclared pharmaceutical drugs^[1], which is why sourcing matters.
Herbal pill
a classical formula in measured doses
Quality controlWe use reputable suppliers that provide quality testing of their herbs.
Right formulaYour practitioner matches the formula to your pattern instead of a one-size-fits-all product.
Interaction checkYour other medicines are reviewed, as some herbs can interact with prescribed drugs^[2].
Figure 2. The safeguards behind each herbal pill we prescribe.
The research picture is mixed. A Cochrane review found promising evidence for Chinese herbal medicine in period pain, but the included trials were often small and of poor quality^[3]. A systematic review of Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to confirm benefit, although adverse events were no more frequent than with placebo^[4]. We see herbal pills as one part of a treatment plan, used with your GP’s knowledge and never in place of necessary medical care.

References

Ernst E. Toxic heavy metals and undeclared drugs in Asian herbal medicines. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. 2002;23(3):136–139. doi.org/10.1016/S0165-6147(00)01972-6
Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review. Drugs. 2009;69(13):1777–1798. doi.org/10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000
Zhu X, Proctor M, Bensoussan A, Wu E, Smith CA. Chinese herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2008;(2):CD005288. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005288.pub3
Yeung WF, Chung KF, Poon MMK, Ho FYY, Zhang SP, Zhang ZJ, Ziea ETC, Wong VT. Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2012;16(6):497–507. doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2011.12.005

Your session

What you need to know

1Before you start

What to Prepare

Herbal pills are prescribed after a consultation, which can take place in the clinic or remotely for overseas patients. Your practitioner will ask about your symptoms and health history to choose the right formula.
Please list all the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, and tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, taking blood thinners or have liver or kidney problems.
2While taking the pills

How to Take Them
- Take the pills exactly as your practitioner advises, usually with warm water.
- No brewing or preparation is needed, which makes them ideal for busy lifestyles and travel.
- Raw food, cold drinks, spicy food and alcohol may slow your progress; warm, cooked meals are best.
- Do not combine with other herbal products unless your practitioner agrees.
3Ongoing

Follow-up
- Your practitioner will review your progress and may change the formula as your symptoms change.
- For patients abroad, we ship internationally and provide professional guidance from our licensed TCM practitioners.
- Stop and contact us if you feel unwell, develop a rash or have digestive upset.
Keep your GP informed that you are taking Chinese herbal medicine.

Who can benefit

Conditions herbal pills are often used for

Herbal pills are a practical choice for longer-term patterns, for continuing treatment once symptoms have eased, and for patients who cannot easily prepare herbs. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose them.

Digestive problems

Bloating, indigestion and irregular bowel habits.

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Painful or irregular periods

Herbal formulas are widely used in TCM for period pain and cycle irregularity.

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PMS

Mood changes, bloating and breast tenderness before your period.

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Menopausal symptoms

Hot flushes, night sweats and restlessness.

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Poor sleep

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often linked in TCM to an unsettled Heart and Liver.

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Stress & low mood

Tension and irritability that TCM associates with stagnant Liver Qi.

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Skin complaints

Recurring breakouts or dry, itchy skin, often alongside other care.

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Fatigue & low energy

Ongoing tiredness that TCM links to deficient Qi or Blood.

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Your practitioner will assess whether herbal pills are right for you at your consultation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are herbal pills as good as a customised prescription?

They suit different needs. Pills are convenient and consistent, and work well for clear patterns or ongoing maintenance. A customised granule prescription can be adjusted ingredient by ingredient, which may suit more complex conditions. Your practitioner will recommend the best option for you.

Are the pills tailored to me?

Each formula is individually selected according to your diagnosis and body constitution, rather than being a generic supplement. Your practitioner may change the formula as you progress.

What is in the pills?

A blend of Chinese herbs based on a classical prescription, made from herbs sourced from reputable suppliers with no artificial additives. Your practitioner can tell you the ingredients of your formula.

Can I take herbal pills with my medication?

Some herbs can interact with prescribed medicines, so always tell your practitioner about everything you take and let your GP know you are taking herbs. Never stop prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor.

Can you send herbal pills overseas?

Yes. We ship internationally, with a consultation and professional guidance from our licensed TCM practitioners.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.