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Chinese herbal medicine · In clinic or online
Chinese herbal medicine, made personal.
Individual prescriptions informed by Andrea’s classical training, prepared in her own dispensary and reviewed as you go. Consultations in Upper Rissington or online.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Classical Chinese herbal medicine (Shang Han Lun)
- Prescriptions
- Individual formulas, typically 5–10 herbs
- Form
- Whole raw herbs, or powdered when suitable
- First consultation
- 60 minutes · £56 + herbs
- Follow-up
- 30–45 minutes · £36 + herbs
- Online
- Consultations available online
Why it’s different
What makes it personal
Rather than an off-the-shelf product, every prescription is put together for you.
Andrea’s training is rooted in the Shang Han Lun, one of the foundational texts of classical Chinese herbal medicine. Few acupuncturists also hold a herbal medicine qualification, so you can have both with one practitioner who knows your whole history.
Formulas usually combine five to ten herbs, chosen for you and adjusted as you go. They’re prepared in Andrea’s in-house dispensary, mostly as whole raw herbs portioned for you to cook at home, with clear instructions. Powdered herbs may be offered when they suit you better.
What it costs
Consultations are £56 for the first and £36 for follow-ups. Herbs are priced individually because every formula is different, and Andrea will tell you the cost of your prescription before it’s made up. If you have a budget in mind, mention it at your consultation.
The process
How a herbal consultation works
Consultation
Your concerns, history and the wider picture, in clinic or online.
Medication review
Everything you take, prescribed and natural, is checked for interactions.
Your prescription
A formula written for you, prepared in Andrea’s dispensary with instructions.
Review
Follow-ups check how you’re getting on, and your formula can be adjusted over time.
Safety
Quality and safety
- Herbs are sourced as high-quality whole herbs and prepared in Andrea’s own dispensary.
- Your current medication is reviewed before anything is prescribed.
- Doses and formulas are adapted for age and circumstances.
- Andrea monitors how you’re getting on and adjusts your formula if anything doesn’t suit you.
Questions about herbal medicine
Can I take herbs with my current medication?
Often, yes. Before prescribing, Andrea reviews everything you take, prescribed and natural, to check for interactions.
Can I take herbs if I’m on HRT?
Herbs can be used alongside HRT. It’s best not to start several things at once, so if you’re beginning HRT Andrea usually suggests waiting about three months before introducing herbs.
What form will my herbs come in?
Usually whole raw herbs, portioned for you to cook at home with clear instructions. Powdered herbs may be offered when they suit you better.
How long will I take them for?
It depends on you and your goals. Your prescription is reviewed at follow-up appointments and adjusted over time.
Can I have a consultation online?
Yes. Online herbal consultations are available if you’re unable to travel to Upper Rissington.
Do I need acupuncture as well?
No. Chinese herbal medicine can be prescribed on its own or alongside acupuncture.
How much do the herbs cost?
Herbs are priced individually because every formula is different, and they’re charged in addition to the consultation. Andrea will tell you the cost of your prescription before it’s made up.
Keep exploring
In a patient’s words
“I’ve been having acupuncture for some time and jumped at the chance to work with her for a prescription of Chinese herbs… She has been really helpful throughout the process and open to making appropriate changes…”
From the articles
Read before you book
Herbal medicineSeeing a Chinese herbalist in the CotswoldsConsultations, regulation, safety checks, cost and online appointments.
The menstrual cyclePeriod pain and irregular cycles: a Chinese medicine viewHow Chinese medicine reads the cycle, when to see your GP first, and a three-cycle tracking routine.
MenopauseAcupuncture during perimenopause and menopauseHow it sits alongside HRT and your GP, and what treatment involves.Start with the whole picture.
Your first appointment gives Andrea time to understand what has been going on, your wider health history and what matters to you.