Generally, herbal medicines work within the body in much the same way as do conventional pharmacuetical drugs. That is, via their chemical make-up. The difference is in how they are prescribed. Herbs are prescribed to treat the root of the disease and its manifestation, rather than simply focussing on symptoms from which the patient may be suffering.

Herbal Medicine has most to offer when used to facillitate healing in chronic ongoing problems. By skillfull selection of herbs for the patient, a profound transformation in health can be affected, with less danger of the side effects inherent in drug-based medicine. Herbs are usually taken internally as decoctions (herbs boiled in water). However, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine can also prescribe herbs in the form of pills, powders, syrups, soaks and plasters.