Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Please note: This page is educational only. MeridianHealth Medical Clinic does not sell, prescribe, or dispense herbs. If you have questions about herbs — including whether any are appropriate for you — please ask your practitioner during a consultation.
Why herbs are part of TCM
Herbal formulas have long been one of the traditional pillars of TCM, alongside acupuncture and other therapies. In classical TCM theory, herbs are understood as tools to help support the body’s balance — often combined into formulas rather than used one at a time, based on an individual’s overall pattern rather than a single symptom.
This page explains the general ideas behind that tradition, for your own understanding — not as guidance for what to take.
How TCM theory categorizes herbs
Traditionally, herbs are described using qualities such as "warming" or "cooling," and are associated with supporting different aspects of the body’s balance — for example, energy, circulation, or digestion, according to TCM theory. These categories come from centuries of traditional use and observation, and are part of a distinct system of thought from Western pharmacology — these traditional categories are not the same as, and should not be mistaken for, clinical safety or efficacy testing.
It’s worth understanding that "natural" does not automatically mean "harmless." Herbs can interact with medications, existing health conditions, pregnancy, and other factors — which is exactly why any decision about herbs should always involve a qualified practitioner who knows your full health history.
Herbs and modern medical care
At MeridianHealth, our approach is to blend traditional perspectives with honest, evidence-based medical judgment — never to set them against each other. Our TCM specialist is also a family-medicine doctor, trained at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Manila, in addition to TCM training from the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. That means any conversation about herbs happens in the context of your whole health picture, including anything else you’re taking or managing.
What we offer at the clinic
Our current services focus on hands-on TCM therapies — acupuncture, cupping (ventosa), moxibustion, and gua sha — along with medical consultations, vaccinations, and massage therapy. We do not sell, prescribe, or dispense herbal products at this time.
If you’re curious about herbs for yourself
The right next step is simple: bring your questions to a consultation. Our doctor can talk through the traditional thinking behind herbs, how it might (or might not) relate to your situation, and what — if anything — makes sense for you, always with your full medical picture in view.
Have questions about herbs? Please ask your practitioner during a consultation — that’s the safest and most accurate way to get an answer specific to you.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Your doctor will recommend what's appropriate for you during a consultation.