Chinese Herbal Medicine
	Alongside Acupuncture and Healing, Chinese Herbal Medicine is used in the Frances Turner Clinic. Chinese herbs directly regulate the body’s functioning by being taken internally. A herbal formula is individually created for each patient out of a number of herbs with the specific properties required. A formula is usually taken as a warm decoction (boiled up dried herbs) or made from a concentrated powder (in the same way as instant coffee). Concentrated powders can also be made up in capsule form, and high quality pre-prepared formulas in pill form may also be used.		Frances gives precise instructions as to preparation and dosage, and herbs are sourced only from Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) registered suppliers who ensure that their herbs comply with CITES regulations on endangered species and with government (MHRA) directives on safety.
		Some endangered species are now cultivated to protect the wild population, and some are substituted with other herbs. Pioneering work in the field of Chinese herb cultivation and research is being done at the Bristol Chinese Herb Garden and at Kew Gardens. Animal products are currently not in use by Chinese herbal medicine practitioners in the UK, pending government decisions on this issue. Frances has recently returned from a study trip to Hang Zhou, China where she studied Chinese herbal medicine, in particular in the treatment of gastric disease.