Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

Imagine if you had an herbal formula based on a 3000 year old body of knowledge that is tailored to your unique body.

Chinese herbal medicine is a deeply individualized form of care that uses carefully selected combinations of herbs to support the body over time. Rather than reaching for a single herb for a single symptom, formulas are thoughtfully chosen and adjusted to meet your particular needs as they change.

At Willow House, your formula is selected based on your individual presentation, health history and current concerns. We may use herbs on their own or alongside acupuncture, creating a treatment plan that can continue supporting you between appointments. As your body changes and responds, your formula can change with it.

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Meet your TCM Herbalists
Candles and traditional Chinese herbs, roots and bark on a wooden tray.

What can Chinese Herbal Medicine can help with?

Chinese herbal medicine is a versatile form of care that can be used to support many of the same concerns addressed through acupuncture. It offers another way to work with the body, providing ongoing support through carefully selected herbal formulas that can be tailored and adjusted as your needs change.

  • Mental & emotional health — support for insomnia, anxiety, stress, mental fatigue, poor concentration and memory, depression, emotional overwhelm, grief, panic, and nervous system regulation

  • Period & hormone health — menstrual irregularities, painful or heavy periods, PMS/PMDD, cycle-related digestive symptoms, sleep changes, and support for PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, cysts and other hormonal concerns

  • Fertility & reproductive health — preconception care, PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, low ovarian reserve, recurrent miscarriage, and IVF/IUI support

  • Pregnancy & birth preparation — support for nausea, fatigue, headaches, digestive concerns and pregnancy discomforts, along with breech positioning, preparation for labour and care beyond your due date

  • Digestive health — bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, reflux, abdominal discomfort, nutrient deficiencies, food intolerances, and support for IBS, IBD and other digestive concerns

  • Pain & injuries — acute and chronic pain, back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, sciatica, joint and muscle pain, arthritis, TMJ, and repetitive-strain injuries

  • Menopause and midlife health — support through the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, mood shifts, brain fog, fatigue, cycle changes, dryness, digestive and urinary concerns, palpitations, and pain

  • Energy, immunity & whole-body wellness — fatigue, low energy, frequent colds, seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, and preventative or maintenance care to support overall wellbeing

Herbal therapy is not just limited to internal conditions. We are also happy to provide effective herbal washes and herbal yoni steams for common gynaecological conditions such as hemorrhoids, vulvar varicosities, yeast infections, Strep-B and bacterial vaginosis.

Our Herbal Dispensary - Our in-house herbal dispensary allows us to create individualized formulas that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. The powdered herbs are simply mixed with hot water to make a tea, making it easy to take your formula wherever you are. We’re intentional about the herbs we use and where they come from, choosing trusted sources with a strong commitment to quality, responsible and ethical sourcing.

Long Distance Care - You don’t have to live nearby to access Chinese herbal medicine through Willow House. We offer virtual consultations throughout Alberta, making it possible to receive individualized herbal care from the comfort of your own home. Your consultation, formula recommendations and ongoing adjustments can all be managed remotely, with your herbs conveniently shipped directly to you.

  • There isn't one set length of time. Some people use herbs for a relatively short period to support an acute concern, while others may benefit from taking a formula consistently over a longer period for a more longstanding or complex issue.

    We’ll check in with you regularly and adjust your formula as your body responds. You may eventually need a change in dosage, change to a different formula, or no longer need herbs at all. The goal is always to give your body the support it needs for the situation you're in, rather than keeping you on the same formula indefinitely.

  • Our herbal formulas come in a convenient powdered form. You simply measure the prescribed amount, mix it with hot water, stir well and drink it as a tea. Your practitioner will give you clear instructions about how much to take and how often.

    We know that adding something new to your daily routine can take a little getting used to, so we’ll make sure you know exactly how to take your formula before you leave.

  • Sometimes, but it depends on the herbs, the medication, and your individual circumstances. Certain herbs can interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, so we always want to know what you are taking before prescribing a formula.

    During your consultation, we’ll review your medications and supplements and take them into consideration when choosing your formula. If there is any uncertainty about a potential interaction, we may recommend checking with your pharmacist or physician before proceeding. Please don’t stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

  • Chinese herbal medicine can be a valuable part of fertility and pregnancy care when it is prescribed thoughtfully and individually. Catherine and Christine have undertaken extensive advanced training in Chinese herbal medicine for fertility, pregnancy, labour and postpartum care, including specific training in the safe and appropriate use of herbs throughout pregnancy.

    Herbal formulas are not one-size-fits-all, and the formula we use will depend on your individual circumstances and stage of pregnancy. Your formula may also change throughout your pregnancy as your needs change.

  • Generally, your herbal formula is best taken with hot or warm water. Depending on your individual formula, and your digestive capacity, we may recommend taking it with food or between meals.

  • Honestly, they taste a little like roots, twigs and leaves! The flavour can vary quite a bit depending on the formula and the herbs in it. Some are mild and earthy, while others can be quite bitter or strong.

    The good news is that you don't need to sip it slowly. Most people mix their formula with hot water, let it cool enough to drink comfortably, and take it fairly quickly. We can also give you some tips for making the process easier if you find the taste challenging.