When someone tells me that Chinese herbs didn't work for them,  I always ask, "Who prescribed them?" More often than not I'm told, "nobody", or "my friend", or "I read about them online".

Chinese herbs are effective, safe, and reliable when prescribed according to the laws and logic of traditional Chinese medicine, but they are none of these when prescribed incorrectly.  We usually discourage self-prescribing and encourage consultation because we are pledged to "Do No Harm" 

Self-prescribing often results in poor outcomes, and isn't safe, especially for long-term conditions, because incorrect herbs taken over weeks and months, can be worse than ineffective. They can actually make you worse.

But there are exceptions, times when self-prescription is OK.  And you don't need to be a TCM expert to prescribe for these condition. You'll find plenty of over-the-counter products designed to be self-prescribed for these conditions, and we are happy to recommend these.  Just ask us at questions@shenclinic.com.  But please remember that long-term, recurring or chronic conditions always requires a consultation.

Here are a few links to  products that are safe to self-prescribe

• The common cold
• Minor injuries up to a week old
• Acute upset stomach
• Occasional constipation
• Seasonal allergies
• Allergic sinusitis
• Occasional sore throat