Can I take Sun Herbal Formulas with my medication?

As a general rule, Sun Herbal formulas can be taken in conjunction with western pharmaceuticals. However, in order to avoid chemical interactions that may interfere with absorption we recommend that you allow at least two hours between taking your medications and taking your Sun Herbal formulas.

There are some herbs that should never be taken when you are on particular types of pharmaceutical medications. This is why you need to provide your practitioner with a full list of all your current medications. Then your practitioner will best be able to advise you about the formulas being given to you. It is the responsibility of the treating practitioner to guide you appropriately.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor / healthcare professional.

Can I take Sun Herbal Formulas while I'm pregnant?

During pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, all medications, including herbal formulas need to be taken with extreme caution. You should inform your treating practitioner if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant as there are certain formulas that are not suitable.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor / healthcare professional.

Can I take Sun Herbal Formulas while I'm breast feeding?

Yes, most Sun Herbal formulas can be taken while you are breast feeding but some precautions are required. You should inform your practitioner if you are breast feeding so that this may be taken into account.

There are some strongly acting herbal formulas that may cause stomach upset, reflux, vomiting or diarrhoea in infants who are being breast fed.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor / healthcare professional.

Are any animals or animal products are used in the production of Sun Herbal formulas?

Traditional Chinese Medicine does still use of animal parts and products. However this practice is becoming less widespread as it is generally just as effective to use herbal substitutes.

The active ingredients of Sun Herbal formulas are 100% herbal and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Some of the ChinaMed capsule shells are certified medical gelatin, made using bovine bones. We are currently in the process of changing over to vegetable capsules, which are 100% plant-derived components, because superior quality vege-caps have only become commercially available in recent years.

Are any endangered species used in the production of Sun Herbal medicines?

While this practice does still occur in some parts of China, the majority of herbal medicines produced in China use only farmed or cultivated species. This is currently enforced internationally by CITES.

In compliance with the CITES regulations all of the endangered or potentially endangered herbs used in Sun Herbal formulas are commercially farmed.

How long do I need to take my Sun Herbal medicine?

This is dependent on many different factors and varies a great deal between individuals. In general Chinese herbal medicines work more slowly than pharmaceutical drugs, especially as treatments are designed to address the root causes not just relieve the symptoms.

To obtain optimum results the following courses of treatment are usually recommended

Acute conditions: 1-3 weeks

Sub-acute conditions: 3-6 months

Chronic conditions: 1-3 years or ongoing

You will need to consult regularly with your practitioner to monitor your condition as your treatment progresses. In this way you can receive the most suitable formulas as your condition changes. It is important that you complete the full course of treatment to consolidate the results and prevent recurrence.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor / healthcare professional.

Why have I been given a dosage that is different to the one on the label?

All herbal medicines are active within a dosage range that may vary up to 400%

It is not uncommon for one person to be prescribed 6 capsules per day and another 12-18 per day. often in cases with severe acute infection, the dosage is very high for the first 3 or 4 days.

What are the side effects that I need to be aware of ?

Common side effects can include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, flatulence or diarrhoea.

If you experience these symptoms please contact your practitioner for advice. While some of these side effects may seem only mild or trivial it is important that you let your practitioner know

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor / healthcare professional.

Are the Sun Herbal formulas better with or away from food ?

We recommend that Sun Herbal formulas be taken away from food, about 1 hour before or after eating, to allow for maximum absorption.

Why can't I buy these herbal formulas direct from Sun Herbal ?

Sun Herbal formulas are for practitioner dispensing only.

We believe that it is both safer and more effective for you to consult with your practitioner and receive the proper care and supervision when taking Sun Herbal formulas.