Chinese herbal medicine in Mississauga

Herbal medicine at a glance

• Who: prescribed by Dalibor Covic, R.TCMP, after a consultation and pulse diagnosis.
• Form: powder or pills, usually taken once or twice a day.
• Cost: weekly herbal refill $70. Usually not covered by extended health plans.
• Safety: we review your medications and supplements before prescribing.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system developed in China over more than 2,000 years. It is often used with acupuncture.

Herbs are almost never given one at a time. A formula combines several plant (and sometimes mineral) ingredients, chosen to match the pattern the practitioner sees in you, not just the name of a symptom. Two people with bloating may get quite different formulas.

The aim is to help the body return to balance. Some Chinese herbs have been studied in modern research, with results from encouraging to limited, depending on the herb and the condition. We will be honest about that.

How is a herbal formula made for me?

Herbs are prescribed after a consultation that covers your medical history, current medications and pulse diagnosis. From that, Dalibor puts together a blend for your needs.

Formulas come as powder or pills. You mix the powder (herbal and mineral extracts) with warm water and drink it, usually once or twice a day. Our herbs come from Ren De, a Canadian supplier of herbal granules made in Taiwan.

We review the formula at follow-up visits. As your symptoms change, the formula changes too.

What do people use Chinese herbs for?

People often ask about herbal medicine for:

• Digestive complaints such as bloating, reflux and irregular bowel habits (see also our article on IBS)
• Sleep problems and low energy
• Stress and anxiety
• Menstrual pain, irregular cycles and menopausal symptoms
• Skin concerns such as eczema and acne
• Seasonal allergies, colds and lingering coughs
• Ongoing pain, usually alongside acupuncture
• Blood sugar balance (see type 2 diabetes and blood sugar)
• Weight loss
• Fatty liver
• Fertility support
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Enlarged prostate

Herbs are not a replacement for medical diagnosis or for medicines your doctor has prescribed. Please don't stop or change any prescription without talking to your doctor. If you have symptoms that are new, severe or getting worse, see a doctor first.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

"Natural" does not mean risk-free. Herbs are active substances and can cause side effects or interact with medications. A trained, registered practitioner with a full picture of your health keeps the risk low.

Before prescribing, we ask about:

• All prescription medications, especially blood thinners, blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid and psychiatric medications
• Supplements and over-the-counter products
• Pregnancy, trying to conceive and breastfeeding
• Liver or kidney conditions, and any allergies
• Upcoming surgery, since some herbs should be stopped beforehand

Tell us straight away if you notice any stomach upset, rash or anything else unusual after starting a formula. Let your doctor and pharmacist know you are taking Chinese herbs.

How much do Chinese herbs cost?

Herbs are prescribed as part of a visit with Dalibor. A weekly herbal refill is $70. See our fees page for visit prices. Extended health plans usually do not cover herbs, even when they cover acupuncture.

Book a consultation

We are at Unit 229, 1550 Enterprise Road, Mississauga, near Hwy 401 and Dixie Rd, with free parking, about 20 minutes from Etobicoke. If you would like to talk about whether herbs make sense for you, book a first visit or call 647-342-2281.

Common questions

Can I take Chinese herbs with my medication?

In most cases, yes. Chinese herbs work like nutrients that support how your internal organs function.

If you take prescription medication, we'll give you clear instructions on how and when to take your herbs. Please bring a list of everything you take, including supplements, so Dalibor can review it before prescribing your formula.

Are Chinese herbs safe in pregnancy?

Many herbs are not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell us if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or nursing, and we will adjust or hold off on herbs.

What do the herbs taste like?

Usually earthy and often bitter. Most people get used to it within a few days. If the taste is a real problem, tell us and we can discuss other forms.

How long will I take the herbs?

It depends on what we're treating:
Pain: at least 4 weeks.
Internal organ function: about 3 months. For concerns related to internal organ function and reproductive health, such as blood sugar balance, fatty liver, menstrual pain, or fertility support, herbs are prescribed for 3 months.

Dalibor checks your progress at regular follow-up visits and adjusts your formula as things change. When you no longer need the herbs, he'll stop them.