Affordable Chinese Herbal Medicine in Melbourne
I’m an Ahpra-registered Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and acupuncturist with 15 years of clinical experience. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture and a Master of Applied Science in Chinese Herbal Medicine. At Coburg Chinese Medicine, I offer dedicated Chinese herbal medicine consultations from my clinic on Sydney Road in Coburg, close to Brunswick and Melbourne's northern suburbs.
As a small, independent clinic, I aim to keep consultation fees affordable without compromising the time I spend understanding each patient's individual circumstances.
I've seen people with a wide variety of health concerns and take an individual approach, drawing on my clinical experience and Chinese medicine training.
I maintain an extensive Chinese herbal dispensary, preparing individual prescriptions primarily from whole raw herbs.
Whether Chinese herbal medicine has been recommended to you or you're simply curious, you're welcome to arrange a consultation.
Book a Chinese herbal consultation
Why Book a Chinese Herbal Medicine Consultation?
You might have read about Chinese herbs online, been recommended a formula, or searched for somewhere to buy Chinese herbs in Melbourne. There's plenty of information available on the internet, including through AI tools, but general recommendations can't take account of everything about your personal health.
That's why seeing a trained, registered Chinese herbal medicine practitioner matters. Choosing herbs isn't simply a matter of matching a formula to a symptom. Your medical history, diagnoses, medications, supplements and individual circumstances can affect whether particular herbs are suitable or present safety concerns.
During a consultation, I'll consider whether herbal medicine is appropriate, sometimes examining your tongue and feeling your pulse. I may recommend further medical advice instead of prescribing herbs.
You don't need to know which herbs you want beforehand. There's no obligation to proceed with a prescription.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Fees
Consultations
Initial herbal consultation — $105: Up to 60 minutes.
Ongoing herbal consultation — $75: Up to 30 minutes.
Combined acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine consultation — $135: Up to 90 minutes, including acupuncture treatment where appropriate.
Herbal preparations
Freshly ground whole-herb powders: $40 per 100 g
Whole raw herbs for decoctions: $15–$20 per bag
Premium herbs may incur additional costs.
Herbs are charged separately from consultations. I'll discuss costs before preparing a prescription.
For dispensing an existing prescription from another practitioner, a $30 dispensing fee applies in addition to the cost of herbs. Please call ahead to check availability.
You can also view my Fees & Opening Hours page.
Not Sure Whether to Book Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine?
If you're unsure which might be appropriate, the 90-minute combined consultation gives us time to discuss your circumstances and consider both options. Acupuncture is included where appropriate; herbs can also be considered.
If you'd prefer to discuss which appointment to choose, call (03) 9041 6569.
My Chinese Herbal Dispensary in Coburg
Working directly with herbs is one of the parts of Chinese medicine I particularly enjoy. My dispensary contains more than 200 individual herbs, allowing me to examine and select the ingredients myself when preparing prescriptions.
The dispensary isn't a walk-in retail Chinese herb shop. If you don't have a prescription, you can book a consultation to discuss whether herbal medicine is suitable.
If you have a prescription from another Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, contact me about dispensing it. I'll need a copy, so please call ahead to check that I have the ingredients. Same-day dispensing is usually possible, subject to availability. If I can't help, I'll try to refer you to another appropriate dispensary or practitioner.
Freshly Ground Herbal Powders and Raw Decoctions
I usually select whole raw herbs and freshly grind them into a powder. This can be more practical for people who don't have time to cook herbs. These are ground whole herbs, not commercially manufactured concentrated granules.
Traditional raw herbal decoctions are also available. I'll recommend a preparation method based on your prescription and circumstances, and we can discuss which suitable option works for you.
Safety, Ethical Sourcing and Individual Choice
Chinese herbal medicines aren't suitable for everyone. Some can cause unwanted effects or interact with medications and supplements. I'll consider allergies, relevant medical conditions and pregnancy-related precautions during your consultation.
Although Chinese herbal medicine predominantly uses plants, animal and insect ingredients have also been used traditionally. I don't use ingredients derived from endangered or CITES-listed plant, animal or insect species, and I don't support trade in endangered species.
I recognise that people may have dietary, cultural, religious or ethical requirements, including Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, vegetarian or vegan preferences about animal-derived ingredients. I'll discuss these before prescribing and consider suitable alternatives where appropriate.
Book a Chinese Herbal Medicine Consultation in Coburg
If you're looking for a Chinese herbalist in Melbourne, I welcome people from Coburg, Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Thornbury and surrounding northern suburbs.
You're welcome to arrange a dedicated herbal consultation.
Book a Chinese herbal consultation
Or call (03) 9041 6569 to enquire about an appointment.
How Do I Cook My Raw Chinese Herbs?
1. Soak 1 bag of herbs with 2-3 cups of water (make sure herbs are covered with water) in a pot for 30 mins.
2. Put pot on stove and bring to boil and boil on medium heat until 1 cup of liquid remains. This is usually 20 mins or so.
3. Strain out liquid in a jug or container, keeping the cooked herbs
4. Add the cooked herbs back to the pot with 2-3 cups of water. Repeat step 2 and 3
5. There should be 2 cups of liquid from the two boils. Combine and drink 1/2 cup 2x/day or as directed.
Call us on ☎ (03) 9041 6569 to arrange an appointment or book online below