Digestion, energy & immunity
- Digestive issues (bloating, IBS patterns)
- Chronic fatigue & low energy
- Colds, cough & flu support
- Immunity and vitality
In brief
Chinese herbal medicine at PULSE TCM uses plant, mineral, and related ingredients in formulas matched to your TCM pattern after consultation. We mainly prescribe concentrated extract granules that dissolve in hot water across 15 Singapore clinics. Consultation from $40; formulas are quoted after prescription.
- MOH-registered
- Granules primary
- Consultation from $40
What it is
Formulas that restore balance
Chinese herbal medicine combines ingredients with distinct properties into a formula suited to your constitution and presenting pattern, always after physician consultation and TCM diagnosis.
In Chinese medicine, symptoms often reflect imbalance between yin and yang, or disruption in qi and blood. A formula is chosen to correct that pattern, not only to chase one Western disease label. At PULSE, MOH-registered physicians review history, pulse, and tongue, then prescribe granules when useful, and can pair herbs with acupuncture when your plan needs both. For plasters, ointments, and soaks, see External Herbal Therapy.
How herbal medicine works
Modalities
Concentrated granules
Oral formulas at PULSE are usually dispensed as concentrated extract granules after the same diagnostic groundwork as other modalities.
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Concentrated herbal extract granules
Herbs are extracted and concentrated into granule form using modern pharmaceutical methods. Dissolve in hot water. This is the primary format at PULSE for personalised internal formulas.
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External herbal therapy (plasters & more)
When local comfort needs herbs on the skin rather than granules you drink, your physician may prescribe plasters, ointments, or soaks on the External Herbal Therapy pathway.
External Herbal Therapy
Concentrated extract granules are our usual approach for busy living: no long home boiling. Share current medicines at consultation so timing and contraindications stay clear. For herbal plasters, ointments, and medicinal soaks, see External Herbal Therapy. For shi liao and yao shan food guidance, see Dietary Therapy.
Common concerns
What conditions can herbal medicine help?
Herbs often sit with acupuncture, cupping, or tuina. Physicians treat patterns, not only disease names. The concerns below are common in clinic and not exhaustive.
In TCM we often prescribe for qi deficiency, yin deficiency, dampness, heat, and blood stasis: patterns that feel tired, dry, heavy, inflamed, or stuck. Your physician will name the pattern in plain language (and in TCM terms when useful) so care stays specific to you.
Sleep, stress & women's health
- Stress, anxiety & insomnia
- Menstrual pain & PMS
- Menopause support
- Fertility & reproductive health
Skin, pain & recovery
- Acne & eczema patterns
- Migraine & headaches
- Arthritis-related discomfort
- Support alongside Western care*
* Supportive care for side effects of conventional treatment is adjunctive under physician guidance and does not replace oncology or specialist care. Emergency or critical illness needs Western medical care first.
Pathways
Explore a related care pathway
Digestion, sleep, and women's health are common entry points. Use a programme pathway when you want care framed around a goal, not only a modality.
Common start
Pain & Injuries
- Back & neck
- Migraine
- Sports
- Joints
Sports Enhancement
- Plateau
- DOMS
- Event prep
Muscle Recovery with BIXEPS
- Seniors
- Athletes
- Recovery
Women's Health
- Cycles
- Fertility
- PMS
- Menopause
Facial & Skin
- Anti-ageing
- Acne
- Complexion
Acne
- Hormonal
- Cystic
- Marks
General Health
- Sleep
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Digestion
Sleep & Stress
- Sleep
- Stress
- Burnout
Mental Wellness
- Mental health
- TCM × PSYCH
Insomnia
- Insomnia
- CBT-I
- TCM
Depression
- Depression
- CBT
- TCM
Anxiety
- Anxiety
- CBT
- TCM
Weight Management
- Metabolism
- Appetite
- Digestion
Hair Loss
- Scalp
- Thinning
- Circulation
How it works
How herbal medicine works
Classical TCM framing and what clinic practice describes alongside it, with a short evidence sketch below.
A TCM perspective
Yin, yang, and pattern
Chinese medicine describes health as a dynamic balance of yin and yang, with qi and blood moving through channels (meridians). When that balance drifts, herbs with specific natures (warming, cooling, tonifying, clearing) are combined to correct the pattern you present, not only the symptom name on a Western list.
A clinical perspective
Multi-herb formulas, modern formats
A prescription usually blends several ingredients so their actions reinforce and moderate each other. At PULSE we favour concentrated granules for dosing convenience. Local plasters and ointments are covered under External Herbal Therapy when that route fits. Suitability always starts with consultation.
What research and practice help explain
A plain summary, not a promise of outcome for every person.
- Pattern-based prescribing Formulas are selected for constitution and presenting pattern after history, pulse, and tongue examination, then adjusted over follow-up. [1]
- Convenient granule formats Concentrated extracts dissolve in hot water and are widely used as a practical alternative to long home decoctions for modern schedules. [1]
- Timing with other medicines Herbal medication is generally taken at least two hours apart from other medicines or supplements. Share your full list at consultation. [2]
- Regulated practice in Singapore At PULSE, herbal medicine is prescribed by TCM physicians registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board under MOH. [2]
Related modalities
Oral herbs or external care?
Both are physician-prescribed. Route follows the pattern. This is orientation, not a ranking.
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Prefer Chinese herbal medicine when…
Constitution and internal pattern need an oral formula, with external care added only when the site also needs topical support.
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External herbal therapy
Prefer external herbal therapy when…
Local pain, sprain, or swelling needs herbs on the skin (plaster, ointment, or soak) more than granules you drink.
Your visit
What to expect
Consultation and diagnosis first. Herbs only when they fit your plan.
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Consultation
Share history, goals, current medicines, and any reports. First visits usually take 45–60 minutes.
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TCM diagnosis
Pulse and tongue diagnosis guide the pattern, formula direction, and whether oral herbs belong.
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Prescription
You receive a personalised formula, usually as granules to dissolve in hot water, with clear dosing and timing.
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Review & pairing
Follow-up adjusts the formula. Your physician may pair herbs with acupuncture or other modalities when helpful.
Comfort & safety
Personalised herbs, clear guardrails
Occasional loose stools can occur with some detoxifying formulas. As with any medicine, allergies are possible (for example a rash). Stop and contact your physician if new symptoms develop. Herbs are not a substitute for emergency Western care.
- Tell your physician about all medicines, supplements, pregnancy status, and medical treatments before a prescription is written.
- Take herbal medication at least two hours apart from other medications or supplements unless your physician advises otherwise.
- Seek conventional emergency care first for critical or acute medical emergencies. Herbs are for supportive and chronic pattern care, not first-line crisis care.
- Report diarrhoea, rash, or unexpected symptoms promptly so the formula can be reviewed.
- Chinese herbal medicine complements (and does not replace) urgent or specialist Western medical care.
Why patients choose PULSE
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MOH-registered, bilingual physicians
TCMPB-registered under MOH. English and Mandarin care across the network.
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Modern, sanitary clinics
Calm private rooms with hygiene protocols you can ask about on the day.
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Personalised after diagnosis, not a menu
Pulse and tongue reading shape which herbs belong and how long to take them.
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Consultation from $40 · East meets West when needed
Clear consultation floor; formulas quoted after prescription; coordination with Heartland Rehab and PULSE Allied Health when recovery needs both.
Physicians
Registered physicians for herbal medicine
TCMPB-registered under MOH. Bilingual teams across the network.
Dr Sim Beng Joo
Advisor / Consultant Physician
Gastrointestinal Syndromes · Pain Management · Sleep / Fatigue
Dr Kevin Tang
Consultant Physician
TCM Oncology · Pain Management · Gynecology
Physician Fang Ying
TCM Physician
Pain Management · Sports Injuries · Gynaecology
Physician Ji Hui Jun
TCM Physician
Gynaecological Issues · Women’s Health · Digestive Issues
Physician Yumi Yen
TCM Physician
Pain & Injury · Dry eye · Internal Medicine
Physician Patricia Wang
TCM Physician
Eye Conditions · Internal Medicine · Pain Management
Physician Tanny Kong
TCM Physician
Gastrointestinal · Internal Medicine · Pain Management
Physician Ng Yu Xiang
TCM Physician
Internal Medicine · Pain & Injury · Aesthetic Care
Physician Judy Zhu
TCM Physician
Facial Beauty Acupuncture · Facial Nerve · Cosmetology
From the clinic
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Digestion and women's patterns often need herbs as much as needles. I match the formula to the constitution you show on the day, then adjust as sleep, appetite, and cycles shift.
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As a biomedical scientist and TCM practitioner, I look at herbal plans through both lenses: yin-yang and qi-blood in clinic language, and clear timing with Western medicines so care stays safe and specific.
Patient stories
Patient stories from herbal care
Charges
Consultation from $40
Consultation starts from $40. Dispensed herbal formulas are quoted after prescription and vary with composition and duration. Not inclusive of GST. Your physician confirms the recommended plan after assessing your condition.
Full charges
Locations
Available across our Singapore clinics
Private consultation rooms islandwide, near MRT, with bilingual teams and consistent hygiene standards.
- 15 clinics islandwide Orchard, CBD, and neighbourhood locations including ION Orchard, Paragon, Woodleigh, and more.
- Modern clinical setting Calm rooms built for comfort and confidentiality from consultation through prescription.
FAQs
Herbal medicine questions, answered
Brewing, safety, how formulas work, suitability, and pricing.
Do I have to brew and boil the herbs myself?
No. Traditional boiling is not required for most prescriptions at PULSE. We mainly use concentrated herbal extract granules that dissolve in hot water.
Do you prescribe herbal plasters or ointments?
Yes, when local comfort needs herbs on the skin. That care sits on our External Herbal Therapy page (plasters, ointments, and medicinal soaks after consultation), separate from oral granules on this page.
Do you offer dietary therapy or yao shan (food therapy)?
Yes. Pattern-led food guidance (shi liao) and, when indicated, therapeutic dishes that combine food with medicinal ingredients (yao shan) are covered on our Dietary Therapy page. This page stays focused on prescribed oral herbal formulas, usually as concentrated granules.
Should I use Chinese herbal medicine for critical or emergency medical conditions?
No. Seek conventional emergency medical treatment first for critical or acute emergencies. Herbal medicine is suited to supportive care, chronic patterns, and lifestyle-related concerns after proper assessment, not as a substitute for urgent Western care.
How does Chinese herbal medicine work?
Rather than chasing a single isolated symptom, physicians aim to correct the underlying pattern. Custom blends of natural ingredients help restore yin-yang balance and support the body's own recovery processes, always matched to your constitution after consultation.
What types of conditions is this treatment best suited for?
It is commonly used for chronic or lifestyle-related issues such as stress and sleep, digestion, skin flare-ups, women's health (including fertility support and menstrual discomfort), immunity, and supportive care alongside Western treatment when appropriate. It is not intended for acute medical emergencies.
Is it a one-size-fits-all prescription?
No. Prescriptions are personalised. At the first visit a registered physician assesses your constitution, history, and symptoms, then creates a formula for what your body needs at that moment. Follow-up visits adjust the plan as you change.
Are there any side effects to Chinese herbal medicine?
Occasionally patients notice diarrhoea with certain detoxifying formulas. Allergic reactions such as rash can occur, as with other medicines. Contact your physician if new symptoms develop so the formula can be reviewed.
Can Chinese herbal medicine be used with other medications?
Herbal medication generally needs to be taken at least two hours apart from other medications or supplements. Always share your full list of medicines and treatments so contraindications can be checked.
How much does Chinese herbal medicine cost at PULSE TCM?
Consultation starts from $40 (GST not included). The cost of dispensed formulas depends on the prescription and duration, and is confirmed after your physician assesses your condition.
References
Sources & page citations
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know. Overview of TCM approaches including herbal medicine. nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board. Registration & practice standards for TCM physicians. Ministry of Health, Singapore. healthprofessionals.gov.sg/tcmpb
Clinically reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Sim Beng Joo
Advisor (Science & Strategy) / Consultant Physician · TCMPB T1303003A
MOH-licensed TCM physician and biomedical scientist, with clinical work in digestion, pain, and sleep or fatigue.
View full profileEducational information based on clinical experience and TCM principles. Not a substitute for personalised consultation. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting new treatments. Chinese herbal medicine complements (and does not replace) urgent or specialist Western medical care.
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Begin with a consultation
Tell us what you need help with. We will match you with the right physician and clinic. Consultation from $40; formulas quoted after prescription.