I'm joined by industry expert, Dr Simon J Feeney (Chinese Medicine Physician) discussing important issues about Chinese Herbs in the western world. Whats Really in your herbs? Does growing a plant in a particular place make a difference ? What about animal cruelty practices in Chinese Medicine ? We discuss all these things and more. 

00:00:58 - Simon's background getting into the herbal medicine industry. Concern for the industry of Chinese herbs - looking for quality and safety, environment, heavy metals, chemicals, fungicides, herbicides in the growing /manufacturing of Chinese herbal medicines. 

04:40 Testing of herbs in Austalia, safety standards in Australia for chinese medicines. Simon discusses ways of creating transparency in the herbal medicine industry. Testing for pesticides, heavy metals and other aspects of herb safety. 
AAA Testing discussed - further information here: https://empiricalhealthshop.com.au/pages/our-herbs 
05:49 - What is adulteration in Chinese herbal medicine ? discussing reasons why this happens and has happened over time. 
10:22  What about different formats of herbs - preparation methods, styles of herbs - granules, pills, powders, decoctions, boiling up herbs and other ways to prepare them - does that make a difference to how herbs work?  Discussing importance of administration of the herbs and getting the diagnosis right in the first place. 
18:29 What is Woods grown herbs ?  regions that focus on replanting and sustainable harvesting the herbs of various ecosystems.  Environmental protection of herbs. Di Dao - the original growing area - the concept that a particular herb from a particular area is the best. 
21:30 - Farming of Chinese herbs outside of China - in Australia, USA etc, organic farming, How farming and nature growing. 
22:09  What makes a medicinal herb a medicinal herb? - growing conditions, geographical positioning in traditional medicines. 
26:51 - E Jiao (donkey hyde gelatine) and animal cruelty in Chinese medicine - discussing alternatives, cruelty free medicine, ethical sourcing of herbs. 
About our guest: 
Dr Simon J Feeney is the director of Empirical Health Herbs in Australia and also a clinical practitioner (Chinese Herbalist) in Port Macquarie, NSW http://www.empirical-health.com/about-us/practitioners/dr-simon-j-feeney-bio/
CLINIC: http://www.empirical-health.com/about-us/practitioners/dr-simon-j-feeney-bio/
WHOLESALE HERBS ENQUIRIES: https://empiricalhealthshop.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/empiricalhealth/
About Your Host: Marie Hopkinson is a Chinese Medicine practitioner (Herbalist & Acupuncturist) from Perth, Australia. Marie has many years experience in practice and teaching Chinese medicine and has a passion for explaining and empowering people with Chinese Medicine. 
IMPORTANT: This podcast, as with episodes on the The Chinese Medicine Podcast are NOT a replacement for a health professional diagnosis. While Marie may answer your questions, all answers are not of a professional consultation level - it is impossible to check your pulse through the internet, hence Chinese medicine cannot be practiced properly through the internet. If you have any undiagnosed symptoms, or changes in your health condition The Chinese Medicine Podcast urges you to see your own Doctor, GP, Chinese medicine practitioner, acupuncturist or other health professional as appropriate. If it is an emergency call 000 in Australia. If you are unsure if this advice is appropriate for your individual situation ask your own practitioner before applying any diet or lifestyle techniques /concepts discussed in this video. 
Marie Hopkinson and The Chinese Medicine Podcast wishes you the best of health and improvement in your own health journey.

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