Get answers to your questions about Chinese Medicine, using your supplements, ordering, and more.
About Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health and healing that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It includes herbal formulas, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and movement practices like tai chi and qigong. TCM works by identifying patterns of imbalance in the body and addressing the root cause of symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves.
How is TCM different from Western medicine?
Western medicine tends to focus on treating specific symptoms or diseases. TCM takes a more holistic approach, looking at how all your body’s systems are connected. Rather than suppressing a symptom, TCM aims to restore balance so the symptom resolves as your body heals itself.
How do I know which formula is right for me?
That’s one of the trickiest parts of TCM, and exactly why we’re here. In TCM, formulas are prescribed based on patterns of imbalance, rather than specific symptoms or diseases (although there are some exceptions).
You can browse our collections by health concern, or search our blog where we break down common symptoms and conditions and the best formulas to help.
If you haven’t been recommended a formula by your acupuncturist or herbalist, the best thing you can do is book an herbal consultation with our certified clinical herbalist. This avoids the guesswork and matches you with the right formula for faster relief.
Is Chinese Medicine safe?
TCM herbal formulas have been used safely for centuries, and the products we carry come from trusted manufacturers with long track records. That said, herbal medicine is still medicine. It’s important to consult with a practitioner or your doctor, especially if you’re taking prescription medications, pregnant, or nursing.
Can I use Chinese herbs with my regular prescriptions?
In many cases, yes. Many of our customers use Chinese herbal formulas as a complement to their existing treatment plan. However, some herbs can interact with certain medications, so we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider or booking a consultation with our herbalist before combining treatments.
Want to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine? Visit our blog or explore the Chinese Herbal Dictionary.
About Our Products
Do your products expire?
The short answer is yes – our suppliers are required by the FDA to print expiration dates on all products. But in reality, herbal formulas don’t “expire” in the way food does — they don’t become harmful after the printed date. Over time, they may gradually gain or lose potency, but they won’t cause harm. In fact, some formulations — particularly liquid extracts, tinctures, and liniments — can actually become more potent with age.
Expiration dates are typically set about 4 years from the date of manufacture, which is among the longest in the supplement industry. Because some formulas are only produced every 4–5 years based on harvest cycles, a product may appear to have a shorter shelf life simply because it’s nearing the next production run. This is completely normal and reflects the nature of traditional herbal manufacturing.
Some manufacturers use a “bottled date” rather than an expiration date. If you’ve received a bottle with a date in the past, that’s likely the bottled date.
We purchase in small batches and check every expiration date before shipping. If you ever have a question about a specific product’s date, just reach out to us.
Why are some products “out of stock”? Are there alternatives?
Herbal products are made with plants that follows natural harvest cycles. In some cases, these herbs have long growing cycles and are only harvested every few years. Import timelines, changes in tariffs, and seasonal availability can also affect stock. This is normal in the world of TCM and reflects the nature of how these products are authentically made.
If something you need is out of stock, there’s almost always an alternative formula that addresses the same pattern of imbalance. Our product pages include suggested alternatives, or you can book a consultation with our herbalist for a personalized recommendation.
Are the products organic or gluten-free?
We carry products from approximately five trusted brands, and ingredient standards vary by manufacturer. Because we’re a retailer and not a manufacturer, we recommend checking the label on each individual product for specific certifications. If you have a question about a particular formula, our team is happy to help.
What forms do your supplements come in?
We carry TCM formulas in a variety of forms, including teapills, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts (tinctures), raw herbs, teas, topical patches, plasters, liniments, and medicinal mushroom powders. If you’re not sure which form is best for your needs, check out this blog.
About Ordering, Shipping, & Returns
Where are you based?
Best Chinese Medicines is a USA-based, American-owned company located in Texas. All orders ship from our US warehouse.
How much is shipping?
Flat-rate shipping is $7.95 for all US orders. Orders over $200 ship free.
How long until I receive my order?
Most orders ship within 1–2 business days. Delivery times vary by location but are typically 3–7 business days within the US.
What is your return policy?
We offer 90-day hassle-free returns on products in new condition. See our full return policy for details.
Do you ship internationally?
Contact us at support@bestchinesemedicines.com for international shipping inquiries.
Need more help? See our full shipping policy, return policy, or contact us.
For Practitioners
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
We are proud to partner with over 1,000 practitioners with wholesale accounts. We offer 15% off storewide for verified practitioners, plus complimentary priority shipping on orders over $200.
How do I sign up for a wholesale account?
Register an account on our website, then upload a copy of your business license or resale certificate. Once verified, the discount applies automatically when you’re logged in. Visit our wholesale page for details.
Do you offer a directory service?
We’re building a directory of registered practitioners to help connect customers with qualified TCM and veterinary professionals. If you’re interested in being listed, contact us at support@bestchinesemedicines.com.
I want to offer herbal consultations through Best Chinese Medicines. How does that work?
We’re exploring partnerships with acupuncturists and herbalists who are interested in offering telehealth consultations through our platform. If this sounds like a fit for your practice, we’d love to hear from you — reach out at support@bestchinesemedicines.com.
Visit our wholesale page to learn more about partnering with Best Chinese Medicines.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help! Simply contact us with your question
and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.