Ethnographic relevance: Clinical trials investigating Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been frequently criticised for their lack of scientific rigour. As part of the GP-TCM project a team of experienced clinical researchers and CHM practitioners have developed clinical trial guidelines for CHM that combine an appreciation for traditional methods of practice with detailed and practical advice on research methodology. Materials and methods: This paper presents an executive summary of this work. It introduces the practice of CHM and the key considerations that need to be addressed whilst researching this traditional medical system. Results: These guidelines emphasise the importance of identifying best practice,and then developing and applying appropriate and rigorous research methodologies to investigate CHM as a whole system. Conclusions: It is hoped that this will encourage a thoughtful and meticulous process of investigation that will clarify the contribution that CHM can make to our future healthcare. Innovative new approaches are considered including the application of the new “omic” technologies and systems biology as a way of enhancing our understanding of traditional practice