Are Chinese Herbs safe?
In the hands of a well-trained herbal practitioner, Chinese herbs are effective and safe. Careful attention to dosage and combination of herbs, as well as any know drug-herb interactions, are covered in comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine education programs. In addition, the Chinese herbal profession is working with the FDA to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese herbs imported into this country. Herbs have a balancing or regulating effect on the body and are usually gentler than pharmaceutical drugs. Side effects from herbs are possible but are usually minor. The most common problem is gastrointestinal upset, gas or bloating due to slight difficulty digesting the herb material. If this or any other problem occurs, discuss it with your practitioner so he/she may change your formula. Herb-drug interactions are rare. However, in order to allow your health care providers to treat you effectively and work in partnership, you should inform your Western medical physician that you are t
Chinese Medicine has been used as front line medicine by the majority of the worlds population since before recorded history, and is still the most widely utilized medical system in the world today. Adverse reactions to Chinese herbs are extremely rare and are negligible when compared to those commonly produced by pharmaceutical drugs.
Yes. Chinese herbs have been studied and their uses documented for well over 2500 years. They are well-known for their lack of side effects, but can occasionally cause mild reactions such as nausea, or allergic reactions (skin rash). Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis have never been reported in the U.S. The nature of Chinese herbal medicines makes them very safe. Whereas pharmaceutical drugs typically consist of only one compound acting within a specific mechanism of action, or on a specific receptor, the activity of Chinese herbs comes from the synergistic activity of a great number of components, as well as a number of different herbs acting together in a formula. Because of this, the production of side effects such as tolerance, addiction or withdrawal, are virtually unheard of. A board certified Chinese herbalist is trained in their safe use, as well as being aware of any potential contraindications and interactions between herbal medicines and pharmaceutical drugs or s
