Safety of Chinese Herbs
Herbs play a major role in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Chinese herbs slowly have gained popularity in the West as an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. Many people turn to them in combination with other holistic treatments, and others seek herbal remedies after Western medicines have failed them. Whether Chinese herbs are safe depends on how the herb is harvested and whether the dosage is properly followed. When used correctly, Chinese herbs can restore health as well as balance of energy and spirit to the body. When used incorrectly, the side effects can be dangerous and potentially deadly.
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Ginkgo Biloba
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The ginkgo tree is believed to date back 200 million years, and the extract from its leaves is used medicinally. Ginkgo biloba extract can be found in both liquid and pill form and is used to treat a long list of ailments; most notably, it's believed to slow Alzheimer's disease. Possible side effects are nausea, diarrhea and headaches. In rare cases, possible side effects are fainting, dizziness, bruising and weakness. Gingko biloba should not be used by anyone with blood problems, diabetes or alcohol dependence. It should not be used by pregnant women.
Ginseng
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Asian ginseng is nearly extinct in the wild but is cultivated for its beneficial properties as an antioxidant and in boosting the immune system, as well as many more benefits such as treating patients with chronic fatigue. Side effects of ginseng when taken in large dosages (such as consuming to excess energy drinks containing ginseng) can include skin rash, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness. Less common are sore throat, heart palpitations, chest pain or manic outbursts in people with bipolar disorder.
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Huang Qin
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Known in the U.S. as skullcap, this Chinese herb is used as a medicinal tea to treat respiratory infection, gastrointestinal problems, viral hepatitis, headaches and epilepsy. It's also used to treat insomnia, as well as to relieve withdrawal symptoms from barbiturates and tranquilizers. It has been known to induce menstruation and should therefore not be used by pregnant women. Misuse of huang qin can cause twitching, confusion and possibly liver damage. It should not be used by people with liver ailments.
Yi Mu Cao
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Yi Mu Cao translated into English means "benefit mother herb" and is also known as motherwort. This member of the mint family is used in a tea to help induce uterine contractions after a woman has given birth. When the extract is administered in amounts that exceed three grams in one application, some people experience the following side effects: uterine bleeding, stomach irritation and diarrhea. A pregnant woman should not use it, as the result could be miscarriage or early labor.
Dahuang
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Dahuang, or rhubarb, is considered a reliable laxative. It is also effective in promoting blood circulation and inhibiting intestinal infections. The key to using dahuang correctly is in its preparation. Cooking it too long will decrease its effectiveness as a laxative. Side effects can include diarrhea and should therefore not be used by people with irritable bowel syndrome.
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- Photo Credit Chinese herbs are often used as a strong tea or in pill form. Photo by Squeaky Marmot, Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons
