Dangers of Chinese Herbs
Treatment with Chinese herbs extends back more than 2,000 years. Chinese herbs combine animal, plant and mineral parts to address colds, the flu and even chronic illnesses. Despite the long history, concerns exist over the application of Chinese herbs for medicinal purposes.
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Misconceptions
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In an August 2000 essay for the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Subhuti Dharmamanda, Ph.D., its director, remarked that people previously believed herbs inherently alleviated sicknesses. Dharmamanda added that common wisdom claimed the natural origin of herbs precluded any dangers.
Warning
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Chinese herbs inflict serious harm if taken improperly. According to the Edinburgh National Health Centre, taking Schisandra (wu wei zi) amplifies illnesses present in a person.
According to Dr. Robert Schulman, who specializes in physical medicine and has studied Chinese herbal medicine, purchasing and consuming Chinese herbs for extended periods of time or without proper medical supervision carries a significant risk for adverse side effects. Contamination from heavy metals and Western drugs poses a great threat when taking Chinese herbs. In addition, taking herbs containing asarum may carry the consequence of renal failure.
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Considerations
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According to Schulman, a person should not mix Western medicine with Chinese herbs without a doctor's supervision because results vary with each individual. Schulman lists gas, bloating and indigestion as typical reactions to Chinese medicine.
In the August 2000 essay, Dharmamanda notes all medicines contain some level of danger. To counteract this circumstance, Dharmamanda suggests that people learn the safety risks associated with herbs and notes that an individual should decide how much hazard to accept.
Prevention/Solution
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Using Chinese herbs processed and packaged in the United States or the United Kingdom minimizes the risk of contamination because strict protocols exist to ensure proper care.
Obtaining the beneficial effects of Chinese herbal medicine requires patients to follow their doctor's full instructions on use and length. A person should inform his or her doctor about adverse effects which arise while taking Chinese herbs.
Theories/Speculation
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According to the Edinburgh National Health Centre, unfamiliarity with Chinese medicine breeds misunderstandings. The Edinburgh National Health Centre adds that Western drug companies want permission to develop and market drugs equaling the power of Chinese herbs because of worries over declining profits.
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