Chinese people have been using herbal medicine for several thousand years.
Over this long period, they have accumulated a sizeable pharmacopoeia, such
as Herbal Systematics and Encyclopedia of Chinese Material Medicine, based on actual human
trials, and have faithfully recorded their experience
and knowledge of these herbs for posterity. Thus, using Chinese herbs for
preventing diseases, self-care and clinic treatment can be very safe and
effective. Chinese herbal remedies are becoming more and more popular for
curing chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
insomnia, anxiety, weight loss, depression, infertility, chronic pain and
chronic fatigue syndrome......
One should keep in mind: herbal medicine is only safe and effective
when it suits a person's condition; otherwise it may have
side effects no matter how great the herbal medicine is. The key to avoiding
side effects of herbal medicine is to have a knowledge of herbs.
However, because of the language barrier, lots of people don't know where to
find the safety information about Chinese herbs. This website provides such
information to enable you to treat
your minor health problem with effective, safe and less expensive means.
Avoid herbs medicine side effects and use herbs safely
Most of the side effects of Chinese medicine is
caused by the improper use of Chinese medicine, such as taking improper herbs,
herbs with improper combination, excessive use, long-term use, inappropriate
dosage, fake goods and contaminated herbs. The easiest way to make sure you
are taking the right Chinese herbs for the right reasons is to consult with a
qualified Chinese herbalist. Often these experts will be licensed acupuncturists,
who within their licensure have extensive training in Chinese medicine and herbs.
These practitioners will take into account your condition, your current medications
and supplements, and they will have a good knowledge of the quality of the products
they are dispensing. Also, side effects can be avoided by
following the steps decribed below.
First, for safe use of herbs , understand ingredients of
a multiherb formula.
There are some potent multiherb formulas on the market , which are
non-prescription herbal medicine for self-care.
Usually people can treat a minor health
problem according to the instruction of formulas.
For safe use of herbal medicine, one must know
what the ingredients are and functions of these ingredients.
Before taking herbal formulas,
make sure there is no toxic ingredient.
Otherwise, one should consult with an herbalist or a physician
before taking it.
The two Chinese herbs most commonly misused seem to be ephedra and herbs containing
aristolochic acid (can cause kidney problems if misused). Aristolochic acid can be
found in various Chinese herbs including aristolochia fangchi (guang fang ji),
akebia (mu tong), asarum (xi xin), clematis (chuan mu tong), clematis chinensis (wei ling xian),
and stephania (han fang ji). They
are Chinese herbs that when inappropriately used has been implicated in causing heart failure.
One also needs to know
if the herb formula will interact positively or negatively with other foods,
herbs, supplements, or medications one takes.
Second, for safe use of herbs, avoid excessive use,
long-term use, and inappropriate dosage.
One should not use certain herbal medicine for long-term use or
consume them in excess.
Although the toxicity of some Chinese medicine is low, long-term use or excessive use may
lead to intoxication. The Chinese herbs are divided into three categories
according to the properties: superior , medium , and inferior. Superior herbs
that are non-toxic can be taken in large amounts for extended periods; they are known
as tonics. Medium herbs are those that are non-toxic or only toxic at large doses.
Inferior herbs are toxic
and should not be used for extended periods. There are some common formulas
with toxic ingredients, such as Six Spirits Pill ( Liu Shen Wan),
Cholonex(Niu Huang Jie Du Pian). One should not use this pill
for long term or in excess. Take herbs pills at recommended dosage, never exceed it.
Third, stop using the herbal medicine if
you are not feeling any improvement after taking it two weeks.
Stop using the herbal medicine if you experience nausea, dizziness, headache,
skin rash, or any other symptoms after taking it.
Fourth, for safe use of herbs, buy herbal
formulas made by reliable manufacturers or imported by credible companies.
These sources always supply standardized organic, low
pesticide-residue and sulfur-free herbs and herbal formulas that meet the
international pharmaceutical standards of GMP(Good Manufacturing Practice).
They also control the heavy metal and bacterial content according to the international
standard.
Cautions: See your physician if any of the following conditions apply:
1. you are experiencing severe health problem.
2.The condition becomes worse after you are treating within 28 hours.
3.You are treating diahrrea that does not improve within 24 hours.
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