People in Asia have benefited form using Chinese herbs for literally thousands of years. The traditional Chinese pharmacopeias list hundreds of conditions for which herbs may be prescribed, from asthma to migraine to herpes zoster. Over the last twenty-five years there has been a huge boom in the natural healthcare industry. Many of the herbs that were once only found in Chinese herbal pharmacies have now found their way into grocery stores and health spas. Currently, there are many over-the-counter supplements that contain Chinese herbs. The marketing hype that is offered in regard to many of these these supplements suggests that they are best used for weight loss or as a stimulant. The main reason for this is probably because obesity is a major health issue in the United States and increasingly around the globe. There is a huge market for products to deal with this issue because, besides the obvious health disadvantages, there are also perceived social issues in being overweight. These reasons, rightly or wrongly, combine to put pressure on individuals to lose weight. For many of us losing weight is difficult, thus making the allure of weight-loss-in-a-bottle very attractive. Marketers know this and capitalize on it. Of course, in reality the essence of losing weight requires eating less and exercising more.
So, are Chinese herbs dangerous? As a practitioner of Chinese medicine, I see the main problem with specific herbs is that they are marketed and used inappropriately. Ephedra was very much in the media last year, when 23 year-old Orioles pitcher, Steve Belcher, tragically died after ingesting large doses of ephedra, also known as mahuang, before practice. Ephedra has a long history in Chinese medicine. By and large it is prescribed for two problems; asthma and swelling. Historically, it has never been used as a stimulant or as a weight-loss agent; nor have other Chinese herbs commonly found in over-the?counter supplements. Consider that anything, even water, can be dangerous if misused. That being the case, the question is not so much are Chinese herbs dangerous, but are they safe if used appropriately?
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). Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is another Chinese herb that when inappropriately used has been implicated in causing heart failure. It sounds like these herbs are bad. Are they? Not, if used appropriately.
The next question of course is: What is the appropriate use of Chinese herbs? I don?t know if there is a concise answer that fits all situations, but I?d like to look at two important considerations that will help you make good choices.
The first consideration is quality. Like other herbal products, the manufacture of Chinese herbal supplements is not regulated. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) are very important. The manufacturer should follow GMP guidelines to ensure consistency and quality. The company manufacturing the supplements should submit them for analysis to certify that they contain the substances shown on the label and that they are free of contaminants. This information is often available on the company websites or by request.
The second consideration is proper usage. Are you taking the right Chinese herb for the right reasons? This can be a difficult question to answer. As you have read, you cannot rely on marketers to answer this question for you. Most Chinese herbs, such as astragalus and ginseng, are quite benign when taken in recommended dosages. Some herbs like ephedra can be quite potent and even harmful when taken inappropriately.
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.
If you want to pick your own Chinese herbal supplements, keep it simple. Use the herbs only for their traditional indications. Don?t exceed the recommended dosage. Make sure to have regular check-ups and consult your physician about your symptoms. By following these simple guidelines, you can safely continue to enjoy the many, many health benefits provided by Chinese herbs as they have been enjoyed throughout time.
Good Luck and Good Health!
Michael Roland, L.Ac., MTCM is the acupuncture and Chinese medicine expert on drweil.com. He is in private practice in Tucson Arizona Learn a healthy exercise that you can do in fifteen minutes. Infromation about the ancient art of health cultivation called qigong is available here. | |
