I’ve read numerous articles recently about the alleged dangers of Chinese herbs. One such article, not focused specifically on Chinese herbalism, can be read here. You know, I get a surge of irritation every time I read one of these articles which quickly dies down to be replaced by an interest in discussing the topic. I want to answer a few of the common questions about Chinese herbs as best as I can – with an eye towards helping people to be sure they’re not hurting themselves more than they are helping themselves by seeing a Chinese herbalist.
1. Be sure your Chinese physician is well trained
I’ve talked in prior articles about finding competent Chinese medicine physicians and/or acupuncturists. In short, find out where your doctor was educated and do the best you can to investigate their training. In general, accredited schools in the US require a basic knowledge of Western physiology, pathology and phytochemistry. We are trained to recognize the basic signs of Western diseases, how to take blood pressure, do CPR and make referrals to Western physicians should we find it to be necessary. In China, doctors receive even more extensive Western training because of the obsession of the TCM sector with thoroughly Westernizing Chinese medicine.
What is FAR more important is that your physician has received top notch supervised training in Chinese herbalism. Let’s be frank. Chinese herbalism has been practiced for THOUSANDS OF YEARS with much documentation of its toxicology (as such), efficacy and implementation. Assuming that people are using the whole plant, assuming they are following the principles of herb combination, assuming you are informing them of Western medications you are taking — Chinese herbalism is absolutely safe.
Please – allow me to repeat myself – when the physician is trained appropriately, Chinese herbalism is absolutely positively without any doubt in the universe SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE. Ok?
2. Be sure your physician sources pesticide and heavy-metal free herbs, preferably organic
Now, the concerns about the state of Chinese herbs themselves are well founded. China is undergoing an industrial revolution, in case you haven’t heard, and there have been documented cases of Chinese herbs being contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and even Western pharmaceutical drugs. Your should feel free to ask your doctor what distributor he goes through to get his herbs and check up on that distributor. There are many excellent companies that subject their herbs to testing more rigorous than the FDA requires: Spring Wind Herbs and Evergreen herbs both come to mind as reputable companies with great quality materials. Be willing to pay premium prices for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your herbs come from people who care about people and the land.
3. Follow all of the instructions your herbalist gives to you
Particularly when you are asked to take an herbal formula home to boil yourself, you need to be absolutely clear what you must do to prepare the herbs safely. Some toxic herbs are used and, when boiled and combined with other herbs, their toxic effects are eliminated. Other herbs will lose their effectiveness if cooked improperly. So, if your doctor doesn’t provide you with explicit instructions, ask her for some. These instructions should include not only information about how to prepare the herbs, but also when to consume them, how often, and when to stop taking them. Be sure you understand and don’t worry about feeling “stupid.” We’re not born knowing how to prepare Chinese herbal medicine. :)
You must also listen to your Chinese medicine doctor when they tell you to avoid certain foods and substances while you are taking your formula. Finally, be absolutely sure you have disclosed all Western pharmaceuticals you are taking to your doctor. There are precious few cases of negative interaction among pharmaceuticals and Chinese herbs, but there are a few and your doctor can’t protect you if you don’t give her the information she needs.
4. Be sure to go to follow up appointments
If your doctor doesn’t ask you to come back (bad business sense!) be sure to ask if you need to have a follow up visit. You shouldn’t keep taking a formula for a long period of time without returning to the physician to be re-evaluated. Chinese herbal formulas are highly individualized and conform to your body’s state as it is presenting. As time goes on and your body changes, your prescription will too. Sometimes your acupuncturist may have you on a prescription for a long period of time to treat a constitutional weakness, support your body in a healing process or to ward off flare ups of a particular pathology. Just be sure you know how long you should go between appointments and under what conditions you should stop taking the prescription.
5. With the exception of teas, avoid taking Chinese herbal supplements without a Chinese medicine doctor’s approval
This isn’t going to make me super popular with people who might otherwise advertise on my site. But, personally, I think it’s a mockery of Chinese medicine that people are able to buy full strength herbal formulas in pill or tablet form without a prescription. Some formulas might be alright, because their action is weak enough that any negative effect is minimized. But, then, why take them? They aren’t enjoyable like tea is and they are frequently expensive! Chinese medicine is medicine, not supplementation. You shouldn’t be taking a formula or single herb that a doctor hasn’t asked you to take and you shouldn’t take it for any longer than they recommend.
I think it’s okay to drink teas made of Chinese herbs so long as you don’t go to special lengths to concentrate them. I’ve already talked about how much I love Gou Qi Zi + Ju Hua tea and the only effects I’ve observed from this practice has been positive. I also enjoy ginger, mint and other single herb teas – sometimes in response to particular pathological states and sometimes not. I feel that these low strength efforts fortify me as well as tasting good and providing me with something to warm my belly on cold nights.
6. Be sure to tell your Chinese medicine doctor your experiences while on an herbal formula
Some people are embarassed to tell their doctor that their herbs gave them diarrhea or some other symptom. This effect is not going to make your doctor think they are incompetent or make them think badly of you. Sometimes the formula isn’t quite perfect and needs to be shifted in one direction or another. In fact, your report back to your herbalist will help them to further understand your pathological state! You can feel free to call your doctor if you have a particularly strong reaction – they will be more than happy to help you understand if this is expected or unusual. Don’t stop taking the herbs simply because you have a mildly negative reaction – call your doctor to let her know and follow her advice explicitly.
If you follow these simple rules you will be safe – and that’s that.
Eric
Tags: safety, professional-development, Chinese herbs
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Also: make sure that your herbalist a) does not also sell small, furry things called “mogwai”, b) you are not buying from a place called the Wing Kong Exchange, and c) does not answer EVERY question “Oh yes. Very good for you.” (e.g. “How is this Uranium-238?”)
Michael,
Wise words, my friend.
e
I’ve used a variety of evergreen herbs on my own. In my area there are no Chinese Physicians that I’ve found. I’ll keep looking though.
We should all be aware of these things since our health is concerned. If we find the right doctor, we should be honest with our health history and follow their instructions. It is really great that we look for natural ways to treat ourselves. Love the post! Thanks again for sharing.