Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine uses plant, animal and mineral substances to influence the full spectrum of human disease. The word herb in this context is used in a new and more inclusive way to refer to any naturally occurring substance used medicinally.

Historically, the designation of herb for the substances used in the Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Pharmacopoeia took root before the full role of animal and mineral substances in this tradition were appreciated.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT USE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE IN THE UNITED STATES?

In the United States herbal medicines are readily available in pill, powder, tincture, and raw form. While it is legal to obtain herbs without advice or prescription from a qualified healthcare practitioner, this is not recommended with the exception of a few mild conditions such as mild indigestion or runny nose in an otherwise healthy person. The unsupervised use of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is fraught with potential complications.

HOW ARE HERBALISTS TRAINED IN THE UNITED STATES?

In the United States most herbalists are also trained in acupuncture. Some physicians trained in acupuncture also use Chinese herbs. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers board examinations in Chinese Herbology and Acupuncture. Practitioners are qualified to sit for the exam after 3-4 years of training in Acupuncture, and 1-2 years in Herbology. Some states require licensure to prescribe Chinese Herbal Medicine. Medical Doctors are permitted to prescribe herbs under the scope of their medical license.

ARE CHINESE HERBS SAFE TO USE? WHAT ARE THE DANGERS AND SIDE EFFECTS?

The most important issue in Chinese Herbology at the present time is the adulteration of herbal preparations with Western Pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. One can avoid this danger by using only herbal formulae that have been prepared and processed in the United States and Great Briton where the quality control is more uniformly followed.

A second important issue is the use of Chinese herbs in the wrong way. The most common example of this is abuse of the herb Ephedra, or Ma Huang. This herb has been marketed for treatment of fatigue, since is has central nervous system stimulating properties. In fact, this herb is not used to treat fatigue in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is also never given by itself, only in combination with other herbs to create a balanced formula.

While it is true that some Chinese Herbs are poisonous if not treated properly prior to ingestion, so is the common foodstuff tapioca. As a rule herbs available in tablet form from Western manufactures have been properly treated.

The most common side effect seen with initial use of Chinese Herbal Medicine is gas, bloating and indigestion. If this occurs the dosage is decreased, or the prescription is altered to correct this.

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT CHINESE HERBS ARE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE? HAVE THEY BEEN STUDIED THE SAME WAY THAT WESTERN PHARMACUETICAL MEDICINES HAVE?

Chinese Herbal Medicine has been in continuos uninterrupted use in China for over two thousand years. The knowledge regarding safety and effectiveness is the result of this long period of observation. It is true that the precise mechanism of action for the herbal formulae has not been defined. It is important to point out that this is also true for about half of the prescription medications currently on the market.

SHOULD I TAKE CHINESE HERBS EVEN IF MY MEDICAL CONDITION IS BEING TREATED BY WESTERN DRUGS?

This question can only be answered on a case by case basis. In the setting of seasonal allergies, Chinese Herbal Medicine generally is very helpful and has few to any side effect. When prescription medication is being to treat more serious disease, requires a certain level in the bloodstream in order to be effective, then Chinese Herbal Medicines are best given under the supervision of a Medical Doctor who can also monitor the effects of the Western drugs.

ARE CHINESE HERBS USED WITH PREGNANT WOMEN?

Generally in the United States most practitioners will avoid using Chinese Herbs once a woman has become pregnant, (although in China herbs are used throughout the pregnancy).

HOW MUCH DO CHINESE HERBS COST? ARE THEY COVERED BY MY HEALTH INSURANCE?

A course of Chinese herbs can cost as little as $10.00 (short term use for cold or flu symptoms). Chronic illness may require the use of one or more formulas and may cost in the range of $30.00 to $100.00 per month. At the present time medical insurance does not cover the cost of Chinese herbs. If you itemize on your tax return, the cost may be deductible as a health care expense not covered by insurance. Ask your accountant for details.

HOW QUICKLY DO CHINESE HERBS WORK? WILL I HAVE TO TAKE THEM FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME?

Chinese herbs work quickly in acute conditions. For relief of cold and flu symptoms it is not uncommon to notice beneficial results by the end of one day. Chronic problems require longer use, depending on the severity and nature of the problem. Generally one thinks of one month of herbs for each year the condition has existed.