To answer if herbs are safe – the majority of the time, yes, herbs are safe. However, you need to know if this herb is right for your health problem and your constitution. You need to know if this herb will affect the other medicines and supplements you are taking.

Herbs and herbal medicines should be taken within the context of your particular health problem, not just because you read that it may be good for a specific illness. You may have other health problems that an herb could aggravate.

A number of years ago, ephedra was used for weight loss, and some people developed kidney failure and died as a result of taking this herb. Western MD’s were prescribing it for their patients that wanted to lose weight, not herbalists. As a result of this, ephedra was banned by the FDA, and now Traditional Chinese Medicine herbalists are unable to use it for it’s ancient indications. Any herbal formula containing it, had to be reformulated with different herbs. Yet ephedra remains a good example of an herb that should never be used by anyone with high blood pressure or kidney disease.

There are plenty of herbs on the market (that you can freely purchase) that should be used with caution with certain diseases, and unless you are aware of this, you could cause harm to yourself. This is one of the reasons I provide the services of Herb Consults, so you know exactly the best herbal formulas for your condition.

As an TCM acupuncturist and herbalist, we receive thousands of hours of training on herbs and herbal therapies. We also have to pass National Board Certification on Herbs, and like any other licensed health care professional we are required to continue our education yearly.

I personally know of no other herb system in the world as comprehensive as Traditional Chinese Medicine and as ancient.

Go here to read the full article. . . .Are Chinese Herbal Medicines Proven

I would say so! Most Chinese Herbal Medicines have been in use for two thousand years and longer. This is plenty of time to observe the good and bad effects and determine if they have proved their worth and value.

Historically, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that herbal formulas work and are effective. Remember in high school science when you learned about the monks and the peas. How different plants were crossbred to produce a superior eating pea. The monk derived his conclusions from his observations. This is similar to the anecdotal evidence on herbs and herbal formulas.

Presently, China and Japan lead the way testing in herbal medicine or formulas with modern westernized methods. There are numerous Asian journals filled with research on herbs and herbal combinations. The amount of herbal research being done is amazing. I have access to some of the abstracts of studies that are translated into English so I can remain abreast of current research.

For example, for several decades, China has been studying various herbal formulas given as an intravenous solution after a stroke (cerebral vascular accident). These patients are very fortunate in that the incidence of sequela is almost nonexistent. Sequela is the inability to speak or swallow, partial or total paralysis of the arms and legs, or the inability to control bowel or bladder that commonly manifests after a stroke. This percentage of recovery from a stroke is unheard of in the United States.

Other newer areas of research in herbal medicines are their use in cancer treatment and viruses. Many of the ancient formulas for colds have been determined to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Some formulas are even targeted toward specific viruses such as SARS, AIDS and HIV or Hepatitis.

There are even a large number of formulas that can help with cancer treatment and recovery. Maybe someday there will be an alternative to radiation and chemotherapy with herbs.

In comparison – modern day pharmaceutical drugs are devised in labs. These drugs are altered from a natural form, as you cannot patent something that occurs naturally in nature. Then they are tested on animals and put on the market within a couple of years. Many of these drugs are pulled from the market in a few years secondary to serious life altering side effects and even death. Every few months, I’ll notice that the Sunday paper contains yet another class action suit notice in regards to one of these drugs.

Many of my patients would rather use something that has thousands of years backing it up as opposed to only a decade or two. Wouldn’t you if you had a choice?

I also keep reading and hearing American doctors and journalists’ state that Chinese Herbal Medicine requires more research, and that’s it’s unproven. I think they say this because they haven’t actually taken the time to find out what is really being done within and outside of the United States. And then, there is another prevailing American opinion, that if the research isn’t done in the US, it isn’t worth anything, so they discount it. Are you aware that Western MD’s have very little training in pharmaceuticals and none on herbal medicinal uses?

Chinese Herbal Medicine has written records that pre-date the birth of Christ for the same health problems that people suffer from today.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is made from natural parts of the plants – leaves, fruits, branches, bark, pith and roots. It may even include stones and animal parts. There is nothing artificial or synthetic about it.

When you decide you want to take herbs, please consult a trained and Board Certified Acupuncturist and Board Certified Chinese Herbalist. Your Oriental Medicine practitioner has had the education and resources to determine the most appropriate herbal medicine for your problem.

So, I hope I’ve answered your concerns. These formulas have the weight of years behind them. They are tried and true and they are well established. Chinese Herbal Medicines are safe and proven for millennia. There are minimal side effects. These formulas are a natural way to maintain and regain health and that’s why many people worldwide take Chinese Herbal Medicines.

About the author: Christine Hasinger, DOM,  Acupuncturist and Herbalist, has a private practice in Palm Harbor, Florida at the Blue Orchid Healing Center.   She offers personal and individualized herbal consultations via phone and email through Herb Consults.

“Are Chinese Herbal Medicines Proven”, Copyright © 2008, All Rights Reserved. You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made and the information about the author is included.

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