Apr 30 2010
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Herbs and herbal mixtures have been used in China for centuries. Traditional Chinese herbs that are used for weight loss, treatment of medical and emotional conditions, pain relief, and other purposes are starting to become popular. For those who want an option other than the pharmaceuticals prescribed by Western physicians, traditional Chinese herbs may be able to give them a more palatable and holistic alternative. However, traditional Chinese herbs needs to be approached with caution, especially by those whoe are not familiar with their properties and with the consequences that is associated with their use. Let’s take a look at some traditional Chinese herbs uses and some things you need to know if this is a topic that interests you.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (sometimes abbreviated as “TCM”) is a complex body of knowledge that has evolved over many centuries. It speaks of various subdisciplines, including acupuncture, medicinal herb use, various heat and cold therapies, massage, dietary guidelines, and other techniques. With the increased interest in “natural” healing techniques and holistic medicine during the past several decades, TCM adherents in the United States and other Western countries are increasing in number. Many users claim to have success in weight loss, depression, and other conditions by using traditional Chinese herbal remedies. Chinese herbs are gaining popularity as well in home herb gardens.
Using Traditional Chinese Herbs: Some Cautions
Because herbal extracts are usually marketed in the U.S. as “dietary supplements,” they didn’t receive the same testing, labeling, and quality control regimens as Western medicines, either over-the-counter or prescribed pharmaceuticals. For this reason, you should be careful when using traditional Chinese herbs, or organic herbs or any other herbal or animal product being sold as a “dietary supplement.” Potencies, purity levels, and even the precise type of substance can vary greatly from one source to another. In some instances, foreign contaminants or impurities can even introduce potentially dangerous substances into the body. Due to these reasons, you have to be really careful especially if you are thinking of using traditional Chinese herbs that you have not used before, or are using products obtained from a different source. Any adverse reactions should be immediately reported to your doctor.
Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine
Interestingly, some traditional Chinese herbs have been adapted for use in Western medicine. For example, artemisinin, a compound used worldwide to treat resistant strains of malaria, is derived from Chinese wormwood (qinghao), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Other uses for artemisinin, including it being an anti-carcinogen are currently under research and clinical trial.
