Is Herbal Medicine Safe?
Recently pharmaceutical researchers in Adelaide pointed out that herbal medicines can carry dire side-effects. You might ask, “Isn’t natural medicine safer than pharmaceutical drugs?” Well, like conventional medicine, herbal medicine is a potent medicine and can have side effects if you take the wrong thing. I take Chinese medicine everyday, prescribe them to my patients on a regular basis and have seen wonders. But I would NEVER buy over-the-counter herbal medicine unless I know where they come from and what is in it. Some herbal pills or ointment even contain unlisted ingredients such as steroids, antibiotics, heavy metals and pesticides. The best thing to do before you buy herbal medicine is to speak to an experienced herbal practitioner. Some herbal companies are more reliable than others. Do your research and enjoy the wonderful benefits of natural medicine.
Is Chinese Medicine Effective?
There is no doubt that Chinese medicine is beneficial to health if used properly. There is a long history of empirical evidence. It has been the mainstream medicine in China, the most populous country in the world, for centuries. It is used in a wide range of areas such as colds, coughs, skin, hormonal imbalance, stress, trauma and inflammation. It is a national treasure that benefits hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
When Can Taking Chinese Medicine Go Wrong?
Though most Chinese herbs are mild in nature and safe to take, some herbs are powerful or harsh. With the correct usage, these herbs can do wonders. However, problems occur when they are not used properly. This can cause mild to serious side effects such as kidney damage. There are the two main reasons why we need to be cautious.
- Powerful Herbs – Herbs such as Ma Huang, Fu Zi, Sang Leng, E Zhi, Xi Xin can be very effective in treating conditions such as respiratory disorders, heart condition, and gynaecological irregularity. But they must only be used for the right person at the right time and with the right dosage.
- Unlisted Ingredients – These are ingredients that are not meant to the there. Examples are heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, steroids, and antibiotics. These can become harmful when they are overdosed.
Bear in mind that we need to be just as cautious with taking pharmaceutical drugs. Every drug carries a long list of side effects. Even a seemingly harmless painkiller taken frequently enough can cause liver damage. Serious illnesses associated with powerful pharmaceutical drugs are alarming. Do your research and be well informed.
Is Chinese Medicine Regulated In Australia?
YES! In order to protect your safety, the practice of Chinese medicine and acupuncture is now regulated by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is the same organisation that watches over dental, medical, physiotherapy, and all types of health professionals. They make sure that your registered practitioner’s knowledge is up to date and that they follow the safe usage of Chinese herbs and acupuncture needles. Correct, a practitioner with a university degree isn’t always more skillful than a practitioner trained through apprenticeship. But at least you know that they have been through adequate training and will make an effort to do no harm. It is highly advisable to visit a practitioner who is registered. Not only that it is safer for you, major health funds will give your claims back only if you visit registered practitioners.
How To Choose A Practitioner?
An experienced practitioner should only dispense medicinals supplied by suppliers that have good safety records. The suppliers must follow stringent procedures to ensure the absence heavy metals, toxic chemicals and pesticides. The practitioner should be registered with AHPRA.
When Should I Be Careful When Taking Herbal Medicine?
There are times when you need to cautious about taking natural medicine. Here is a list of common situations to watch out for when you decide to take natural medicine.
- Blood Thinning Drug – If you are taking a blood-thinning drug such as Warfarin or Heparin, be careful if your natural supplement also thins blood. Examples of natural supplements to be careful of are fish oil, gingko, Blood-moving Chinese herbs.
- Operation – If you are about to have an operation, you may consider stopping any supplement or drug that thins blood.
- Breast Cancer – If you have breast cancer or other hormone related cancers, check with your practitioner whether your natural supplement contains hormone stimulating properties.
- Pregnancy – Always let your practitioner know that you are pregnant so that you will not be prescribed any medicinal that stimulates uterine contraction or that is toxic to foetus.
- Weight Loss – Some herbalists prescribe powerful herbs indiscriminately to suppress appetite and increase metabolism to lose weight. The problem is that these herbs are not right for every body type. If you have a preexisting heart condition, you may be in trouble.
What is your experience with herbal medicine?
