The use of herbs for medicinal purposes has been around since people began keeping track of illnesses. Even today supplementing Chinese Herbal Medicine remains as an option or add on to many conventional treatments.
For those without the resources to make western medicines available, Chinese herbal medicine may be the only treatment they receive. You can read about the pro’s and con’s of Herbal Medicine here.
Study needed on Supplementing Chinese Herbal Medicine
In recent years many studies around the globe have tested Chinese herbal medicine for it’s healing affects for a variety of illness. While many of the patients in study groups have experienced improvement over prolonged and controlled test periods, there were some problems with patients taking conventional medicine at the same time.
Ironically, the use of Chinese herbal medicine was recommended to be discontinued while the patient was treated with synthetic drugs, even though research showed that the herbal medication alone would not cause the same response.
A study from the University of Texas confirmed that Chinese herbal medicine was successful in offering relief for rheumatoid arthritis in its study patients, with the herbs performing as an anti-inflammatory. It has been credited with offering the same relief realized by patients taking steroidal drugs, without the side effects.
Herbal Interaction With Drugs Is Questioned
While debate continues on the safety of many products used in Chinese herbal medicine, there have been cases where people have suffered serious complications when mixing herbs with conventional medicine.
These cases are very rare and only a few instances of natural products causing problems have been reported.
You don’t know what you don’t know but studies have shown that Echinacea, when used for more than eight weeks could cause toxins in the liver and should not be taken with anabolic steroids.
No No’s when Supplementing Chinese Herbal Medicine
Feverfew is another botanical used in Chinese herbal medicine for migraine headaches but studies indicate a reaction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could cause a negative interaction.
St. John’s Wort, often used for anxiety and stress should not be taken with medicines such as Prozac and Paxil.
Patients taking prescription warfarin should not combine it with herbs that affect bleeding. Unexpected, uncontrolled bleeding could result from taking feverfew, garlic, and ginseng.
These tests show that herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine may have side effects if used with conventional synthetic drugs. Use by themselves do not pose any danger to the patients.
Continuing studies are being conducted to prove their effectiveness as well as their safety.
If you would like to discuss your current Western treatments and how supplementing Chinese Herbal Medicine might work for you, please make a booking with Doctor Rosey.
