Chinese herbs are promoted by natural healers and producers of natural products as healing mechanisms. Chinese herbalists practice with the belief that the usage of herbs can help maximize your health and help treat and prevent disease. However, the benefits of Chinese herbs are not unanimously recognized by the medical community.
Function
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), Chinese herbalists claim that herbs primarily boost the immune system and can help prevent disease in the long-term. Herbs are also used to treat illnesses and infections as well as respiratory disorders, hormonal problems and cancer. However, the ACS points out that Chinese herbs do not cure cancer, but rather are used to help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and to help minimize the spread of cancer tumors.
Types
The ACS reports that there are 3,200 types of herbs in China. When used as treatments, as many as 12 herbs are combined together as a tea, pill or powder. Common Chinese herbs used in the United States are outlined by the Natural Herbs Guide and include: echinacea, ashwagandha, yohimbe, ginger, garlic, dong quai, kava kava, licorice, ginseng, fo ti, saw palmetto, reishi, ginkgo biloba and green tea.
Purported Benefits
Chinese herbs purportedly keep your body in a healthy state by preventing damage and reversing any imbalances. In essence, herbal treatments help balance your body and ward off diseases. For this reason, Chinese herbs are utilized in stress management as well. The Natural Herbs Guide claims that Chinese herbs carry less risk of side effects compared to conventional medications.
Lack of Evidence
Chinese herbs are traditionally utilized as part of an overall healthy lifestyle and are not meant to be relied on as your sole method of disease treatment. The ACS reports that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the healing powers of Chinese herbs. However, limited testing on animals and in laboratory dishes has shown that some herbs can in fact help attack cancer cells. Still, the evidence does not boil down to any specific herb. The ACS does support the fact that users of herbs in China tend to live longer, but it is likely due to an overall type of lifestyle.
Warning
Despite any possible benefits of Chinese herbs, certain side effects can occur from using them. The ACS explains that side effects are most commonly attributed to prescription drug interactions with certain herbs. For this reason, you should always ask your doctor before using Chinese herbs, especially if you are taking any prescription medications. Plant allergies may also be aggravated by Chinese herbs. According to the ACS, some Chinese herbs are sometimes even harvested mistakenly with toxins in them. Potential dangers might include thyroid disease, liver and kidney problems, allergic reaction and even death.
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