Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture and a number of other practices, is one component of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for about 5,000 years. A core element of the theory behind traditional Chinese medicine is the restoration of the body's internal harmony. Because traditional Chinese medicine is largely unregulated, there are a number of quality and safety issues associated with it.
Theory Behind Traditional Chinese Medicine
The theory underlying traditional Chinese medicine, according to The Pharmaceutical Journal, involves harmony of the body, identification of symptoms and signs, and holistic treatment that takes the whole patient picture into consideration. Practitioners strive to restore a balance between "yin," which represents passive, negative and internal features, and "yang," which represents active, positive and external features, as well as the balance between five elements of the body represented by wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
Formulation of Medicines
Chinese herbal medicines are formulated from a selection of more than 5,000 plant and animal species, and may consist of one ingredient or a mix of many. Principal herbs target the main symptom being treated, while other subsidiary herbs strengthen the potency and delivery of the main herb and reduce any potential toxicity. Medicines are available either as crude herbs or formulated into capsules, some of which are combined with pharmaceutical medicines.
Safety Issues
Herbal medicines and herbal medicine practitioners are not stringently regulated in many parts of the world, and as a result, some safety concerns have been raised about traditional Chinese medicine. Some of the herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine are toxic, or may interact with other herbs to produce a toxic effect. Dosage requirements may be unclear, and potential adverse effects may not be clearly stated in the labeling.
Quality
The quality of traditional Chinese medicine products may also suffer because of a lack of regulation. Some traditional Chinese medicine products have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals. The amounts of particular herbs in products from different manufacturers varies widely. Some products contain pharmaceutical medicines that may vary in dose and quality. The safety and quality issues with Chinese medicine are echoed by Quackwatch, which provides information on "health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct."
Environmental Issues
Another concern with traditional Chinese Medicine is the use of endangered species in their manufacture. According to the World Wildlife Federation, endangered animals used in Chinese medicines include tigers and rhinos. In addition, some wild medicinal plants used in Chinese medicine are on the verge of extinction.
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