Chinese herbs are effective and safe when prescribed by a well-trained herbal practitioner. Careful attention to dosage, combinations of herbs and any known drug-herb interactions, are covered in comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine education programs. In addition, the Chinese herbal profession is working with the FDA to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese herbs imported into this country.
Herbs are usually more gentle than pharmaceutical drugs because of their balancing or regulating effect on the body. However, side effects from herbs are possible. The most common problem is gastrointestinal upset, gas and bloating due to slight difficulty digesting the herbs. This or any other problem should be reported to the practitioner so he/she may change the formula.
To allow health care providers to provide effective and safe treatment, patients should inform Western medical physicians of the herbs they are taking as well as inform the herbal practitioner of any prescription medicines being used.