Chinese medicines have taken on new meaning lately, especially in the realm of traditional Chinese medications. For years the history of the Chinese culture and all those in East Asia has been greatly influenced by the herbal medicines they consumed. While herbs have dominated the popular view of Chinese medicine, it really is more than that. Acupressure and acupuncture are both physical medications that have greatly augmented many Chinese folks overall well being. But what is the safety of consuming/ practicing the techniques of the Chinese culture?
Starting with the herbal medications, the Chinese government has put strict guidelines on who gets the chance to buy and sell. Only people who are instructed in the field of traditional Chinese medicine are approved to administer herbal medications. The reason for this is certain Chinese medicines tend to have an allergic reaction in some people. This allergic reaction can sometimes be complemented, although rarely, by poisoning. It really depends on the person's own personal make-up. When a person who is trained to administer Chinese medication safely gives out the herbal treatments, they will know what to look for as far as symptoms.
Although a few deaths are reported each year in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, it is still looked at to be a very rare case. Usually in the cases which involve a person suffering severely from misuse of herbs they have been reported to have self-prescribed the medication or have taken the wrong thing. If a person tried to consume aconite or fuzi but took the raw forms of it, they would most likely show signs of poisoning. Only when these herbs are taken processed will they work effectively.
On the other hand, compounds that involve arsenic or cinnabar are often included in herbal Chinese medications. The thought is that poison can be used to defeat poison. If these ingredients are self-prescribed then there is always the chance the person is putting in the wrong amount of compound in a medication. This could prove deadly and has on several occasions. Chinese medicines and herbs are completely safe- if taken through a person who is administered to give out these medications safely.
One thing that the Western world must realize about the Chinese medicines is the name differences between Western compounds and Chinese compounds. Again, when it comes to safety, the person must be aware that through the cultures there are similarities in names- especially with medications. For example, sodium sulphate can be misrepresented as sodium nitrite- which could prove to be a deadly mistake!
When it comes to the different Chinese medicines, the traditional ones especially, you need to go ahead with caution. Although the majority of the compounds are made exclusively out of natural plants and minerals, it is easy to get them mixed up if you are trying to make your own combination. Just by consulting someone with an intimate knowledge on the subject you will be protecting yourself from making a deadly mistake when it could have been avoided.