Acu-Care Health Centers

Are there any side effects from using Chinese herbs?

Pharmaceutical drugs often have side effects because they are intended to affect the whole body in a certain way, even if only one part of the body is symptomatic. With herbs, the intention is to affect the whole body. A single herb may have a certain side effect because it may have a particular action on the whole body that may not be helpful. However, an herbal formula which is carefully designed rarely has side effects because each herb chosen has its effect and then also will moderate the potentially undesireable effects of another herb in the formula. This is the way the formulas are balanced.

At times, however, there are reactions from using herbal formulas. These are usually mild and often they manifest as digestive disturbances, since the full dose of the herbs enters the stomach and intestines. If a reaction does occur, it can often be prevented by taking the herbs after a meal. Very occasionally, some people may experience dizziness, a rash or nervousness after taking herbs. This usually indicates that the formula is not adequately balanced for their needs. In these cases, another formula should be chosen or it should be adjusted. In any case, any reactions to the herbs will disappear shortly after they have been discontinued.

If you are interested in purchasing herbal products, visit our health products section. We offer a full line of herbal products that are developed by U.S. based companies. The herbs used must that pass government inspection and are tested by independent laboratories for pesticides, sulfite, bacteria or other contamination and have strict standards for purity and potency. If you have specific questions about any herbal products, please give us a call.