Dr. Caroline Colonna, DOM uses a mortar and pestle to grind Chinese herbs for a patient. |
Chinese herbology is another branch of Traditional Oriental Medicine. Chinese herbs are derived from animal products such as sea shells or bones; from plants such as flowers, algae, trees; and from food such as vegetables and fruits. One's diet is an integral part of Chinese herbology.
In the U.S., Chinese herbs have been labeled as "Dietary Supplement" by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Chinese herbs are very effective if taken appropriately and should only be prescribed by a well-trained and licensed herbalist.
Dosage and drug-herb interaction are key in achieving success with Chinese herbs. The following is a summary of possible negative interaction between common supplements found at the local grocery store and Western drugs.
| Herb | Evening Primrose | Feverfew | Garlic | Ginger |
| Use | to lower blood cholesterol | to prevent migraines | to lower cholesterol and blood pressure | to prevent motion sickness and nausea (postoperative or chemotherapy patients). To improve digestion |
| Caution | should not be combined with anticonvulsants or some medications such as Thorazine prescribed for Schizophrenia. | should not be taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammation drugs such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve; anti clotting drugs such as Coumadin and blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix and Ticlid. | slows clotting so should not be taken with anti-clotting drugs such as Coumadin or blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix and Ticlid. | keeps platelets from sticking together; should not be taken with anti-clotting drugs such as Coumadin or blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix and Ticlid. |
| Herb | Gingko | Ginseng | Kava Kava | Ma Huang/Ephedra |
| Use | for memory enhancement, stroke prevention, poor circulation in legs | to increase energy, stamina | to promote relaxation and sleep and to reduce anxiety | to treat certain types of colds and nasal congestion; contains ephedrine, a powerful stimulant |
| Caution | use under supervision with anti-clotting drugs such as Coumadin or blood thinners; not recommended with nonsteriodal anti-inflamatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve); may interact with MAO inhibitors as found in Eldepryl, Nardil, Parnate | watch dosage; may increase blood pressure and heart rate; may increase blood sugar so use with caution if diabetic; may interfere with Coumadin | should not be combined with anti-anxiety drugs such as Lanax, Librium, Valium, Dalmane, Paxipam, Altivan and Restoril; contra-indicated with alcohol | should not be taken if high blood pressure is present; should not be taken with MAO inhibitors (Marplan, Nardil and Parnate) because such combination could increase blood pressure; should not be taken with certain heart meds such as Lanoxin because can lead to arythmia. |
| Herb | St. John's Wort | Valerian |
| Use | to treat mild to moderate depression | mild sedative; to ease anxiety and help with mild insomnia |
| Caution | should not be used with antidepressants which boost serotonin levels such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft; could cause serotonin syndrome; in combination with tetracycline, can increase sun sensitivity | should not be taken with sedatives or drugs that depress the central nervous system |
There are also examples of possible positive herb-drug interactions:
| Herb | Gingko | Stinging Nettles |
| Use | for memory enhancement as well as painful condition stemming from poor circulation in the legs | as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy agent |
| Possible Benefit | may help stem the decrease in sexual function caused bya class of anti-depressant that include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft | may make nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve 50% more effective at the same dose. |