Safe Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Guidelines for Responsible Consumption

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Safe Use of Drugs: Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM

This page is dedicated to providing insights on the responsible use of Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM. Although many consider TCM as a holistic approach to health management, it's often misunderstood that its natural ingredients mean zero side effects.

In reality, some TCM herbs like bitter almonds and apricot kernels contn toxic compounds. offers practical guidelines for safe TCM utilization:

1. Inform Healthcare Providers: Whenever you take supplements, vitamins, or tonics including those derived from TCM. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists can provide valuable advice based on your personal health.

2. Rely on Reputable Sources: Do not buy such products from untrustworthy sellers. Verify their authenticity to ensure the safety of what you are consuming.

3. Cautious Clms: Beware of supplements that promise miraculous cures for serious diseases or conditions, as these might be exaggerated clms.

4. Monitor Side Effects: Look out for signs like bruises, bleeding, yellow skin tone, diarrhea etc., which indicate potential adverse reactions to TCM use.

5. Gradual Introduction: Start with small doses and gradually increase if you experience no issues or negative effects.

6. Seek Medical Help: If your condition doesn't improve after trying TCM for a while, consult another doctor for further assessment.

TCM may not suit everyone:

1. Hypertensive Patients: Some tonics might exacerbate conditions like hypertension and hyperthyroidism.

2. Patients on Blood Thinners: Caution is necessary with TCMs that contn blood invigorating herbs like ginkgo biloba, lingzhi, cordyceps, dong qu as they may increase the risk of bleeding when used alongside medications like warfarin or clopidogrel.

3. Seizure Patients: Use ginkgo with caution in patients on anti-seizure medications due to potential interaction effects that might affect seizure control.

4. Cancer Patients: Avoid certn herbs contning androgens or similar compounds, which could worsen conditions like breast or prostate cancer.

5. Gastric Problems: Always take TCM after meals as some components are acidic like hawthorn and can cause discomfort in those with stomach issues.

6. Swollen Limbs: Avoid acupuncture or massage for swollen legs due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis; seek medical attention instead.

7. LiverKidney Issues: Exercise caution when using TCM as certn herbs might impact these vital organs.

8. Pediatric Patients and Pregnant Women: Consult a healthcare provider before use.

TCM's safe and beneficial utilization requires informed decisions, understanding its potential interactions with modern medicines, and awareness of individual health statuses.

Please consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice on traditional Chinese medicine usage based on your health history and other factors relevant to you.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.pss.org.sg/know-your-medicines/safe-use-medicines/safe-use-traditional-chinese-medicine-tcm

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