Only the safer "prepared" aconite is used at EagleHerbs.

“First, do no harm” is an idea that goes back to the days of Hippocrates, the father of medicine in Western civilization.

If you order a formula that normally includes Fu Zi, we will contact you to ensure that this herb is appropriate for you. If we cannot contact you, the Fu Zi will be replaced by a similar herb.

Fu Zi (附子 Prepared daughter root of Sichuan aconite, Radix Lateralis Aconiti Carmichaeli Praeparata) is an herb where dosage is carefully monitored. In its raw form, it is toxic and must be carefully cooked to reduce this toxicity. Even in the prepared extract form (which we carry at Eagle Herbs), we want to be sure to dose it correctly to avoid its normal benefits from becoming a problem in one who for instance, may not need interior warming. Continue reading »

There are two herbs with similar names in China.

1. Guang Fang Ji (Rx. Aristolochia)
2. Han Fang Ji (Rx. Stephania Tetrandra)

Both of these herbs are roots and when these roots are diced up it can be difficult to visually differentiate between the two.

Knowing which you have can be important too, aristolochic acid (found only in the Guang Fang Ji – Aristolochia plant) is not good for the kidneys. However the Stephania root is an excellent diuretic and very safe to use.

Fortunately we have chemical analysis to know for sure which one we have.

Continue reading »

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with Dang Gui, Dong Quai, Tang-Kuei (Angelica sinensis). [Source]

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with Bing Lang and Da Fu Pi (Areca catechu). [Source]

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza). [Source]

Observed herb/drug interactions associated with ren shen Ginseng. [Source]

Ma Huang Ephedra, so misunderstood. :(

This industry group sought to determine the safe dosages for ephedra since there were reports coming in of adverse events such as high blood pressure and heart attacks following the ingestion of extremely large dosages of this herb for energy and weight loss. These uses were inconsistent with their uses in Chinese medicine. Continue reading »

Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) is a great herb for a variety of viral issues as well as stress-induced problems. Interferon therapy is designed to address viral issues as well. The interaction of Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) and interferon is an additive problem. Interferon therapy boosts the strength and sensitivity of the immune system. Chai Hu (Rx. Bupleurum) has the same (but weaker) effect. When these two medicines are used together, they can give rise to an excessive immune response that damages the lungs. Continue reading »

This is really more about a “side-effect” than an interaction.

Long-term high-dose use of gan cao (Licorice root) is associated with changes in how the kidneys excrete water. If you retain more water, it is possible for blood pressure to rise. Reports of this issue describe dosages of 273 to 546 mg per day [source], and 1,000 mg per day [source]. The typical dosage of gan cao (Licorice root) used in Eagle herbs formulas varies between 10 – 20 mg per day. Not too much comparatively speaking. This is consistent with traditional uses of this herb. Continue reading »