Fu Zi (Rx. Aconite) and On-line Sales

Only the safer "prepared" aconite is used at EagleHerbs.
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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, you must contact us first to ensure that this herb is appropriate for you. If you do not contact us, the Fu Zi will be replaced by a similar herb.

Fu Zi (é™„å­ 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.

 

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Fang Ji (Aristolochia) vs. Fang Ji (Stephania)

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.

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Dang Gui, Dong Quai, Tang-Kuei (Angelica sinensis)

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

Patient Abstract Herb and Use Drug Believed to Interact Other Drugs Being Taken Medical Observation Mechanism Legitimacy
46 year old woman with history of stroke, rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation Dong quai Angelica sinensis (Gynaecological conditions) Warfarin Digoxin, frusemide ↑ INR Herb acts as Cox inhibitor Likely
Woman with history of mitral valve replacement Dong quai Angelica sinensis (Gynaecological conditions) Warfarin None stated INR = 10, widespread bruising Herb acts as Cox inhibitor Possible

Bing Lang, Da Fu Pi (Areca catechu)

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

Patient Abstract Herb and Use Drug Believed to Interact Other Drugs Being Taken Medical Observation Mechanism Legitimacy
51 year old man with schizophrenia [38] Betel nut Areca catechu (Stimulant) Fluphenazine Procyclidine Rigidity, bradykinesia, jaw tremor Not known Likely
45 year old man with schizoaffective disorder Betel nut Areca catechu (Stimulant) Flupenthixol Procyclidine Stiffness, tremor, akathisia Not known Likely

Ren Shen Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

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

Patient Abstract Herb and Use Drug Believed to Interact Other Drugs Being Taken Medical Observation Mechanism Legitimacy
47 year old man with history of heart valve replacement Ginseng Panax species (Fatigue) Warfarin Diltiazem nitroglycerin, salsalate INR decreased to 1.5 (previously stable 2–3) Herb has antiplatelet activity Likely
42 year old woman with chronic depression Ginseng Panax species (Fatigue) Phenelzine Lorazepam triazolam, bee pollen Manic symptoms Not known Possible
64 year old woman Ginseng Panax species (Fatigue) Phenelzine None Insomnia, headache, tremor Not known Unevaluable

Ma Huang Ephedra and Hypertension

Ma Huang Ephedra, so misunderstood. :(

In December of 2000, CRN, or the Council for Responsible Nutrition (a dietary supplement trade group) provided the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) a report demonstrating the safe upper limit dosage for ephedra, known as “ma huang” in Chinese medicine.

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) and Interferon

Chai Hu Bupleurum is a remarkable herb that is poised to be a significant competitor to anti-depressant drugs when combined with other herbs.

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 »

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Licorice) and High Blood Pressure

gan.cao.medThis 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 »