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

“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…

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

There are two herbs with similar names in China. Guang Fang Ji (Rx. Aristolochia) 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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Ma Huang Ephedra and Hypertension

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…

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