Ephedra!
- From: The One True Zhen Jue <Andrew_Kingoff@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:13:56 -0700
In the west, Ephedra is a controversial herb. That is due to its
reckless use for weight loss and as a stimulant. In TCM (Traditional
Chinese Medicine), it has been used for its antihistimine effects and
for urinary blockage. It was always prescribed in small doses, with
other herbs, and for acute conditions.
Clearly, TCM practitioners have the training in both the indications
and contraindications of using ephedra. Since their safety record is
outstanding, they alone have the right to dispense it in the USA.
Today, I had the good fortune of dispensing it to a patient I treated
a few years ago. She came to me for a severe crick in the neck, just
like the one she had in the past. Like before, I performed
Acupuncture and dispensed "Ge Gen Tang", Kudzu decoction. This
formula is a whopping 20% ephedra root by weight. This formula is to
be taken once per day for 3 days, at home and after the work day is
over. The patient is to remain in a warm room, without drafts, and
should try to induce a slight sweat. (If anyone is interested, I'll
elaborate on the treatment principle and effects)
This patient is a pharmacologist who works in research. I told her to
be very careful to note ANY and ALL suspected side-effects. I've told
her if her nose itches, blame it on the formula. If she catches every
red light on the way to work, its the fault of the ephedra. If she
has a slight twitch in either eyelid, its my fault, the fault of every
TCM practitioner, and the FDA should be ashamed for letting this
travesty occur. With her permission, I will keep you posted on any
reported side effects.
Ok, here we have a trained pharmacologist. Her job is to research
adverse side-effects. She is taking a TCM formula and will report
said side-effects, if they manifest. Who here would care to wager on
the outcome? Are we going to be posting an obituary? Is there going
to be a mention of this on Quackwatch? Will John Doe be recording a
podcast about it?
.
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