Dr Niall Jawad
Using Chinese Herbal Medicine to Tackle Skin Conditions.
Learn about the power of Chinese Herbal Medicines to tackle skin conditions.
What We'll Cover - Chinese and Herbal Medicines and Skin Conditions.
Key Takeaways
Chinese Herbal Medicine, a key part of TCM, aims to harmonize the body's energy or "qi".
Prescriptions often involve multiple herbs, leveraging their combined properties to enhance effectiveness.
Recent studies suggest that Chinese Herbal Medicine may provide a beneficial alternative treatment for eczema.
Like all treatments, potential side effects and interactions need to be considered when using Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Using Chinese Herbal Medicine should involve consultation with a qualified practitioner.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is an age-old cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with roots dating back more than 2,000 years. Its rich history and distinctive theoretical structure, separate from Western medicine, make it a fascinating area for those interested in alternative health solutions. Today, let's delve into how it might help manage skin conditions, including eczema.
Unravelling Chinese Herbal Medicine
At the core of TCM and, consequently, Chinese Herbal Medicine, is the concept of harmonising the body's vital energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"). This healing modality is built on a complex set of philosophical principles encompassing Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, the human body Meridian system, Zang Fu organ theory, and more. Disease is perceived to arise when there's disruption or imbalance within these systems.
Chinese Herbal Medicine focuses on promoting the body's self-healing mechanisms, leveraging specific herbs with characteristic natures, tastes, meridian tropism, and healing properties. However, rather than single herbs, you'll often find formulas of multiple herbs combined to enhance efficacy and offset potential side effects.
Decoding Common Prescriptions
Here are some widely used herbs and formulas in TCM:
Astragalus (Huang Qi): Hailed for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginseng (Ren Shen): Often used for its reputed energy-boosting properties.
Gingko (Yin Xing): Primarily used for potential effects on memory and cognition.
Rhizoma coptidis (Huang Lian): Celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anti-cancer properties.
Licorice (Gan Cao): Regularly used to harmonise effects of other herbs and mitigate possible side effects.
Formula: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan - This formula is commonly used for conditions like kidney and liver deficiencies.
Formula: Yin Qiao San - This is often prescribed at the onset of a common cold or flu.
Evidence in Spotlight: Atopic Dermatitis and Chinese Herbal Medicine
There's been a surge in scientific interest to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines through the lens of modern science. One compelling study titled "Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for atopic dermatitis: Evidence from eight high-quality randomised placebo-controlled trials" provides some promising insights.
This research concluded that Chinese Herbal Medicine may offer a beneficial treatment option for atopic dermatitis (eczema), underpinned by a favourable safety profile. However, larger scale and more rigorous clinical trials are required to cement these findings firmly.
These results give hope to those seeking alternative treatments for skin conditions like eczema, which can often be stubborn to conventional treatment.
Safety and Side Effects: A Considered Approach
Like any medicinal approach, Chinese Herbal Medicine isn't without its side effects, ranging from mild digestive upset to more serious issues like potential liver damage or interactions with other medicines. Key considerations when taking these herbal medicines include:
Quality and Purity: Ensure you source your products from trustworthy suppliers to avoid potential contamination with heavy metals, pesticides, or other undesirable substances.
Allergies: Be aware that you may be allergic to certain herbs.
Interactions: Some herbs can interact with other medications, either enhancing or decreasing the effect of the other drugs.
Overdose: While many herbs are safe in moderate amounts, excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects.
To navigate these potential risks, always consult with a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before beginning any herbal treatment.
Regulation: Know Your Sources
In many countries, including the UK, Chinese herbal medicines are regulated as food supplements. This implies that they do not have to fulfil the same stringent safety and efficacy proofs as conventional medicines before being marketed. On the other hand, in China and several other countries where TCM is part and parcel of the healthcare system, there's stricter regulation akin to that for conventional medicine.
Wrap Up: A Holistic Approach
Chinese Herbal Medicine presents a comprehensive and historically rich field with the potential to address stubborn skin conditions like eczema. Yet, it's vital to use these herbal solutions wisely, under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
While there's mounting evidence supporting their use, more high-quality research is needed to establish their benefits unequivocally and to seamlessly incorporate them into the wider healthcare system. Always remember that while Chinese Herbal Medicine can be part of the treatment plan for skin conditions, it should be used as a complementary approach and not a replacement for conventional treatment.
