special subjects
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Possible Adverse Effects
One problem with TCM is the standardization and quality control of Chinese herbs. Many are unregulated in Asia; they may be contaminated with heavy metals from polluted ground water or may be adulterated with drugs such as antibiotics or corticosteroids. Ingredients are often substituted, partly because the names of the herbs are translated incorrectly. In herbal mixtures, adverse effects may also result from interactions between active ingredients. Interactions can also occur between TCM herbs and medications. 