The NCCAOM Chinese Herbology exam has a variety of topics that soon to be diplomats must study in order to pass the exam. In this article, review a few common Chinese herbs, their benefits, cautions, and contraindications. While there are many Chinese herbs you will need to know for NCCAOM Chinese Herbology exam, this short article is designed to get you started.
Ginseng
Otherwise known as Ren Shen, ginseng is a popular Chinese herb used for it’s adaptogenic properties. Feeling sluggish? Ginseng can boost your energy, improve vitality and enhance overall health.
However, ginseng may not be appropriate for some individuals. Let’s explore when not to use ginseng.
Contraindications for Ginseng:
Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may be hypersensitive or allergic to ginseng. If you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking ginseng, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
High Blood Pressure
Ginseng can have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and may temporarily increase blood pressure. Individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure) should use ginseng cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Heart Conditions
People with certain heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or a history of heart disease, should use ginseng with caution due to its potential stimulant effects on the cardiovascular system.
Diabetes
Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes or are taking medications to control blood sugar, monitor your blood sugar levels closely when using ginseng, and consult your healthcare provider for guidance on adjusting your medication if necessary.
Autoimmune Disorders
Ginseng can modulate the immune system, and in some cases, it may exacerbate autoimmune disorders. Individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, should consult a healthcare professional before using ginseng.
Children
Ginseng is generally not recommended for use in children unless prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner, as it may affect their developing systems.
Interactions with Medications
Ginseng can interact with various medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs, certain antidepressants, and others. If you are taking medications, especially on a long-term basis, consult your healthcare provider before using ginseng to avoid potential interactions.
Insomnia or Anxiety
Ginseng’s stimulating properties may exacerbate insomnia or anxiety in some individuals. If you have sleep disorders or anxiety disorders, use ginseng cautiously and monitor its effects.
Overuse or High Dosages
Excessive or prolonged use of ginseng, especially at high doses, can lead to side effects such as nervousness, restlessness, digestive disturbances, and hypertension.
Pharmaceutical drugs that Interact with Ginseng
Individuals on the following medications should not take ginseng
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- Antidiabetic medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Psychiatric medications
- Immunosuppressants
- Medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes
Ginseng is a natural stimulant, and when combined with other stimulants like caffeine or medications containing stimulants, it can lead to increased nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia. Caution is advised when taking ginseng along stimulant medications or caffeine-containing products.
Astragalus
Huang Qi, also known as Astragalus, is touted for it’s ability to improve blood circulation, aide the immune system, and boost energy. Individuals who have certain conditions, however, are advised to avoid this herbal supplement.
Allergies
Individuals who are allergic to plants in the Leguminosae family (which includes beans and peas) may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction to astragalus. If you have known allergies to these plants, it’s best to avoid astragalus.
Autoimmune Diseases
Astragalus has immune-enhancing properties, which may exacerbate autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis by stimulating the immune system. People with autoimmune disorders should use astragalus with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Transplants and Organ Rejection
Astragalus may enhance the immune system’s activity, which could increase the risk of organ rejection in transplant recipients. If you have undergone an organ transplant, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using astragalus.
Fever and Acute Infections
Astragalus is typically used for immune support and as a preventive measure. It is not recommended for use during acute infections characterized by fever, as it may stimulate the immune system and potentially worsen symptoms.
Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
Astragalus may have blood pressure-lowering effects. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), using astragalus may further lower blood pressure and should be done cautiously under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Hormone-Related Conditions
Astragalus may have hormonal effects, and its use is not recommended for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. It could potentially affect hormone balance.
Children
Astragalus is generally not recommended for use in children unless prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Astragalus contains compounds that may affect kidney function. Individuals with chronic kidney disease should use astragalus cautiously and consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Cancer
There is limited evidence regarding the safety of astragalus in cancer patients, particularly during cancer treatments. Astragalus may have immune-modulating effects, which could interfere with cancer therapies or promote tumor growth in some cases. Cancer patients should consult their oncologist before using astragalus.
Pharmaceutical Drugs that Interact with Astragalus
Certain pharmaceutical medications are known to interact with astragalus.
- Immunosuppressant medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidiabetic medications
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Anticoagulants
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Licorice Root
Also known as Gan Cao, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a commonly used herb in traditional medicine and has various potential health benefits. However, it also contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, It is responsible for the characteristic sweet taste of licorice root and licorice-flavored products, that can have adverse effects in certain health conditions.
Hypertension
Licorice root can cause an increase in blood pressure due to its glycyrrhizin content. Individuals with hypertension should avoid licorice or licorice-containing supplements, as it can exacerbate high blood pressure.
Hypokalemia
Prolonged or excessive consumption of licorice root can lead to a reduction in potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hypokalemia. This can be dangerous, especially for individuals with pre-existing potassium deficiencies or conditions that predispose them to low potassium levels.
Cardiovascular Disease
Licorice root’s potential effects on blood pressure and potassium levels can pose risks to individuals with heart conditions or cardiovascular disease. It can exacerbate existing cardiovascular issues and should be used with caution.
Kidney Disorders
Licorice root contains compounds that may affect kidney function. People with kidney disorders, such as chronic kidney disease, should avoid licorice root or licorice supplements, as they can potentially worsen kidney function.
Liver Disease
Licorice root may affect liver enzyme activity and metabolism. Individuals with liver disease or compromised liver function should use licorice root with caution, if at all, as it may exacerbate liver-related issues.
Hormone-Sensitive Conditions
Licorice root contains compounds with estrogenic effects. If you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, licorice root may interfere with hormonal balance and is not recommended.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Licorice root can sometimes exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with conditions like peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It may irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.
Photosensitivity
Licorice root can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Individuals with photosensitive conditions or those taking photosensitizing medications should exercise caution when using licorice root and take appropriate sun protection measures.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Licorice root may interact with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications, affecting hormonal balance. If you are undergoing HRT, consult your healthcare provider before using licorice root.
Pharmaceutical Drugs that Interact with Licorice
There are certain pharmaceutical medications that can interact with licorice, and are best to avoid when consuming this herb.
- Blood pressure medications
- Potassium supplements
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Corticosteroids
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
St John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort, also known as Guan Ye Lian Qiao, is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe, to treat a variety of ailments. It is often used as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression, but it is also believed to have several other potential health benefits. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort can vary among individuals. Some potential benefits of St. John’s Wort include antimicrobial effects, anti-inflammatory properties, wound healing, nerve pain, seasonal affective disorder, mild to moderate depression, and anxiety.
Health conditions that are not compatible with St. John’s Wort include:
Severe Depression
St. John’s Wort is primarily used for mild to moderate depression. It is generally not recommended for individuals with severe depression, as it may not be effective in treating severe symptoms, and appropriate treatment by a healthcare provider is typically required.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Disorder)
St. John’s Wort may potentially induce manic episodes or mood swings in individuals with bipolar disorder. It can disrupt mood stabilization, making it an inappropriate treatment choice for this condition.
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
St. John’s Wort may not be suitable for individuals with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, as it can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms and interfere with antipsychotic medications.
Certain Anxiety Disorders
While some people use St. John’s Wort for anxiety, its effectiveness for anxiety disorders is less well-established compared to its use for depression. Individuals with anxiety disorders should use it cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The safety of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established conclusively. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using St. John’s Wort due to potential risks to the developing fetus or infant.
Photosensitivity
St. John’s Wort can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Individuals with photosensitive conditions or those taking photosensitizing medications should exercise caution when using St. John’s Wort and take appropriate sun protection measures.
Certain Medical Conditions
St. John’s Wort can interact with various health conditions, including those that require specific medications or therapies. Individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, should consult their healthcare provider before using St. John’s Wort to ensure it does not interfere with their treatment or worsen their condition.
Liver Disease
St. John’s Wort can affect liver enzyme activity and metabolism. Individuals with liver disease or compromised liver function should use St. John’s Wort with caution, if at all, as it may exacerbate liver-related issues.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
St. John’s Wort can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals, such as stomach upset or diarrhea. People with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions should be aware of these potential effects.
Pharmaceutical Drugs that Interact with St. John’s Wort
Individuals on the following medications would not be a good fit for St. John’s wort due to drug-supplement interactions.
- Antidepressants
- Birth control pills
- Heart medications
- Oral antidiabetic drugs
- Migraine medications
- Psychiatric medications
- Anticoagulants
- Immunosuppressant drugs
- HIV medications
- Anticonvulsant medications
- Antifungal medications
Well, there you have it! A few Chinese Herbs to get you started on your studying journey for the NCCAOM Chinese Herbology exam. As a part of your Chinese Herbology review, don’t forget to go back to your school materials on Chinese herbs. Make customized flash cards on the Chinese herbs you are struggling to remember. It also doesn’t hurt to take a few Chinese Herbology practice tests to know where you stand with the material. Good luck, and happy studying!