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Herbs can be deadly-- Part 1
Herbalists do not have the capacity nor the capital to test the imported herbs and other Chinese or Asian remedies they prescribe. They cannot be assured themselves of consistency in potency, nor the actual ingredients or additives that may be present . There is no such thing as a "trusted source" when dealing in Chinese or Asian herbs. No matter how well you know your herbalist or CAM practitioner they may unknowingly be passing along tainted herbs. -ML
Toxic Heavy Metals and Undeclared Drugs in Asian Herbal Medicines
by Edzard Ernst
This article will also appear in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. Issue 120
Abstract: Asian herbal medicines are currently used by large sections of the population. Because they are not regulated as medicines and are freely available to everyone, serious safety concerns might be associated with these herbal medicines.
In this article, evidence suggesting that some Asian herbal medicines contain toxic heavy metals or undeclared prescription drugs is reviewed. In particular, Indian and Chinese preparations have been implicated.
Although adulteration with drugs is by definition fraudulent, the inclusion of heavy metals could be either intentional for alleged medicinal purposes or accidental.
Evidence from various countries implies that toxic heavy metals and undeclared prescription drugs in Asian herbal medicines might constitute a serious health problem. However, the majority of the data is anecdotal and insufficient to define prevalence figures.
Ways ought to be found to maximize consumer safety.
In most developed countries, Asian herbal medicines (AHMs) are becoming more and more popular [1]. However, usually AHMs are not regulated as medicines. Problems might arise as a result of the lack of adequate regulations, the pharmacological complexity of herbal products, and the paucity of information on the pharmacology and toxicity of these compounds. AHMs can be purchased from outlets ranging from health-food stores to Internet sites, and thus a crucial evaluation of their safety is relevant and important.
One obvious safety issue relates to the possibility that some AHMs contain heavy metals or undeclared drugs [2]. Based on a review of the recent medical literature (Medline, Embase 1990-2001), this article aims to summarize the recent evidence pertaining to this subject.
Indian Remedies Indian medical systems (e.g. Ayurveda and Unani) have a long and rich history of herbal medicine, and heavy metals have been a regular and deliberate constituent of traditional Indian remedies [3]. Thus, to use the term "contamination" with respect to the presence of heavy metals in such remedies might be misleading (see below).
A London-based toxicology unit published a case series of adverse events associated with traditional medicines that were reported to them between 1991 and 1995 [4]. Of 12 cases of poisoning with lead, arsenic or mercury, nine cases were associated with herbal remedies from India and the remainder was due to traditional Indian cosmetics (e.g., "surma.")
cont'd in this thread under "Herbs can be deadly-- Part 2"
Toxic Heavy Metals and Undeclared Drugs in Asian Herbal Medicines
by Edzard Ernst
This article will also appear in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. Issue 120
Abstract: Asian herbal medicines are currently used by large sections of the population. Because they are not regulated as medicines and are freely available to everyone, serious safety concerns might be associated with these herbal medicines.
In this article, evidence suggesting that some Asian herbal medicines contain toxic heavy metals or undeclared prescription drugs is reviewed. In particular, Indian and Chinese preparations have been implicated.
Although adulteration with drugs is by definition fraudulent, the inclusion of heavy metals could be either intentional for alleged medicinal purposes or accidental.
Evidence from various countries implies that toxic heavy metals and undeclared prescription drugs in Asian herbal medicines might constitute a serious health problem. However, the majority of the data is anecdotal and insufficient to define prevalence figures.
Ways ought to be found to maximize consumer safety.
In most developed countries, Asian herbal medicines (AHMs) are becoming more and more popular [1]. However, usually AHMs are not regulated as medicines. Problems might arise as a result of the lack of adequate regulations, the pharmacological complexity of herbal products, and the paucity of information on the pharmacology and toxicity of these compounds. AHMs can be purchased from outlets ranging from health-food stores to Internet sites, and thus a crucial evaluation of their safety is relevant and important.
One obvious safety issue relates to the possibility that some AHMs contain heavy metals or undeclared drugs [2]. Based on a review of the recent medical literature (Medline, Embase 1990-2001), this article aims to summarize the recent evidence pertaining to this subject.
Indian Remedies Indian medical systems (e.g. Ayurveda and Unani) have a long and rich history of herbal medicine, and heavy metals have been a regular and deliberate constituent of traditional Indian remedies [3]. Thus, to use the term "contamination" with respect to the presence of heavy metals in such remedies might be misleading (see below).
A London-based toxicology unit published a case series of adverse events associated with traditional medicines that were reported to them between 1991 and 1995 [4]. Of 12 cases of poisoning with lead, arsenic or mercury, nine cases were associated with herbal remedies from India and the remainder was due to traditional Indian cosmetics (e.g., "surma.")
cont'd in this thread under "Herbs can be deadly-- Part 2"
NO MATTER what food or herb that is on this planet they are all sprayed with pesticides,if its not labeled organic,simple as that,this is why you choose organic plants ,herbs,if you can.
"Socrates
True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.
And in knowing that you know nothing, that makes you the smartest of all."
"Socrates
True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.
And in knowing that you know nothing, that makes you the smartest of all."
LOL; I echo that.
Mercury in herbs? Reminds me of our vaccine program. We've been using mercury in vaccines since the 30's. Of course, mercury is not *dangerous* when in vaccines.
; )
Ever notice how hard is is to get a drug approved like Boceprevir of Telaprevir? And yet our nation pumps out vaccines for every occasion.
A hysteria is created so that the vaccines can be sold; I'm surprised that they are not yet mandated.
Think about the HBV vaccine that they were giving to all these young girls. They would line em up in the schools.......
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(A few paragraphs from the CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/gardasil.htm
Reports of Health Concerns Following HPV Vaccination
HPV Vaccine Safety
The safety of the HPV vaccine was studied in 5 clinical trials before it was licensed. There were over 21,000 girls and women ages 9 through 26 in these clinical trials.
Since it was licensed, CDC and FDA have been closely monitoring the safety of the HPV vaccine. There are 3 systems used to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are licensed and being used in the U.S. These systems can monitor side effects already known to be caused by vaccines as well as detect rare side effects that were not identified during a vaccine's clinical trials. The 3 systems are:
* The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)--a useful early warning public health system that helps CDC and FDA detect possible side effects or adverse events following vaccination.
* The Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Project--a project between CDC and 8 health care organizations to study patterns in reports detected by VAERS and determine if a vaccine is causing a side effect.
* The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) Network--a project between 6 academic centers in the U.S. which conduct research on adverse events that might be caused by vaccines.
Reports to VAERS Following HPV Vaccination
As of September 1, 2009, more than 26 million doses of Gardasil were distributed in the United States.
As of September 1, 2009, there were 15,037 VAERS reports of adverse events following Gardasil vaccination in the United States. Of these reports, 93% were reports of events considered to be non-serious, and 7% were reports of events considered to be serious.
Based on all of the information we have today, CDC continues to recommend Gardasil vaccination for the prevention of 4 types of HPV. As with all approved vaccines, CDC and FDA will continue to closely monitor the safety of Gardasil. Any problems detected with this vaccine will be reported to health officials, healthcare providers, and the public, and needed action will be taken to ensure the public's health and safety.
Non-serious adverse event reports
VAERS defines non-serious adverse events as those other than hospitalization, death, permanent disability, and life-threatening illness.
The vast majority (93%) of the adverse events reports following Gardasil have been non-serious. Reports of non-serious adverse events after Gardasil vaccination have included fainting, pain and swelling at the injection site (the arm), headache, nausea and fever. Fainting is common after injections and vaccinations, especially in adolescents. Falls after fainting may sometimes cause serious injuries, such as head injuries, which can be prevented by closely observing the vaccinated person for 15 minutes after vaccination.
_______________________________________
Back on track......
Yes...... I agree with you that the quality of herbs can be unknown and of varying quality. Sadly when one takes even approved drugs.....FDA approved drugs one can also be entering into a **** shoot with ones health...... or of course, the health of ones child. Vaccines are very profitable, on the other hand.
LOL....now I have to go find part 2 and part 3. ; )
Best,
Willy
Mercury in herbs? Reminds me of our vaccine program. We've been using mercury in vaccines since the 30's. Of course, mercury is not *dangerous* when in vaccines.
; )
Ever notice how hard is is to get a drug approved like Boceprevir of Telaprevir? And yet our nation pumps out vaccines for every occasion.
A hysteria is created so that the vaccines can be sold; I'm surprised that they are not yet mandated.
Think about the HBV vaccine that they were giving to all these young girls. They would line em up in the schools.......
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(A few paragraphs from the CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/gardasil.htm
Reports of Health Concerns Following HPV Vaccination
HPV Vaccine Safety
The safety of the HPV vaccine was studied in 5 clinical trials before it was licensed. There were over 21,000 girls and women ages 9 through 26 in these clinical trials.
Since it was licensed, CDC and FDA have been closely monitoring the safety of the HPV vaccine. There are 3 systems used to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are licensed and being used in the U.S. These systems can monitor side effects already known to be caused by vaccines as well as detect rare side effects that were not identified during a vaccine's clinical trials. The 3 systems are:
* The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)--a useful early warning public health system that helps CDC and FDA detect possible side effects or adverse events following vaccination.
* The Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Project--a project between CDC and 8 health care organizations to study patterns in reports detected by VAERS and determine if a vaccine is causing a side effect.
* The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) Network--a project between 6 academic centers in the U.S. which conduct research on adverse events that might be caused by vaccines.
Reports to VAERS Following HPV Vaccination
As of September 1, 2009, more than 26 million doses of Gardasil were distributed in the United States.
As of September 1, 2009, there were 15,037 VAERS reports of adverse events following Gardasil vaccination in the United States. Of these reports, 93% were reports of events considered to be non-serious, and 7% were reports of events considered to be serious.
Based on all of the information we have today, CDC continues to recommend Gardasil vaccination for the prevention of 4 types of HPV. As with all approved vaccines, CDC and FDA will continue to closely monitor the safety of Gardasil. Any problems detected with this vaccine will be reported to health officials, healthcare providers, and the public, and needed action will be taken to ensure the public's health and safety.
Non-serious adverse event reports
VAERS defines non-serious adverse events as those other than hospitalization, death, permanent disability, and life-threatening illness.
The vast majority (93%) of the adverse events reports following Gardasil have been non-serious. Reports of non-serious adverse events after Gardasil vaccination have included fainting, pain and swelling at the injection site (the arm), headache, nausea and fever. Fainting is common after injections and vaccinations, especially in adolescents. Falls after fainting may sometimes cause serious injuries, such as head injuries, which can be prevented by closely observing the vaccinated person for 15 minutes after vaccination.
_______________________________________
Back on track......
Yes...... I agree with you that the quality of herbs can be unknown and of varying quality. Sadly when one takes even approved drugs.....FDA approved drugs one can also be entering into a **** shoot with ones health...... or of course, the health of ones child. Vaccines are very profitable, on the other hand.
LOL....now I have to go find part 2 and part 3. ; )
Best,
Willy
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