Does Traditional Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?

Yes, it can and this is why it is best to have a skilled Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner select or prescribe the correct formula for you and monitor your health while you take it.  Individual Chinese herbs have varying levels of toxicity.  Some have no toxicity and these are generally used to nourish the body.  Other herbs have a moderate amount of toxicity or are hard on the digestion so they are usually combined with certain other herbs which minimize or reduce their toxicity.   Some herbs are very toxic, but quite effective, and these are only used for very short periods of time for specific conditions.  According to some research, it has also been shown that some herbs are less toxic to patients whose condition warrants their use.  A skilled Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner knows what is appropriate to use for a given condition and for how long it may safely be used.  We are watching the patient's reaction very closely and this is why we may only give you herbs for 3 to 7 days at a time.