A resource providing advice for safe use of Chinese and other traditional medicines to healthcare professionals.
We deal with all levels of enquiry:
· investigation of suspected adverse health effects
· identification of Chinese herbs
· information on potential side effects or interactions
· general information on the use of Chinese herbal medicine
The majority of herbal medicines used in the UK are self-prescribed and obtained as over-the-counter products from health food stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and mail order.
Apart from these products, there are several systems of herbal medicine mainly accessed by consultation with herbal practitioners, eg western herbal medicine, Chinese, Ayurvedic or Tibetan medicine, and each has a different philosophy and cultural origin.
If you want to use herbal medicines or consult a herbal practitioner read our general guidelines. Also see our new 'Safety Alerts' page for a listing of international safety warnings and product withdrawals.
Healthcare professionals can contact the Chinese Medicine Advisory Service for advice or help with a specific query. Members of the public should consult their GP, pharmacist or other health care provider.
Requests for information should be made to:
Chinese Medicine Advisory Service (ChiMAS)
Medical Toxicology Information Services
Mary Sheridan House
Guy's Hospital
London SE1 9RT
Fax: 020 7188 0700