Traditional Chinese Medicines Contain Dangerously High Levels of Toxins

For decades traditional Chinese medicines have been used for preventive care. But this ancient practice that includes massage therapy, acupuncture and herbal remedies is under heavy scrutiny as health regulators claim that some Chinese medicines contain dangerously high concentrations of toxins.

In a latest report, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned people about the use of several unlicensed Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) as it discovered the medicines carried potentially dangerous toxins like lead, mercury and arsenic in high concentrations.

One of the products, 'Bak Foong Pills,' which  is used to cure menstrual pain, has been recalled in Hong Kong after the agency discovered it contained twice the concentration of lead permitted by the government.

Similarly, another TCM called 'Hairegenerator' that is used to treat hair loss problems, has been recalled in Hong Kong after it was found  that it contained high levels of mercury ; 11 times more than the permitted level.

Richard Woodfield, MHRA's Head of Herbal Policy, said in a news release, "The adulteration of traditional Chinese medicines with heavy metals is a significant international problem and can pose a serious risk to public health. Natural does not mean safe. To help you choose an herbal medicine that is suitable for you, look for a product that has a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) or product licence number on the packaging. These products have met the acceptable quality and safety standards."

The Swedish National Food Agency (SFNA) has spotted a product, sold under various names, containing extremely high levels of arsenic. These TCM are Niu-Huang Chieh-tu-pein, Divya Kaishore Guggul and Chandraprabha Vati, which are used to cure mumps, toothache, tonsillitis, skin infections, anorexia, sore throat and fever in young kids.  

According to the health regulators, these TCM are unlicensed and are not authorized to be sold in the U.K. markets. But people have easy access to these medicines as they are sold online.

A previous report published in June 2013 in Aeon Magazine listed a few other products that have dangerous toxins. Some of the products it lists are Anshen Bunao Pian pills that are used to cure insomnia, these pills contain 55 times China's legal limit for mercury. Similarly, a popular migraine treatment, Zheng Tian Wan, causes kidney failure and heart palpitations.

Most of the Chinese opt for TCMs as they are cheaper compared to the conventional treatment especially in cases of surgery.