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🇮🇱 Israel /Health & Science

Skeptical of alternative medicine, I took a leap on Chinese tonics and paid the price - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • The author, initially skeptical of alternative medicine, turned to Chinese herbal tonics for post-treatment side effects.
  • After being assured the tonics were safe, the author experienced a severe spike in liver enzymes, prompting an immediate stop to the treatment.
  • The incident highlights the potential risks and lack of transparency in some alternative medicine practices, despite assurances from practitioners.

Initially skeptical of alternative medicine, the author decided to try Chinese herbal tonics to manage side effects from cancer treatments. Despite past lukewarm experiences with acupuncture and massage, and wariness of homeopathy, a specialist in Tel Aviv, who reportedly tests his tonics at Sheba Medical Center, persuaded the author to try the concoctions.

Stop the tonics immediately!

— HematologistUrging the author to cease taking the herbal tonics after abnormal blood work results.

The prescribed tonics, primarily made of mushrooms and berries like Astragalus, cordyceps, reishi, ligustrum, and goji, tasted foul and were taken diligently three times a day. The author reported no noticeable changes in their "qi" or life force. However, a routine blood test at Hadassah revealed alarmingly high liver enzymes.

Upon being informed of the abnormal results, the author's hematologist urgently advised stopping the tonics. The author then contacted the herbal specialist via WhatsApp, who also urgently recommended discontinuing the tonics, acknowledging they could affect the liver. This came despite the author specifically asking the specialist if the tonics would interact with existing medications or ailments, and receiving reassurance that they would not.

Stop the tonics immediately! They can affect the liver!

— Chinese herbal specialistResponding to the author's notification of elevated liver enzymes.

The author's experience underscores a potential disconnect between practitioner assurances and actual health outcomes, particularly concerning the safety and interactions of herbal remedies. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in alternative medicine, even when practitioners claim scientific backing or provide reassurances.

I’m taking a couple of Chinese herbal tonics

— AuthorResponding to the hematologist's question about new medications.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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