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Booklet on use of potent/toxic Chinese herbs published
A booklet on the proper handling of potent/toxic Chinese herbs was recently published by the Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine (PCCM) for the reference of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dispensers.
Introducing the booklet today (Wednesday), Chairman of PCCM's Chinese Medicine Sub-Committee, Mr Tam Ling-kwan said:" The booklet aimed at enhancing better understanding in the processing and use of potent/toxic Chinese herbs among TCM dispensers."
Printed in full colour, the booklet contains a list of 31 kinds of potent/toxic Chinese herbs and a number of pictures of these potent/toxic herbs. This list of potent/toxic herbs had been published earlier in an educational leaflet for the public by the PCCM.
Aimed for TCM dispensers, this booklet contains more details on the sources of origin and nature of these Chinese herbs and how to distinguish them.
It also gives useful information on the functions, applications and points to note in the handling and application of these herbs as well as their toxicity and symptoms of poisoning.
"The booklet was compiled after taking reference from a number of authoritative literature on traditional Chinese medicine," Mr Tam said.
He stressed that potent or toxic Chinese herbs could be very useful so long as they were processed and used properly and correctly, adding that unprocessed potent/toxic herbs were usually not suitable for internal use.
However, TCM dispensers should always consult TCM practitioners when they had doubts over certain prescriptions, Mr Tam said.
The booklet also contains a set of recommended practising guidelines for Chinese herbs retailing trade. This covers areas such as knowledge that should be equipped by TCM dispensers, their role and responsibility, management of Chinese herbal shops, and proper storage methods for Chinese herbs.