Herbs should not be administered during pregnancy due to liability concerns. There is little direct evidence that commonly used herbs can be harmful to the fetus, however we live in a very litigious society.
Tonic herbs and formulas are usually inappropriate during the initial stages of a cold or flu. In addition to making the body stronger, tonics may make the cold or flu more virulent. Instead of tonics, use specific cold and flu formulas and resume tonic formulas once the illness has run its course.
Herbs should not be indiscriminately used during menstruation as herbs can increase the quantity and duration of bleeding. If there is a compelling reason to give herbs, i.e. the patient has a cold or flu, nausea, or cramps, it may be appropriate to use herbs at this stage.
Patients who have food allergies, digestive problems, or who seem highly sensitive should be started out at a reduced dosage and slowly build up to a normal dosage.
The recommended dosages are for 100-200 pound adults. Typically children and animals are dosed according to weight. Individuals weighing more than 200 pounds typically need to adjust dosage accordingly. For example, a 50-poundchild typically would get 50% of the adult dosage. An adult weighing 250 pound would get 50% more herbs.
Patients who have not used herbs before typically need lower dosages than those who use herbs regularly.
Auto-immune patients need to be carefully monitored as their condition often changes rapidly.
A professional should monitor herbs usage at least once a week to start, gradually this may change to every other week or once per month.
Take herbs and drugs at least two hours apart. Whenever possible take herbs on an empty stomach, at least half an hour or more before meals, or one hour after meals.
Select Chinese herbal products made in US due to superior quality control. Products made in Asia have been found to include pharmaceutical drugs, toxins, and other impurities.