Safety of Chinese herbal formulations
A properly trained, state licensed, nationally certified practitioner* undergoes years of study and learns what formulas are traditionally indicated and contra-indicated for specific conditions (patterns). Such practitioners are also trained to be aware of possible drug-herb interactions.
Self-prescribing herbal formulas, like self-prescribing prescription medication, can be dangerous.
It is important to use reputable sources that are cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) certified by the Food and Drug Administration.
*Generally, the NCCAOM Diplomate training and competency verification is in sharp contrast to the acupuncture and Oriental medicine training of other healthcare professionals such as chiropractors or registered nurses or even medical doctors who typically receive 100-300 hours of abbreviated training. In addition, other healthcare professionals who study acupuncture are not trained or assessed to practice Chinese herbal medicine. Certified (and licensed) acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners are also trained in standard medical history gathering, safety, and ethics, and recognition of when to refer patients to other healthcare professionals or consult with other medical practitioners.”—from http://www.nccaom.org