Professor Roger Byard, the forensic pathologist from University of Adelaide is warning that potentially harmful substances found in herbal medicines.
As part of health and wellness tourism, Western travellers to many Asian countries now often visit herbal centres.
Studies have found some herbal remedies have been adulterated with approved or banned drugs and even toxic heavy metals.
Dr Xin Xu, an expert from Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, confirms that heavy metals may be contained in herbal medicine due to pollution or other unknown reasons. Also, some raw minerals with heavy metals are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment (TCM). Qualified TCM doctor will control the safe dosage.
China has its national standard and of traditional medicine. Detailed information of herbal medicine can be found in Pharmacopoeia of China and the authority also published its English version.
However, not all TCM doctors are qualified. Some of them may prescript medicines illegally.
"Some patients may seek the TCM doctors who claimed they are having secret prescriptions. They are not safe." Dr Xu told SBS Mandarin, "Patients should visit the standard hospital and take TCM under professional guidance."
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