China’s Obsession – Bigger Is Definitely Better

Posted by Cathy on May 28, 2012

In China, BIGGER is definitely better.

Take a look for yourself. These pictures tell it all.

If you are going to build a statue in Asia, it's got to be big. I mean really BIG.

Here in the U.S. we don't have much to compare with these. Mount Rushmore comes to mind but it is over 70 years old.

These huge statues, all in China, have all been built in the last 20 years.

What's the reason BIGGER is better? Not sure, what do you think?

AD 803		1994

		Located 30 kilometers south of Guangzhou city, South China's Guangdong province, the 40.8-meter Kwan-yin statue is the tallest gold-plated bronze statue in the world. It was completed in 1994.

		1996
Situated 160 kilometers north of Chengdu city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, the 71-meter Leshan Grand Buddha was built in AD 803 during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). It is still the biggest stone-carved Buddha in the world and was included on the World Heritage List. It was the world's biggest Buddha for 1,200 years. Now, it only ranks seventh in China in terms of height. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]		The 88-meter Lingshan Grand Buddha built in 1996 is the main tourist attraction at Lingshan Buddhist Scenic Spot in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province. It is a bronze statue of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]
1998

Xijiaoshan Kwan-yin Statue is 61.9 meters high, situated on the top of a hill in Foshan city, South China's Guangdong province. It was completed in 1998 as the highest sitting Kwan-yin statue.

2005		2006

		Golden Statue of Puxian on Emei Mountain, in Sichuan province, was built in May 2006 and is 48 meters high. This 66-ton bronze likeness is endowed with 10 heads "to catch winds from 10 directions."

The giant Kwan-yin statue is 108 meters high, located at Nanshan Temple in Sanya, South China's Hainan province. It was built in April 2005. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

2008		2007 The 106-meter statue of Yandi (left) and Huangdi emperors was finished in April 2007 in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province. Chinese often refer to themselves as "sons and grandsons of the emperors Huangdi and Yandi."
The Spring Temple Buddha built in 2008 is a statue depicting Vairocana Buddha in Zhaocun township of Lushan county, Central China's Henan province. At 128 meters, which includes a 20-meter lotus throne, it is the tallest statue in the world. If the statue's 25-meter pedestal is taken into account, the monument has a total height of 153 meters. The hill on which the statue stands was reshaped to form two more pedestals. The total height of the monument is now 208 meters. It is made of 108 kilograms of gold, 3,300 kilograms of alloy-copper and 15,000 tons of special steel. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

2009
2009		2010
		The huge statue of Guan Gong, an ancient Chinese marshal from the Three Kingdoms Period (AD 220-280), in Yuncheng city, North China's Shanxi province, is made of copper and measures 61 meters. It was built in 2010, becoming the tallest statue of Duke Guan in the world.

A thousand-hand Kwan-yin statue was finished in 2009 at Weishan Mountain in Central Hunan province. The statue is 99 meters high.

Fascinating Facts On Chinese Herbs

Posted by Cathy on May 20, 2012

What do I find most fascinating about Chinese medicine and Chinese herbs? Maybe its because Chinese herbs are the oldest medicine on earth. Practiced for nearly 5000 years.

One of the oldest Chinese herbal text is the Shen Nong Ben Cao translated it is, “The Divine Farmers Materia Medica”. This foundation book in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the book from which all others are derived.

I love history. The ability to read a 2000 year old book on the pharmacologocial activities of more than 365 plant, mineral, fish, shell fish, animal and insects is simply, AMAZING to me. (This ancient herbal medicine text was written circa 30 AD.) The use of plants and other pharmacologocial agents found in nature was explained with three key statements from the Shen Nong Ben Cao:

The highest level physician helps the patient fulfill their destiny. “The upper class of medicines…..govern the nourishment of destiny and correspond to heaven…., If one wishes to prolong the years of life without aging, one should” use these. Sheng Nong Ben Cao

Upper Class or superior drugs:

Superior drugs at the time of the Sheng Nong Ben Cao were those found to be nontoxic, and could be safely taken in large amounts for extended periods. Today we know them as tonics. (Approximately 120) Well-known superior drugs include: ginseng, licorice, di huang (root of Rehmannia), huangqi (root of Astragalus), wu wei zi (fruit of Schisandra), gan cao, (licorice) sesame seed, magnolia flower, ling zhi (Ganoderma), fu ling or poria, Chinese date (fruit of Ziziphus jujuba.), Job’s tears [seed of Coix.) and duzhong (bark of Eucommia). All of these superior herbs can be found in one or more of Pacific Herbs products.

“The mid-level physician treats constitution and helps the patient nourish their original nature.” Sheng Nong Ben Cao

“The middle class of medicines govern the nourishment of one’s nature and correspond to man. …If one wishes to prevent illness and to supplement depletions and emaciations, one should” use these.

Middle Class Drugs: (120 drugs) Middle class drugs are those that could be toxic or nontoxic, depending on usage. This included: ginger, mahuang or ephedra herb (Ephedra), danggui (Angelica sinensis), jixuecao or gotu kola, kuandonghua or coltsfoot flower (flower of Tussilaqo), yinyanghuo (herb of Epimedium spp.), haizao (Sargassum), hehuan (bark of Albizzia julibriss), gaoben, and zhuling or polyporus [sclerotium of Polyporus umbellatus.

The lowest level physician treats symptoms only.

“The lower (class of) medicines….govern the treatment of illness and correspond to earth. If one wishes to remove cold, heat and (other) evil influences (from the body), to break accumulations, and to cure illnesses, one should base (one’s efforts) on (drugs listed in) the lower (class of this) manual.” Sheng Nong Ben Cao

Inferior drugs are toxic, and are used for treating diseases and should not be used for extended periods .Inferior drugs (approx 125 include fu zi and wu tou, which are roots of aconite (Aconitum carmichaeli), rhubarb root (root and rhizome), bai tou weng (root of Pulsatilla chinensis), lian qiao or forsythia fruit (Forsythia), qing hao, croton seed (fruit of Croton), guan zhong (rhizome of Dryopteris), and lang dang zi (Hyoscyamus niger).

Many of the drugs in the Shen Nong Ben Cao are still being used today for the same medicinal reasons as the time the information was first written down. Two thousand years, their rationale can be scientifically justified. For example, the use of haizao (Sargassum) for the treatment of swelling of the neck (goiter) can be explained by its high content of iodine. There are endless examples. More than enough for another blog.

Some things never change. Even after a few thousand years.

Billionaire’s In The Chinese Medicine Industry

Posted by Cathy on July 31, 2011

This past weekend, Forbes published a story about a billionaire family who's family fortune is growing due to their investments in Chinese herbal medicine.

The company, called Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical gained 5.6% to close at 47.20 yuan, or $7.37. A rise 29% on its first day of trading. Most of money will be used to expand production of Chinese herbal medicines for cardio-cerebrovascular illness and the flu.

The Yiling’s 2010 revenue was approximately 1.6 billion yuan last year.

The family of chairman Wu Yiling, who with his children own 59% of the herb company, is currently worth $1.7 billion.

Wu is a graduate of Hebei Medical University with a bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, and also holds a master’s degree in medicine from the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.

China had a record 115 billionaires on the 2011 Forbes Billionaires list published earlier this year. To have a family in the Chinese herbal medicine business shows the expansive growth of Chinese herbs both in China and around the world.

Lower Your Blood Pressure With Acupuncture

Posted by Cathy on June 19, 2011

By: John McKenzie

By his own account, Dr. Randal Zusman, Director of blood-pressure medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, is a pill pusher. "I am very aggressive in the treatment of high blood pressure using drugs, using pills," he says.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Middle-aged Americans face a staggering 90 percent chance of developing the condition, according to a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

But the drugs used to treat it must be taken daily, usually for a lifetime. And they may have side effects, such as fatigue, depression and dizziness.

So Zusman is looking for alternatives for relieving hypertension. He thinks he may have found one in the ancient Chinese technique of acupuncture.

"There is an extensive literature from Asian and Russian communities that acupuncture does indeed lower blood pressure," he says.

American researchers have already shown that special acupuncture needles, when gently inserted into specific points on the skin, can stimulate nerves that reach up into the brain and to cells in the brain that control blood pressure.

"There's evidence from our laboratory and many other laboratories to suggest that the cells quiet down after acupuncture," says Dr. John Longhurst professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine.

When those cells "quiet down," or become less active, blood vessels relax.

Clinical Trials Continue

Now, in the most rigorous study of its kind, patients with high blood pressure — 140 (systolic) over 90 (diastolic) or higher — are being given a series of 12 acupuncture treatments.

The study is not yet complete, but Zusman is already enthusiastic.

"A substantial number of our patients have responded with significant reductions in blood pressure," he says.

Patients like Rip Reeves are also impressed: "In my late 30s, I was probably 145/95; with medication, I got it down to 130/80. And since I've been on acupuncture and not taking medication, I've been averaging 125/75."

Perhaps most amazing, acupuncture's benefit can be long lasting. Some patients who received the acupuncture treatment nine months ago still have normal blood pressure.

"The implication," says Zusman, "is that 12 acupuncture treatments over a six-week period will produce a cure."

In this case, the doctors defined "cure" as maintaining normal blood pressure for one year without medication. And that, for some patients, may now be within their reach.

Sleep Aid Medication Not Safe Enough Says FDA

Posted by Cathy on June 14, 2011 with 1 Comment

Regulators at the US Food and Drug Administration have denied for a second time, a sleep aid drug over safety concerns. Trancept Pharmaceuticals formulation of zolpidem tartrate (the same drug used in Ambien) has been trying to get approval for a sublingual tablet they hope to market as “Intermezzo”. This sleep aid would be marketed towards those who wake in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.

The problem is regulators have doubts over safety. Taking a dose of this drug with less than 4 hours of sleep time may result in severe morning drowsiness. The stories of sleep driving, sleepwalking and sleep falls have all been documented and are receiving attention.

Driving While Drowsy is Unsafe

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowsy driving contributes to an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle crashes and about 1,500 deaths each year.

In fact, in 2007, FDA regulators requested that all manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic drugs include stronger product language warning of the potential risks because of the rising number of sleep driving incidents.

Waking in the middle of the night is a pattern is a sleeplessness that is one of the most common problems today. If you saw the Dr. Oz show on Chinese Medicine (you can see it here) you probably heard that jujube seed is an herb which can help with this sleeplessness.

This 100% natural herbal sleep aid that has been used for thousands of years throughout Asia, yet is little known in the West. It is effective and safe! Research has proven its ability to calm the mind and stop the repetitive thoughts that so often keep us awake at night. It is one of the main herbs in iSleep Herb Pack. iSleep can be used sublingually before bed or in the middle of the night. There are no harmful side effects and no morning drowsiness. You can find iSleep Herb Pack here and at many fine health food stores.

Prevent Hypertension with Watermelon, A Natural Botanical Medicine

Posted by Cathy on October 15, 2010 with 1 Comment

The first documentation of it's kind (in the U.S.), watermelon is shown to be an effective natural herbal alternative for high blood pressure, a precursor to heart disease. Even though watermelon has been used in Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for centuries it is not well known in the West as a medicinal food or herb.

Scientists at The Florida State University have been studying watermelon, a fruit also use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is both a functional medicinal food and herb with vasodilatory effects. This means the properties of watermelon extract may help reduce the risks of pre-hypertensions from progressing to heart attacks and strokes.

"FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found that when six grams of the amino acid L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract was administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their pre-hypertensive subjects (four men and five postmenopausal women, ages 51-57)."

"Given the encouraging evidence generated by this preliminary study, we hope to continue the research and include a much larger group of participants in the next round," he said.

Why watermelon?

Interestingly, Chinese herbal medicine classifies watermelon as a cooling food/herb to clear heat, (hypertension is an example of excess heat) and to drain fire (heat) from the body. This Chinese herb is known as Xi Gua, and typically the rind is used, but the ripe fruit may also be used and even the seeds.

Watermelon frost has also been used as a traditional herbal remedy for mouth ulcers (sores), open wounds, sore throats, gum infections, toothaches… you get the idea. What is watermelon frost? Well, you remove the fruit part or insides of a watermelon, then pack it with salt, put it in a bowl, seal well and after a few days, a ‘frost’ appears on the skin. This is the active ingredient that can be used as an herbal medicine.

"Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citrulline, which is closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to the regulation of vascular tone and healthy blood pressure," Figueroa said.

Once in the body, the L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine. Simply consuming L-arginine as a dietary supplement isn't an option for many hypertensive adults, said Figueroa, because it can cause nausea, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and diarrhea. In contrast, watermelon is well tolerated. Participants in the Florida State pilot study reported no adverse effects. Watermelon also provides an abundant amount of vitamin A, B6, C, fiber, potassium and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Watermelon may even help to reduce serum glucose levels, according to Arjmandi. "The optimal dose appears to be four to six grams a day" according to Figueroa.

Findings from Figueroa's latest pilot study at Florida State are described in the American Journal of Hypertension. A copy of the paper ("Effects of Watermelon Supplementation on Aortic Blood Pressure and Wave Reflection in Individuals With Prehypertension: A Pilot Study") can be accessed online.

http://www.sciencecodex.com/florida_state_study_finds_watermelon_lowers_blood_pressure

A Story on The After Birth, How Valuable Is A Human Placenta?

Posted by Cathy on September 6, 2010 with 2 Comments

Ok, this topic makes some heads turn. I’m sitting at Starbucks talking about my friend who had her placenta cooked and dried and put into capsules after the birth of her baby. My Starbucks neighbor started giving me strange looks. Is it just me or if you’re going to eaves drop, is it polite to then give the person a crazy look? I would have engage the fellow eaves dropper in a friendly conversation on the subject but he split after he heard this story.

So, here is the story. In China and other parts of the world, the human placenta is considered a valuable source of nutrients. The placenta is that which feeds the baby during pregnancy and is otherwise known as “The After-Birth” because it is expelled from the uterus after a birth. The first Emperor of China used human placenta with Chinese herbs for health reasons some 2200 years ago and it has been used and documented in various culture every since.

Granted, most of us are not familiar with this concept and understandably it can turn some people’s stomachs. The topic came about because of this article in a Chinese newspaper about the selling of human placentas at some smaller Chinese hospitals. Of course, this is actually illegal. They have the same laws in China regarding the ownership of the placenta as we do here. The mother is the legal owner but she usually gives up her right to it and in that case the hospital should dispose of it as medical waste. Well, entrepreneurs are everywhere and when opportunity knocks, they answer. In China some unscrupulous types were buying placentas cheap at various hospitals and selling them for profit, and apparently business is good, there is both a supply and a demand.

In America, some mothers do return home with their placenta’s in a cooler. Some bury it in the yard for religious reasons other will have a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist (there really is such a profession) come to their house, cook it with Chinese herbs and pack it into capsules to supplement the new mothers health.

The preparation work and cooking of the placenta is quite a detailed process and should only be attempted by someone who has the proper training and knowledge. Cooking the placenta with Chinese herbs is said to improve the blood building and is considered a powerful yang tonic. The placenta is full of natural oxytocins which are responsible for contracting the uterus, enhancing milk supply, increasing energy and the hormones it contains most probably help with postpartum depression. Historically Chinese Medicine has used human placenta for those who have low energy.

For you expectant mothers, I happen to know Sara Pereira in Los Angeles who is qualified specialist in placenta cooking with Chinese herbs. You can reach her at mommyfeelgood.com, I definitely recommend it!

Another blog on the topic of human placenta, Tom Cruise on Oprah talked about eating Katie’s placenta.

Chinese Medicine and Consumer Transparency – Where Do Your Herbs Come From?

Posted by Cathy on July 12, 2010

I realized it’s been a year since I posted an article about transparency of herbal products on the market today. Much has changed with new GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) laws and much has stayed the same. I decided to re-post this while talking with a client about what to look for in the best Chinese herb products on the market. It will always be a buyers-beware market. You must do your homework when shopping for supplements. The first order of business is to check out the manufacturer. If you would like our Free Special Report on: “What you need to know about Chinese Herbs before you buy” just sign up for our news letter and you will receive it FREE. Or click here. Enjoy this article about transparency and what we’ve done to help provide you with the most information possible about our herbal products.

As I make my way through the murky waters of the internet today, I found the most refreshing words, like a crystal clear lake in the middle of the mountains that you just happen upon on a back country hike. The words were these: “Directions to Standard Process” Now I don’t usually name any companies in my blogs or support and certain supplier and I truthfully have no connection with Standard Process (a supplement manufacturer), but that’s not the reason to mention them here. The reason is simple. Wadding through all the supplement/herb suppliers on the internet I’ve never seen these words before. Directions, they are advertising directions to their factory on a map of Wisconsin and even more incredible, a tour of their factory. It’s unheard of!

This is exactly what we need in this industry. Transparency is more than a word. It is an action that companies need to take for consumers to have real faith in their products. PAC Herbs along with Standard Process has done this and more. Both our websites announces to the public, “take a tour of our facilities”. Standard Process says “hairnets and lab-coats are provided and please wear rubber shoes”. If that’s not the gold standard what is? It simple doesn’t get more transparent than that. Since our factory is in Taiwan, and it’s a bit of a trek for most of us to follow the “Directions to PAC Herbs factory”. Rather than lose transparency because of distance, I have brought our factory tour to you, via internet and video.

I’ve also added a Google Earth link so you can easily find our factory via cyberspace and zoom right in. Our factory video is on our home page so in approximately three minutes you can take a tour, no lab-coat or hair net needed. You can even do it barefoot. A company that’s been around as long as Standard Process (since 1929) has learned the value in allowing customers (and potential customers) complete access. I’m impressed with their transparency and continue to follow their lead. This is a must for our industry. Consumers want access these days, not only does it make us feel special, like we’re a celebrity cutting right through to the front of the line. More importantly, transparency helps educate consumers and allows them to purchase the best products for their health needs, rather than a cheap imitation product that’s barely effective. Herb and other supplement manufacturers who choose to keep those “Directions” from their websites are missing a golden opportunity to increase their own credibility, or do they have something to hide?

Herbal medicine suppliers talk about cGMP processing rules and regulations but unless you know where they physically are manufacturing the goods how can you know or trust their products. The herbal/supplement market suffers greatly from lost credibility. PAC Herbs takes a different direction. We’ve contracted with the most reputable herbal processing manufacturer in the world, KPC, Kaiser Pharmaceutical Company, to produce our products. (not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente) We have actively chosen to be transparent about our factory, location, operation and it’s history, to give you the confidence that our Chinese herbal products are the best on the planet.

Check out the KPC website, learn more, you’ll find it a refreshing change from most herb suppliers who prefer to leave those “directions” conspicuously missing.

Supplementing Cancer Treatments with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Posted by Cathy on July 9, 2010 with 2 Comments

It seems inevitable that each week I hear of a new cancer diagnosis, from a friend, patient or acquaintance. What is going on? Does everyone get some type of cancer just because they are aging? Cancer seems to have morphed into more a chronic disease today rather than an automatic death sentence, but too many people are catching this bug. Thankfully, we have a plethora of alternative choices to accompany Western medical treatments. Acupuncture is quickly becoming one of the most readily accepted complementary therapies to relieve the side-effects of very toxic treatments and build back our natural immune systems.

An interesting survey done on Hong Kong cancer patients studied how they combined Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the Western treatment they were undergoing. A colleague of mine Jennifer Dubowsky, L.Ac. had this to say about the study.

Data was collected from almost 800 cancer patients in Hong Kong. Of those, 42.9% used Western medicine practices for cancer treatment exclusively. The remaining 57.1% used at least one form of Chinese Medicine and 5 patients used TCM exclusively. Interestingly, many of the cancer patients did not tell their doctors that they were using TCM along with the Western treatments. The Chinese patients were not comfortable talking about their preferences, at least with their doctors who are practicing Western medicine.    Some of my patients have experienced the same discomfort talking to their Western medical doctors about alternative treatments, but they are becoming fewer and fewer. Today, more physicians are knowledgeable about TCM, many are comfortable and some are actively curious. I believe that patients have led this change and am happy to see us move toward a more integrative approach to health care.

For more information on how Acupuncture can be helpful while undergoing radiation, chemotherapy and other Western treatments check out this post at the NIH (National Institute of Health – Cancer Institute.

Sleeping Through The Night, Naturally

Posted by Cathy on July 8, 2010

Having a good night of sleep can make all the difference in having a good day ahead. The video below gives some good ideas about Western herbs for sleep and some foods that may help calm you down in the evening. But unfortunately, the dietitian in this segment of Fox News has obviously not heard of Chinese herbs that are commonly used as sleep aids. Drinking Ziziphi or Suan Zao Ren tea, otherwise known as spiny jujube seed, can give you as much if not more relaxation as chamomile tea or valerian tea. Americans are not as familiar with Chinese herbs because they are not yet as pervasive on the store shelves, but they are coming. (Ours are already here) As the world gets smaller, Americans are learnimg more about convention herbal medicines from far away places such as China.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ziziphi seed is widely used with other herbs for the treatment of insomnia. I was in a health food store the other day talking to people about iSleep Herb Pac and it was inspiring to hear talk so many people who want to end their addiction to prescription sleep aids. Natural alternatives to sleepless nights do exist. Herbs used in Asia for generations like spiny jujube/ziziphi are the new natural drug of choice.

There are many studies which have examined the effective components of this herb. They have all come to similar conclusions, the sedative and hypnotic effects of jujube seeds come from three important compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides all found inside. The combination and concentration of these chemicals and is truly remarkable in each little seed. Together these active chemicals prolong sleep time, provide more REM sleep and decrease sleep latency, or the time it takes to fall asleep. Some studies point more to the saponins, also found in many foods (ie, alfalfa, fenugreek, oats and potatoes) which help you feel that sedative effect. Asian cultures have known these effects for generations, they never needed a study to know that suan zao ren helps you sleep. They know from experience, past down from generation to generation. They also know Chinese herbs are more effective when combined together with other herbs. But we're still learning.

Pub Med study on Semen Ziziphi spinosae/ Suan Zao Ren

Help, Caffine Is Not The Answer For Menstrual Cramps?

Posted by Cathy on June 23, 2010

I want to scream.. and it’s not because I have PMS. I just saw an ad at this pharmacy promoting its Menstrual Relief / Menstrual Complete product. Come on, it’s acetaminophen and caffeine packaged in a box of pills with the name “Menstrual Relief”. The box says it temporary relieves cramps, bloating, fatigue, backache and headache.

Oh, and it’s “pharmacists recommended”, in case you were wondering about that!

Are you serious, this is the best you can do?

Wake up and smell the caffeine.. this not an answer for menstrual cramps.

Caffeine has diuretic effects, so it may help a little with water weight gain, but I think they add it to give you a little boost of energy so you have the perception of feeling better.

Acetaminophen is as temporary pain reliever most of us are familiar with. It’s also the number one cause of liver damage. UCLA, Univ. of Cal. Los Angeles researchers report on acetaminophen is here. Take a look.

Here’s the CVS brand list of ingredients on the box:

Active Ingredients (in each Caplet): Acetaminophen (500 mg), Caffeine (60 mg), Pyrilamine Maleate (15 mg). Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Polydextrose, Polyethylene Glycol, Silica Gel, Stearic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Triacetin.

Included in the product is Titanium Dioxide, which in case you haven’t keep up to date on carcinogenic chemicals, that one is on the list. But it’s definitely not a chemical you want to ingest. Since it’s an “Inactive Ingredient” according to the label why even add it? (hint, they need it to help the capsule machines from getting to sticky.)

Polyethylene Glycol, “like all medicines, has side effects”, according the to FDA. The most common side effects of this chemical are bloating, nausea, rectal irritation, stomach fullness or cramps and vomiting. This chemical is actually a laxative. Why not just drink some prune juice if you are looking for a laxative? You’ll certain avoid the side effects. Additionally, they didn’t disclose the dosage of polyethylene glycol? “High doses have proven to produce diarrhea and excessive stool frequency”. Here’s the link for more adverse reactions. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=14585

Somebody please tell them that Chinese Medicine has been treating women’s cramps for centuries. Natural Chinese herbs work incredibly well for menstrual cramps and PMS. Generations of people have been using herbs and the studies show proven benefits. Don’t poison your body with chemicals when all you’re looking for is a little relief.

FDA Tells Prescription Sleep Aid Manufacturer to Remove TV AD

Posted by Cathy on June 20, 2010 with 1 Comment

I don’t usually blog about prescription drugs, I’d much rather talk about herbs, especially Chinese herbs. But in this case, I consider this more of a “Public Service Announcement”. Most of my readers have strong feelings against taking any pharmaceutical drugs and have an inherent mistrust of drug companies. Here’s another reason why a growing segment of the public feels they can’t trust the drug companies or their TV commercials.

June 17, 2010: According to Carrie Newcomer, a Regulatory Review Officer at the FDA, Division of Drug Marketing, Lunesta, a prescription sleep medication made by Sepracor, has made an “unsubstantiated superiority claims” in a TV commercial. According to the FDA’s letter to Sepracor. “Promotional materials are misleading if they represent or suggest that a drug is safer or more effective than another drug, when this has not been demonstrated by substantial evidence or substantial clinical experience.”

The FDA’s has reviewed a 60 second commercial and has sent a warning letter to Sepracor to immediately cease the dissemination of violative promotional materials for Lunesta. This drug has “warnings which include abnormal thinking and behavior (e.g., aggressiveness, bizarre behavior, agitation, hallucinations, depersonalization), complex behaviors (e.g., “sleep-driving,” preparing and eating food, making phone calls, and/or having sex, with amnesia for the event), worsening of depression in primarily depressed patients including suicidal thoughts and actions.”

“Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness or motor coordination. Lunesta should not be taken with alcohol and can lead to abuse and dependence. The most common adverse reactions associated with this sleep aid includes unpleasant taste in mouth, headache, dizziness and morning drowsiness.”

Category: Chinese Medicine