Chinese Herbs Database?

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

As a relatively new member to the list, I have impressed with the level of expertise shown on the list. And have started to look upon you all as a great resource.

Can you help me identify a database of chinese herbs that would be appropriate for an American lay audience? I am aware of IBIS, and know that the explanations of the herbs are " inside the box " of Chinese Medical diagnosis. Hence, an untrained person would not be able understand much of what is explained there.

Does anyone have experience with some chinese herb databases that would fit the bill?

 

Thanks in advance,

Mariana Almeida, LAc

 

[Guest guest]

, Mariana Almeida

<malmeida@o...>

wrote:

 

> Can you help me identify a database of chinese herbs that would be

> appropriate for an American lay audience? I am aware of IBIS, and

know that the explanations of the herbs are " inside the box " of

Chinese Medical diagnosis. Hence, an untrained person would not be

able understand much of what is explained there.

 

What purpose would such a database be used for? Hopefully, not self

medication by laypeople. A little knowledge can be dangerous. Such a

database may promote lay usage of herbs at the expense of our

profession, our professional credibility and public safety. I think

a database like IBIS, for example, provides plenty of low level

information for the public and researchers, but also makes self

prescribing of TCM formulae rather difficult for a layperson. This

format satisfies my need to protect both free speech and misuse of

herbs.

 

Also, a more consumer oriented version of IBIS will soon be available

online, if not already.

contact http://www.ibismedical.com

 

[Guest guest]

>>Can you help me identify a database of chinese herbs that would be appropriate for an American lay audience? I am aware of IBIS, and know that the explanations of the herbs are " inside the box " of Chinese Medical diagnosis. Hence, an untrained person would not be able understand much of what is explained there. <<

 

[warning, I think I'm stepping up on a soapbox]

 

There are databases out there, like IBIS, and there are books like the materia medica and formulas and strategies.

I think both of these are useful in the hands of practitioners, but I would NOT want to see laypersons self-prescribing from these resources. Hell, I don't want to see acupuncturists that are not trained in herbal medicine prescribing herbs either. I think Chinese herbal medicine is too complex, and there are too many subtleties for self prescription by an untrained person. I've seen too many people say " I have a cold coming on, I'll take yin qiao san " . The 'common cold' does not equal yin qiao san! Imagine the trouble someone would get into if they didn't realize that fatigue can be caused not only by qi deficiency but by damp heat as well. If someone has a damp heat obstruction and takes a hot red ginseng, they are going to get worse.

 

There is a good reason why the layperson can not understand 'technical' Chinese medical language. It takes years of study and practice to competently understand and practice this stuff. Now, I'm not suggesting that we don't help our patients educate themselves, and help them to understand how Chinese medicine is helpful to them. Nor, am I suggesting that we try to obscure the knowledge and experience we have. I just don't think we should water down the richness of this medicine so it can be " understood " by the average person on the street. Something important gets lost if we lose sight of the depth and context richness of this medicine.

 

OK, I'll get off the soapbox now.

Michael