Does Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?

Not if correctly prescribed by a practitioner or Doctor of Oriental or E. Asian Medicine (Chinese Medicine) according to an appropriate pattern diagnosis. Most of the herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica have a very low toxicity compared to common, over-the-counter Western drugs. Herbal medicine is a powerful mediator of beneficial cellular healing. If there are any minor discomforts while taking Chinese herbs, then modifications can easily be made to a formula unless it is necessary part of normal healing or detoxification reactions of the body. Communication is essential between the patient/client and the Doctor of E. Asian Medicine to insure correct and appropriate responses during a course of treatment.