The professional response:

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I read with interest Aidan Bowes article [sic]. I found it interesting and informative and the approach was balanced but enthusiastic. I suspect for the majority of the time herbal medicines do no harm at all and in some cases may indeed provide benefit. The benefit is usually that described by an individual. I think however that one has to provide a few words of caution of which anyone using herbal medicine or Chinese medicines should be aware of.

There is a misconception that if you are using natural products that they may have no toxic side effects. There is no standardised quality control* with regard to herbal medicines, they have no license, they have not been through the Medicine Control Agency and there is no issue of yellow cards if they have side effects. They may also interact with some of the drugs that CF patients may use.

Sometimes it has been recognised that herbal medicines can have side effects on the liver and unless one is aware of what is contained in a specific product they should probably not be used during pregnancy. Over and above this sometimes herbal medicines are made up as natural compounds and there may in addition be other compounds contained which have been inadvertently gathered with those intended for use. It has been well recognised that some herbal medicines may interact with immunosuppressive drugs in those patients who have had a transplant. One would therefore not recommend herbal medicines for those who have had a transplant without being absolutely clear as to what exact compound is contained in the herbal medicine.

Yours sincerely
Professor AK Webb,
Clinical Director Manchester Adult CF Unit

* This is actually not strictly true but I don't know enough about it to be able to give any details. Some of it is relevant to the accidental inclusion of other herbs. Aidan.