We're all been made well aware of the increased risk of lead in children's toys manufactured in China. And some toxic Chinese-made chemicals have found their way into pet foods . Now four Chinese medicines on sale in Britain are coming under attack.

The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has found that four products they seized were found to contain aristolochic acid. They are:

- Xiao Qin Long Wan - used for treating cold and flu symptoms
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan - a pain reliever
- Bai Tou weng Wan - used for treating stomach pains
- Xie Gan Wan - used to treat stress

Aristolochic acid has been shown to be carcinogenic, and can cause kidney failure. It was found in 18 dietary supplements on the US market in 2001, and the FDA restricted their sale at the end of that year.

One problem remains, however. Internet sales of Chinese herbal products are flourishing, and some of them may be on the black list in western countries. You have been warned!

Source

HealthandAge Blog