Authors

Alfredo Serrano Ruiz

Position

Enfermero. Farmacología Clínica. Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro de Madrid.

Contact address

Servicio de Farmacología Clínica. Hospital Clínica Puerta de Hierro. San Martín de Porres, 4. 28035 Madrid.

Contact email: aserrano.hpth@salud.madrid.org

Abstract

Phytotherapy is a fundamental element of the Chinese Traditional Medicine, together with acupuncture and moxibustion. Normally, herbs are boiled, mixing up to 12 different medicinal agents. Clinical herbs are used across all severe chronic conditions (tumours, hepatitis B, acute pancreatitis, atopic eczema, etc,) as well as in most psychiatric disorders in which occidental medicine treatment do not provide a definitive solution. The evaluation of the patient in all aspects and the application of individualised formulas for each situation are the main instruments used by the Chinese traditional doctor. Chinese herbs used in our setting are not entirely problem-free. Contamination with other herbs by pesticides or with drugs is relatively frequent due to the lack of healthcare control of these herbs.

Keywords:

Chinese medicine; phytotherapy; medicinal plantspharmacology

Versión en Español

Título:

Medicina tradicional china. Aplicaciones Terapéuticas  de la Fitoterapia Oriental. Parte II