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“What I appreciate the most is the breadth of experience Dr. Chen shared in reference to each of the formula - some of the uses and combinations are new to me and will be helpful in my clinical practice.” L.C.

“I learned many new connections between TCM & Western medication which will help me to mesh both together. Excellent seminars.” M.B.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF
PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE FOR
STRESS AND ANXIETY

By John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Yuan Zhi (Polygala), one of the most commonly used herbs to calm the shen (spirit)

Stress and anxiety are two of the most common emotional disorders. Clinical signs and symptoms include recurrent and intrusive thoughts, insomnia, disturbed sleep, illusions, hallucinations, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, restlessness, anger, and irritability.

WESTERN MEDICAL APPROACH

Pharmaceutical drug treatments for stress and anxiety focus primarily on the use of sedative and hypnotic drugs, such as Valium (Diazepam) and Ativan (Lorazepam). Though these drugs are very potent and have immediate effect to sedate patients, they do not address the underlying conditions. Furthermore, long-term use of these medications are associated with many side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, changes in sex drive or ability, shuffling walk, persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, irregular heartbeat, and addiction. Therefore, these drugs should only be used when necessary, and only for a short period of time.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE APPROACH

Use of herbs is extremely effective to treat stress and anxiety. Herbs regulate mood and emotions, and alleviate stress and anxiety by enhancing the body's own ability to deal with these external factors. Unlike drugs that have immediate effect to treat stress and anxiety by "sedating the mind and decreasing its responsiveness," herbs do not have an immediate effect, and require two or more weeks of continuous use to gradually treat these conditions. In contrast, one of the main advantages of herbs is they are safe and natural, and do not have negative side effects like drugs.

PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HERBS WITH TRANQUILIZING EFFECT

Effects on the central nervous system: The pharmacological effects of herbs on the central nervous system include sedative, hypnotic, analgesic and antiepileptic effects.

Herbs that decrease spontaneous physical activity include Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae), Ling Zhi (Ganoderma), Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae) and He Huan Hua (Flos Albiziae).

Herbs that potentiate the effect of hypnotics by prolonging sleeping time include Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae), Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) and Ling Zhi (Ganoderma).

Herbs that diminish reactivity to external stimuli include Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae) and Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae).

Herbs that prevent and/or treat seizures and epilepsy by inhibiting the central nervous system include Ling Zhi (Ganoderma) and Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae).

Immunostimulant:Ling Zhi (Ganoderma) and Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae) stimulate the immune system by increasing the phagocytic activities of the macrophages.

Others: Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) has expectorant properties. Ye Jiao Teng (Caulis Polygoni Multiflori) has an antihyperlipidemic effect. Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae) and Ling Zhi (Ganoderma) are hepatoprotective. Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi) has a mild laxative effect, and Long Gu (Os Draconis) acts as a hemostatic.

POTENTIAL HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Sedatives: Herbs that calm the shen (spirit) have marked sedative and tranquilizing effects. Therefore, they should be used with caution when prescribed for a patient also taking other agents that may cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics, and barbiturates. Individuals who take such herbs and/or drugs should exercise caution if driving or operating heavy machinery.

Summation: Stress and anxiety are two very common disorders. While drugs and herbs are both effective, they have contrasting differences of benefits and risks. While drugs are more effective for shot-term treatment, herbs are more successful for long-term management. Furthermore, counseling (behavior and psychotherapy) is extremely important toward the understanding of, and complete recovery from, these conditions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority in both western pharmacology and Chinese Herbal Medicine, having combined formal training in both fields with extensive research ‘on the ground’ in China. He teaches at the USC School of Pharmacy, Emperor’s College, Yo San University of TCM, OCOM, Five Branches, AOMA and ACTCM, and has taught numerous professional seminars across the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Chen’s published works include Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (2003, AOM Press) and the upcoming Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications (2008, AOM Press) for which works he is lead author.

This article was taken out of Dr. Chen’s book Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology.
To order a copy, click here.

To learn more about herbs, John Chen is speaking on the following topic for Lotus Institute. The class is approved for 8 CEUs/PDAs by the California Acupuncture Board and NCCAOM.

CLASS BY THE AUTHOR

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