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Chinese Herbs and Pesticides

Chinese herbs pesticides

Photo by Pam Link [flickr.com/pamelalink] under CC BY-NC 2.0

[Updated 1/26/18 to address new Chinese agricultural regulations since original post.]

There is valid concern over the level of pesticides in Chinese herbs. Of course, pesticides are also prevalent in the U.S. But at least here, we have more transparent labeling to go along with greater access to organic options. However, most of the herbs used in Chinese medicine in the States are still sourced from China.

One positive development in Chinese agriculture is that new Regulations on Pesticide Administration (RPA) went into effect on 6/1/17. It is an action taken on China’s reputation of being the world’s largest producer and consumer of pesticides.

But this is not a deep dive into government policy. Just from a preliminary review of RPA, it appears to focus on registration, licensing and management of pesticides; not on safety testing or a consideration of organic farming.

Besides, any positive health outcomes from new regulations would take time to flower in the market. Meanwhile, Chinese herbs currently on the market still present a risk of pesticide exposure.

So, what can we do?

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Tea time.

Photo by r. nial bradshaw [flickr.com/zionfiction] under CC BY 2.0

In terms of beverages besides water, the two that I’ve had an affinity for since quite some time are Earl Grey tea and gin. Maybe I have some British DNA. But, in any case, I appreciate both not only for their effect but also their flavor.

Of note, Earl Grey tea contains the essential oil of bergamot. In Chinese medicine, bergamot oil helps move liver qi and thus, calms the sympathetic nervous system. The essential oil itself may be used as aromatherapy for relaxation. However, neither the tea nor the essential oil should be considered a prelude to sleep time. While bergamot relaxes the nerves, it also aromatically enlivens the senses. Besides, Earl Grey tea has caffeine.

Of second note, the primary botanical in traditional (i.e. London Dry) gin is juniper berry. Juniper has a storied history of medicinal use that led up to gin’s precursor, 16th century Dutch “genever”—distilled malt wine flavored with juniper.

In addition to juniper, gin typically has several other botanicals—the variations of which are infinite. Each distillery creates their own blend; but there are staples, including various citrus rinds (all in the same family as bergamot, i.e. Rutaceae). Some of the commonly used ingredients are also used in Chinese medicine: angelica root, licorice root and cassia bark (cinnamon).

However, none of this is a recommendation to drink alcohol. The gin is a tangential thought, being one of my tastes that also has a minor connection to medical history and Chinese medicine.

This is really about tea, and its effect on the body. In Chinese medicine, green tea is considered to have a cooling effect on the body whereas black tea has a warming effect. Both effects are [continue reading…]

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