Q Isn't taking herbal medicine for a long time harmful to the liver? I'm already taking sleeping pills long-term, so I'm worried about my body.
A Herbal medicine prescribed according to accurate pattern differentiation has a high safety profile even with long-term use. If you are also taking sleeping pills, we proceed while monitoring liver enzyme levels and advise against stopping the sleeping pills on your own.
Detailed Answer
Concerns about liver toxicity from herbal medicine are mainly reported with health supplements purchased on one's own without proper pattern differentiation, or with excessive doses. Herbal medicine prescribed by a Korean Medicine doctor according to your constitution and condition has, in many cases, been confirmed safe even with long-term use. Sleeping pills such as zolpidem and benzodiazepines are metabolized by the liver, so when combining them with herbal medicine, it is safer to monitor liver enzyme levels with regular blood tests.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we review the full list of all medications you are taking and then compose prescriptions using ingredients that place less burden on the liver. If any abnormal signs appear during treatment, please let us know immediately so we can adjust the prescription. If you wish to reduce your sleeping pills, we advise not stopping them on your own, but tapering gradually in consultation with your prescribing physician.
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