The Critical Issue of Dosage by Todd Luger, L.Ac. A critical issue may jeopardize the future of Chinese herbal medicine. That issue is dosage.
Correct dosage is based on several factors.
There is historical precedent, for one thing. Throughout Chinese history, the issue of dosage was paramount. Without exception, traditional texts recommend fairly high dosages of herbs. In addition, modern Chinese clinical research has also emphasized high doses, so when claims are made about the efficacy of particular herbs or formulae, those claims are based on high dose research. Finally, pharmacological research has revealed the active ingredients of many herbs and we know what amounts are necessary to achieve therapeutic effects.