To the Editor: While examining imported traditional Chinesemedicines for the presence of products from endangered species,we have detected potentially toxic levels of arsenic and mercuryin certain herbal-ball preparations.
Herbal balls are aromatic, malleable, earth-toned, roughly spherical,hand-rolled mixtures of primarily herbs and honey. They are1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter and weigh 2.5 to 9.0 g. The literatureaccompanying most preparations instructs the consumer to dissolvethe balls in warm wine or water and to drink it as a tea. Herbalballs are used as self-medication for a wide variety of conditions,including fever, rheumatism, apoplexy, . . . [Full Text of this Article]
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