Sir, - Your Medical Correspondent, Dr Muiris Houston, states: "There are no random controlled trials demonstrating the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine" (Health, May 1st). In fact there have been numerous such trials documented and reported in the world's leading medical journals.
In 1998 the Journal of American Medical Association published the results of a randomised control trial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with Chinese herbal medicine. Two teaching hospitals were involved as well as private practices of gastroenterologists. A total of 116 patients took part. The trial concluded that Chinese herbal medicine offered an improvement in the syndrome for some patients.
In another trial published in the Lancet in 1992, the efficacy of traditional Chinese herbs in adult atopic dermatitis was reported. Adults with long-standing widespread atopic dermatitis were chosen. The trail concluded that "traditional Chinese herbal treatment affords substantial benefits in patients whose atopic dermatitis had been unresposive to conventional therapy".
This trial came about as a result of doctors in Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital being curious as to why some of their patients were suddenly starting to recover from chronic skin problems. The doctors' open-mindedness has led to Chinese herbal medicine being used to treat some kind of skin diseases in the hospital and relieving much suffering.
The Irish Register of Chinese Herbal Practitioners is the professional body in Ireland. We represent only fully trained herbalists and as part of the Irish Herbal Practitioners Association are actively seeking statutory self-regulation.
Herbal medicine will continue to grow and it is important that in this climate all health care professionals respect each others traditions. - Yours, etc.,
Josephine Lynch, PR, Irish Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Westbourne Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.