Arsenic and Mercury in Traditional Chinese Herbal Balls

Abstract

To the Editor: While examining imported traditional Chinese medicines for the presence of products from endangered species, we have detected potentially toxic levels of arsenic and mercury in certain herbal-ball preparations. Herbal balls are aromatic, malleable, earth-toned, roughly spherical, hand-rolled mixtures of primarily herbs and honey. They are 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter and weigh 2.5 to 9.0 g. The literature accompanying most preparations instructs the consumer to dissolve the balls in warm wine or water and to drink it as a tea. Herbal balls are used as self-medication for a wide variety of conditions, including fever, rheumatism, apoplexy,. © 1995, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.