Abstract: Abstract: Abstract: Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) relies on remedies of natural origin, its use is not always safe as it can have not only beneficial but also deleterious effects. Psoriatic patients, disappointed by conventional treatment and unaware of the potential side effects of TCM preparations, are increasingly reaching for non-traditional therapeutic methods. This review presents brief characteristics of selected Chinese herbs self-prescribed by psoriatic patients. It is important that dermatologists should be able to recognize any potential hazards connected with current or previous taking of these herbs by their patients. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011, Vol. 49, No. 2, 201-205) Key words: Key words: Key words: Key words: Key words: traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herbs, herbal medicine, psoriasis, adverse reaction Therefore, observing no immediate results, many patients become discouraged or frustrated and start looking for alternative means of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one option. However, the assumption that herbal preparations used in TCM, known as Chinese materia medica (CMM), are safe for human use (because of their natural origin), is a common misconception [1][2][3]. According to TCM proponents, this kind of treatment typically involves the application of herbs and vitamins as well as the use of a wide range of therapeutic methods, such as massages, acupuncture, diet and lifestyle modification [3].This paper attempts a short study of the characteristics of Chinese herbs available on the market and frequently found in herbal therapeutic mixtures. P P P P Pros and cons of TCM ros and cons of TCM ros and cons of TCM ros and cons of TCM ros and cons of TCM CMMs are believed to have a positive influence on various pathogenic mechanisms observed in pso-