🌿 Folk Prescriptions

243 Chinese Herbs Cause Adverse Reactions
Data indicate that 243 Chinese herbs are known to cause adverse reactions. Experts from China’s State Drug Administration note that many people don’t realize traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. Even herbs with similar functions and indications may have different effects due to varying chemical compositions and should not be used blindly. For example, Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian helps treat exterior wind-heat, but worsens exterior wind-cold conditions; Chuan Bei Zhi Ke Lu treats cough from wind-cold, but aggravates lung-heat cough. Patients should pay close attention.
Experts warn that rising reports of adverse reactions to Chinese medicines show misuse of Chinese herbs is as harmful as antibiotic abuse. The belief that Chinese herbs are gentle and side-effect-free is incorrect. Some people take the same few herbs long-term, imitate others’ prescriptions, or assume centuries of use means no side effects, leading to irrational use.
With growing awareness of antibiotic misuse, herbal antibiotics like Huang Lian Su, Niuhuang Jiedu Pian, and Yin Qiao Pian are gaining popularity. Experts caution that the folk belief in Chinese herbs being safe and harmless must be corrected. Scientific evidence shows that commonly used licorice, when misused, can cause edema, headaches, hypertension; even revered ginseng, when taken in excess long-term, may cause chest tightness, restlessness, shortness of breath, insomnia, or even mental confusion.
Multiple Causes of Adverse Reactions to Chinese Medicines
Experts explain that adverse reactions refer to effects unrelated to treatment goals and harmful to patients. Based on drug nature, timing, severity, and pathological mechanisms, adverse reactions are classified as side effects, toxic reactions, allergic reactions, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity.
Research reveals multiple causes behind adverse reactions: improper dosage—e.g., excessive cinnamon may cause hematuria; inherent herb properties—cold, hot, warm, cool characteristics can correct bodily imbalances but may worsen conditions if misused; differences in origin and species—herbs from different regions or varieties vary significantly; improper processing—raw pinellia is toxic, but processed Pinellia (Fa Ban Xia) has greatly reduced toxicity; improper decoction—while prolonged boiling typically reduces toxicity, some herbs like Shan Dou Gen see increased side effects with longer cooking time; contamination—poor storage leads to mold, or pesticide residues (organophosphorus) during cultivation and harvesting cause adverse effects; inappropriate administration routes—Dan Shen injection, meant for intramuscular use, causes adverse reactions if given intravenously; prolonged use leading to accumulation toxicity—cinnabar accumulates and damages liver and kidney function; individual differences—people vary greatly in tolerance, especially under pathological states, fatigue, or malnutrition; improper herb combinations—some herbs interact negatively, producing antagonistic or opposing effects.
Monitor for Discomfort After Taking Chinese Medicine

Experts advise patients to monitor their bodies after taking Chinese medicine. If discomfort occurs, consult a doctor immediately. Potential adverse reactions affect multiple systems: neurological symptoms include numbness of lips or limbs, pupil constriction or dilation, severe cases may involve convulsions or coma; circulatory system symptoms include palpitations, chest tightness, pallor, cold extremities, fluctuating blood pressure, changes in electrocardiogram; respiratory system symptoms include breathing difficulty, acute pulmonary edema, respiratory failure; digestive system symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, liver dysfunction; urinary system symptoms include difficulty urinating, burning sensation in urethra, uremia, acute renal failure; blood system symptoms include leukopenia, allergic purpura, aplastic anemia.
Herbs Known to Cause Adverse Reactions
Ginseng: Incorrect use may cause hypokalemia, limb convulsions, dizziness, headache, palpitations, insomnia, sore throat, toothache, photophobia, spontaneous sweating, lower limb pain, abnormal lochia.
Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma): Oral intake may cause allergic edema, dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, facial swelling.
Schisandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi): May cause allergic reaction when decocted or taken as syrup—palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, generalized itching, widespread hives, tachycardia, arrhythmia.
Croton Seed (Ba Dou): Accidental ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, poisoning symptoms.
Spring Flower (Xiao Chun Hua): Oral intake may cause dystonia, Parkinson-like syndrome (extrapyramidal symptoms).
Artocarpus heterophyllus (Shan Bo Luo): Cooking for 7 days may cause toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong): Overdose causes poisoning—severe headache and vomiting.
Dioscorea opposita (Shan Yao): Raw form applied externally may cause allergic reaction—itching on neck, chest, back, restlessness, inability to sit or lie still.
Sophora tonkinensis (Bei Dou Gen): Overdose by decoction causes poisoning—upper abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, weakness, convulsions, hypotension, cranial nerve injury, upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Rheum palmatum (Da Huang): Raw rhubarb may deepen existing corneal ulcers, cause deep corneal opacities, severe cases may perforate the cornea.
Cactus (Xian Ren Zhang): External application may cause contact dermatitis.