In the TV series "The Legend of Mi Yue," after Chu Wei learned that Xiang Shi was pregnant, he sent a female doctor to give her a miscarriage drug, which was the herb Suiguzi. Why is Suiguzi considered a taboo medicine for pregnant women?
Image of Suiguzi
Why is Suiguzi considered a taboo medicine for pregnant women?
In ancient times, Suiguzi was considered a miscarriage drug due to its effective abortion properties. However, since the introduction of Western medicine in China, it has lost its role as an abortion drug.
Medical professionals advise: In these popular period dramas, the so-called "miracle abortion drugs" are often traditional Chinese medicine with functions of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis. These drugs can cause uterine contractions and heavy bleeding in pregnant women.
As we all know, musk and saffron are examples of these types of Chinese medicine. Additionally, spices such as "wuxiang" and animal-based ingredients like pangolin scales and leeches are also used as traditional Chinese abortion medicine. Generally speaking, it is best for pregnant women to avoid these substances.
What are the modern abortion drugs used in hospitals?
Currently, the abortion drugs used in clinical practice are Western medicine. There have been mature drug trials, and the ingredients, dosage, and effectiveness are well-established, ensuring the safety and effectiveness for those who take them. Moreover, these drugs are administered in hospitals.
The commonly used drugs in hospitals are mifepristone tablets and prostaglandins used in combination. The former causes degeneration and necrosis of the uterine decidua and softens the cervix, while the latter induces uterine contractions and expels the embryo.
Women who wish to terminate pregnancy should not self-medicate based on TV drama plots. Otherwise, it can lead to serious consequences and even endanger their own lives.
Characteristics of Suiguzi
Suiguzi refers to the rhizome and tuber of the Indigofera tinctoria plant. Its shape is mostly spindle-shaped, with an external appearance of light yellow or brownish-gray. When broken, the cross-section appears pale yellowish-white. It mainly grows in Hunan, Zhejiang, and other regions.
The rhizome is cylindrical, with connected nodes and residual stem leaves at the upper end. Its surface is rough, brown-gray, or dark brown, with numerous clustered roots around it.
The intact tuber is spindle-shaped, measuring 1-3 centimeters in length and 2-5 millimeters in diameter. Its surface is yellowish-white to tan, and it has a fleshy texture with irregular wrinkles.
The broken surface is pale yellowish-white. It has a slightly sweet taste.
