I recently gave birth to a baby, but my breast milk has been insufficient. My family has been boiling soup with Chinese herbal medicine called Tongcao for me to drink. I'm wondering if Tongcao is toxic?
Is Tongcao toxic?
Tongcao has a mild and sweet taste and a slightly cold nature. It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, and stimulating lactation. It can be used to treat conditions such as damp-heat urinary disorders, edema, and insufficient lactation. Tongcao itself does not have obvious toxic side effects. However, if the dosage or the group of people using it is inappropriate, it may cause a series of toxic side effects.
Excessive use of Tongcao
Tongcao is a Chinese herbal medicine with a certain dosage requirement. It is light in texture and slightly cold in nature, and it has the function of diuresis and treating urinary disorders. The recommended dosage is generally 3-5 grams. If taken in excess, its cold nature may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort, loose stools, diarrhea, etc. It may also lead to increased urination, increasing the burden on the kidneys and affecting normal kidney function.
Long-term use of Tongcao
Tongcao has a strong diuretic effect. If used for a long time, it can increase the burden on the kidneys and is not beneficial to kidney health. Therefore, it is recommended to stop using Tongcao after the symptoms disappear.
Use of Tongcao during pregnancy
Tongcao is a Chinese herbal medicine that promotes circulation in the meridians. If pregnant women take a large amount of Tongcao, it may cause miscarriage, and the medicinal components in Tongcao may affect the growth and development of the fetus. Therefore, Tongcao is toxic for pregnant women.
Use of Tongcao for those with coldness in the body
Coldness in the body refers to the invasion of external cold, which affects the five viscera and causes discomfort such as cold limbs, weakness in the limbs, and cold and painful abdomen. Because Tongcao has a slightly cold nature, taking Tongcao may aggravate the accumulation of coldness and worsen the discomfort. Therefore, Tongcao is toxic for those with coldness in the body.
Use of Tongcao for those with deficiency of both Qi and Yin
Deficiency of both Qi and Yin refers to symptoms such as thirst, shortness of breath, fullness in the epigastric region, pale complexion, fatigue, and dry throat. It is a condition where both Qi and body fluids are deficient. Tongcao has a strong diuretic effect, and taking it for those with deficiency of both Qi and Yin can further deplete Qi and body fluids, worsening the original discomfort. Therefore, Tongcao is toxic for those with deficiency of both Qi and Yin.
