Pregnant Women Should Avoid and Be Cautious with These Chinese Herbal Medicines
Chinese herbal medicines have much fewer side effects compared to Western medicines, and they are also much safer. However, even so, there are some Chinese herbal medicines that pregnant women should avoid using. As the Chinese saying goes, "All medicines have three parts of poison." For the health and development of both the mother and the fetus, expectant mothers must understand which Chinese herbal medicines they should avoid.
When pregnant women get sick, they naturally need to take medication. For the health of both the mother and the child, pregnant women need to be particularly careful in choosing their medication and not misuse them. Compared to Western medicines, pregnant women prefer to take Chinese herbal medicines. However, there are also some Chinese herbal medicines that are not suitable for them. So, which Chinese herbal medicines should pregnant women avoid or be cautious with?
If pregnant women take medication improperly during pregnancy, it can affect their physical health and even lead to miscarriage. Some drugs can also affect the growth and development of the fetus through the placenta. Ancient medical experts have long emphasized this and have specifically compiled a "Prescription for Medication during Pregnancy," listing dozens of Chinese herbal medicines that pregnant women should avoid, divided into two categories: prohibited and cautious use.
Chinese Herbal Medicines Prohibited for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should not take highly toxic drugs such as Banmiao, Daji, Badou, Qianniugua, Shanglu, Wutou, Zaojiao, Tiannanxing, etc. They should be avoided to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.
Pregnant women should not take laxative drugs such as Mangxiao, Dahuang, and Fanxieye, or drugs with strong medicinal properties such as Shuizhi, Mengchong, She xiang, Changshan, etc. These Chinese herbal medicines can cause congestion in the uterus and pelvic cavity, enhance uterine contractions, and easily lead to miscarriage.
Precautions for Pregnant Women When Taking Chinese Herbal Medicines Chinese Herbal Medicines Prohibited for Pregnant Women Chinese Herbal Medicines to Be Cautious with for Pregnant Women
Chinese Herbal Medicines to Be Cautious with for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should be cautious when taking blood circulation-promoting and blood stasis-removing herbal medicines such as Taoren, Honghua, and Qiancao, as well as qi-regulating and stagnation-relieving herbal medicines like Zhishi, Daxin, Ganjiang, Rougui, Banxia, and slippery and smooth herbal medicines such as Qumai, Mutong, and Tongcao. In addition, Chinese herbal medicines such as Niuxi, Yanhusuo, Mudanpi, Zheshi, Yiyiren, and Niuhuang should also be used with caution.
Chinese medical practitioners remind that some Chinese patent medicines actually contain some antipyretic and analgesic Western medicines, which can also be harmful if taken inadvertently. Therefore, pregnant women should be cautious when taking Chinese herbal medicines, Western medicines, or combination medications. If possible, it is best to avoid medication altogether. If medication is necessary, it must be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Precautions for Pregnant Women When Taking Chinese Herbal Medicines
Some Chinese herbal medicines themselves have strong toxicity, which can directly or indirectly affect the development of the fetus. Some Chinese herbal medicines can stimulate the intestines, reflexively causing strong contractions of the uterus, leading to miscarriage or premature birth. Some Chinese herbal medicines have an excitatory effect on the uterus, which can cause fetal intrauterine ischemia and hypoxia.
In addition, like Western medicines, Chinese herbal medicines have different effects on the fetus depending on their medicinal properties. Some have a mild nature and are harmless to the fetus. Pregnant women should read the instructions carefully. If they do not understand the properties of the Chinese herbal medicines, it is best to consult a physician. Never trust folk remedies and advertisements and misuse medications.
Pregnant women's bodies are more delicate, so they need to be extra careful when taking medication. Generally, it is not recommended to take medication, as it can still have an impact on the fetus, especially with the aforementioned Chinese herbal medicines.
