Improper use of traditional Chinese medicine can also cause adverse reactions. Experts remind the public to be cautious in the following 12 situations:
1. Improper dosage: Some Chinese medicines contain toxic ingredients. For example, aconite contains aconitine. It has therapeutic effects in small doses, but overdose or improper use can cause poisoning. Some Chinese medicines do not contain toxic ingredients, but excessive use can still cause poisoning. For example, excessive use of cinnamon can cause hematuria.
2. Improper differentiation of symptoms: Giving Xixin (Asarum) or Rougui (Cinnamomum cassia) to patients with hyperactivity of liver yang is like adding fuel to the fire.
3. Improper source: For example, Sangjisheng (Loranthus parasiticus) itself is not toxic, but if it parasitizes on a toxic plant, it will contain corresponding toxic ingredients.
4. Improper processing method: Some medicinal herbs that are not processed or processed improperly can cause adverse reactions. For example, Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii) after processing is not toxic, but raw Fuzi is toxic.
5. Improper decoction: It is generally believed that insufficient decoction time may cause toxic reactions.
6. Accidental ingestion or misuse: This situation is very dangerous. For example, mistaking Xiangjiapi (Atractylodes macrocephala) for Wujiapi (Acanthopanax senticosus) can cause digitalis-like poisoning.
7. Poor quality of Chinese medicine: Contaminated or deteriorated Chinese medicine can cause adverse reactions. Poor quality Chinese medicine injections may contain harmful substances, impurities, plant proteins, etc., which can cause adverse reactions. In addition, counterfeit and inferior Chinese medicines can directly lead to adverse reactions.
8. Improper administration route: For example, if a Chinese medicine injection intended for intramuscular injection is used for intravenous injection, it is easy to cause adverse reactions.
9. Prolonged use: Some Chinese medicines are not suitable for long-term use. For example, Huanghua Jiazhutao (Trachelospermum jasminoides) contains cardiac glycosides. Long-term use can cause digitalis-like cumulative poisoning.
10. Improper compatibility: Some Chinese medicines can produce chemical reactions when combined. Improper compatibility can cause adverse reactions. For example, there are also incompatibilities between Li Lu (Veratrum nigrum) and other drugs. Concurrent use of Shan Zha (Crataegus), Wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis), Wumei (Mume) and sulfonamides can cause hematuria.
11. Ignoring individual differences: Age, gender, and physique differences can also cause adverse reactions. For example, women in the lactation period are more sensitive to many drugs.
12. Improper use of external medicine: Improper use of excipients in topical preparations, such as white wine, alcohol, vinegar, etc., can also cause adverse reactions.
