Liu Shen Wan is one of the commonly used family remedies, mainly composed of six medicinal ingredients including Niuhuang, She Xiang, Chansu, Xionghuang, Bingpian, Zhenshu, and also contains Cinnabaris. It has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. It is commonly used for sore throat, tonsillitis, oral ulcers, periodontitis, abscesses, and unknown swellings and pain. However, it should be noted that there are "six inappropriateness" when taking Liu Shen Wan.
Not suitable for pregnant women: Liu Shen Wan contains ingredients such as She Xiang and Xionghuang. She Xiang can cause uterine contractions, leading to miscarriage or premature birth. Pregnant women should also avoid Xionghuang, so it is contraindicated for pregnant women.
Not suitable for infants: Liu Shen Wan contains Chansu, whose active ingredient is Chan toxin. Excessive intake can cause poisoning. Therefore, it should be used with caution in infants under the age of two and should be avoided in newborns.
Not suitable for use with Digitoxin: Patients with heart failure or atrial fibrillation who take Digitoxin should avoid using Liu Shen Wan. The combination of the two can cause Digoxin-like toxicity, leading to bradycardia and arrhythmias.
Not suitable for use with digestive enzymes: Liu Shen Wan has the function of inhibiting digestive enzymes, so it should not be used in combination with digestive aids such as Pancreatin tablets, gastric pepsin, and amylase, as it may reduce the efficacy or render them ineffective.
Not suitable for use with Atropine: Liu Shen Wan should not be taken with sulfates (such as Atropine sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, etc.), as sulfates can oxidize the arsenic sulfide in Xionghuang, increasing its toxicity reaction.
Not suitable for use with Huasu tablets: Huasu tablets contain iodine molecules. When iodine-containing Huasu tablets are taken together with Liu Shen Wan containing Cinnabaris, the divalent mercury in Cinnabaris can combine with iodine, forming precipitates of toxic mercury salts, which can cause drug-induced enteritis.
In addition, due to the dry and fragrant nature of Liu Shen Wan, it is easily harmful to the stomach. It should be used with caution or avoided by those with weak spleen and stomach or general physical weakness. It should also be avoided by those who are allergic to the product.
