Banlangen has a bitter and cold taste and belongs to the heart, stomach, liver, and gallbladder meridians. It functions to clear heat, detoxify, cool blood, and benefit the throat. It is mainly used for diseases caused by warm toxins, such as influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, meningitis, mumps, acute enteritis, bacterial dysentery, hepatitis, facial erysipelas, and fever-induced rashes. Although pharmacological studies have shown that Banlangen has obvious inhibitory effects on various viruses and bacteria, it should be remembered that it is a bitter and cold medicine. Therefore, it can only be used for the above-mentioned diseases when there is the presence of warm heat, heat toxins, and excessive internal dampness. Based on data analysis and clinical practice, I have summarized five indications for the use of Banlangen:
1. Epidemic febrile diseases with high fever and delirium.
2. Phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs, with cough and thick yellow sputum.
3. Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, with difficulty in both urination and defecation.
4. Abscesses and boils with redness, swelling, and hot pain.
5. Sudden vomiting of bright red blood.
For any of the above indications, if a red and greasy tongue coating and a rapid and forceful pulse are also present, Banlangen can be selected for treatment.
However, caution should be exercised in the following five conditions:
1. People with a weak constitution who frequently catch colds.
2. Patients with chronic gastritis and enteritis.
3. People with low blood pressure and mental fatigue.
4. Those with allergies.
5. Patients with hematological disorders.
Other conditions such as gastropathy, peptic ulcers, hypothyroidism, and arrhythmias should also be treated with caution. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of allergic reactions caused by Banlangen, such as adverse reactions in the digestive and hematopoietic systems. Allergic reactions can manifest as dizziness, blurred vision, chest tightness, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cyanosis, numbness in the limbs, or skin rashes. In severe cases, it can even lead to anaphylactic shock and endanger life.
