Chaihu has a bitter taste and a slightly cold nature. It belongs to the liver and gallbladder meridians and has the effects of releasing the exterior and clearing heat, soothing the liver and resolving depression, and raising the yang qi. It is widely used for symptoms such as cold and fever, alternating chills and fever, malaria, chest and hypochondriac distension and pain, prolapse of the anus, uterine prolapse, and irregular menstruation. In clinical practice, there are also increasing number of preparations with Chaihu as the main ingredient, such as Zheng Chaihu Yin Capsules, Chaihu Dripping Pills, Xiaochaihu Granules, Dachaihu Granules, and Chaihu Shugan Pills. However, there are also compatibility and contraindications in the use of Chaihu preparations.
Chaihu contains quercetin, which belongs to the flavonoids with a molecular structure containing multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and 5-OH and 4-keto groups. When taken together with Western medicine preparations containing various metal ions, such as aluminum, calcium, ferrous, zinc, bismuth, and magnesium (such as Shuli Bismuth Magnesium Tablets, Calcium Pantothenate Tablets, Ferrous Sulfate Tablets, etc.), it can form metal ion complexes, thereby affecting intestinal absorption and reducing efficacy. Therefore, co-administration is not recommended. When used together with vitamin C, it can decompose the saponins contained in Chaihu into aglycones and sugars, which can affect the efficacy.
Chaihu is gentle, light, and thin in nature. It rises and disperses with dryness. Therefore, it is not suitable for long-term and large doses in cases of true yin deficiency, liver yang hyperactivity, and oral ulceration. Chaihu can lower blood pressure and slow heart rate, so it is not suitable for large or long-term use in patients with hypotension and heart failure. Chaihu can also increase blood sugar levels, so it should be used with caution in patients with diabetes. In addition, it is not suitable for large and long-term use in patients with Cushing's syndrome, depression, infants, the elderly, and so on.
