243 Herbs Cause Adverse Reactions
Data shows that 243 types of Chinese herbs are known to cause adverse reactions. Experts from the National Medical Products Administration say many people don’t realize that Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. Even if herbs have similar functions, differences in composition lead to different effects, so they shouldn’t be used blindly. For example, Yinqiao Detoxifying Tablets help with exterior wind-heat invasion but worsen wind-cold conditions; Chuanbei Cough Syrup treats wind-cold cough but exacerbates lung-heat cough. Patients should pay attention to these distinctions.
Experts warn that increasing reports of adverse reactions to Chinese herbs show that misuse of herbs is as harmful as antibiotic abuse. The belief that herbs are gentle and safe, with no side effects, is incorrect. Some people take certain herbs long-term, imitate others’ use, or assume that because China has used herbs for thousands of years, they’re harmless and can be taken freely, leading to irrational usage.
With growing awareness of antibiotic misuse, herbs like Huanglian Su, Niuhuang Jiedu Pills, and Yinqiao Pills—known for their antimicrobial effects—are gaining popularity. Experts caution that the public must correct the misconception that herbs are safe and side-effect-free. Scientific evidence shows that even widely used licorice can cause edema, headaches, hypertension if misused. Similarly, ginseng, considered a tonic, can cause chest tightness, restlessness, shortness of breath, insomnia, or even mental confusion if taken in excess over time.
Multiple Causes of Herbal Adverse Reactions
Experts explain that adverse reactions refer to effects unrelated to treatment that harm the patient. Adverse reactions are categorized by herb nature, timing of occurrence, severity, and pathological mechanisms into side effects, toxicity, allergic reactions, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity.
Research reveals multiple causes of adverse reactions. Improper dosage: e.g., excessive cinnamon can cause hematuria. Herb nature: unique properties like cold, hot, warm, cool can correct bodily imbalances but may worsen conditions if misused. Differences in origin and species: herbs from different regions or varieties vary greatly. Unprocessed or improperly processed herbs: e.g., raw banxia is toxic, but processed fajianxia has reduced or negligible toxicity. Improper decoction: while prolonged boiling usually reduces toxicity, sometimes it increases it—e.g., Shan Dougen becomes more toxic with longer boiling. Contamination: mold or pesticide residues from improper storage or cultivation can cause adverse reactions. Incorrect administration route: e.g., Dan Shen injection intended for intramuscular use may cause adverse reactions if given intravenously. Prolonged use leading to accumulation toxicity: e.g., Zhu Sha accumulates and damages liver and kidney function. Individual differences: tolerance varies greatly, especially in pathological states, fatigue, or malnutrition. Incompatible herb combinations: some herbs interact negatively.
Be Alert to Discomfort After Taking Herbs
Experts advise patients to monitor any discomfort after taking herbs and consult a doctor immediately if symptoms arise. Potential adverse reactions involve multiple systems: nervous system—numbness in lips or limbs, constricted or dilated pupils, severe cases may include convulsions or coma; circulatory system—palpitations, chest tightness, pale face, cold extremities, fluctuating blood pressure, ECG changes; respiratory system—difficulty breathing, acute pulmonary edema, respiratory failure; digestive system—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, liver damage; urinary system—urinary difficulty, burning sensation, uremia, acute renal failure; blood system—leukopenia, allergic purpura, aplastic anemia.
Herbs That May Cause Adverse Reactions
Ginseng: Misuse may cause hypokalemia, limb convulsions, dizziness, headache, palpitations, insomnia, sore throat, toothache, photophobia, spontaneous sweating, lower limb pain, abnormal lochia.
Tianma: Oral intake may cause allergic edema, dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, facial swelling.
Wuweizi: Decoction or syrup may cause allergic reaction, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, generalized itching, urticaria, tachycardia, arrhythmia.
Batu: Accidental ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, poisoning symptoms.
Xiao Chunhua: Oral intake may cause dystonic neck, Parkinson’s syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms.
Shan Boluo: Roasted for 7 days may cause toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Chuanxiong: Overdose leads to poisoning: severe headache and vomiting.
Shanyao: Raw application may cause allergic reaction: itching on neck, chest, back, restlessness, inability to sit or lie down.
Beidougen: Overdose via decoction causes poisoning: upper abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, fatigue, convulsions, decreased blood pressure, cranial nerve injury, upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Dahuang: Raw Dahuang may deepen pre-existing corneal ulcers, cause deep opacities, severe cases may perforate the cornea.
Xianrenzhang: External application may cause contact dermatitis.
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