Chinese patent medicines are extracted or decocted from multiple herbs, blending hundreds of components from various plants. These substances ultimately act on the body as chemical compounds. If abused or misused, adverse reactions may occur, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific causative agent. Therefore, careless use of commonly available Chinese patent medicines can lead to adverse effects and warrants caution. Below, we examine which categories of Chinese patent medicines are prone to misuse.
Cold-Relief Formulated Chinese Medicines
Common cold-relief formulations include Banlangen (Isatis Root) and Ganmao Qingre Granules (Cold-Clearing Granules).Traditional Chinese medicine generally classifies colds into wind-heat and wind-cold types, and commonly used cold remedies are categorized as cold-natured or heat-natured. Using the wrong type not only fails to help treatment but can worsen the condition. For example, Cold-Relieving Granules are designed to treat wind-cold colds, with functions to dispel exterior pathogens and clear heat. However, taking them for a wind-heat cold will aggravate the symptoms.
Many people immediately grab a bunch of cold remedies like Vitamin C Yinqiao Tablets, Cold-Relieving Granules, and Banlangen when they catch a cold, believing more is better. However, these Chinese patent medicines often contain overlapping ingredients, increasing the risk of overdose. For instance, Banlangen has a bitter and cold nature. People with a deficient-cold constitution may experience stomach pain or loss of appetite if they take too much.
Fire-Clearing Traditional Chinese Medicines
Fire-clearing formulas include Niu Huang Jie Du Pian (Cowhorn Bile Detoxification Tablets) and Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan (Cowhorn Bile Upper Clearing Pills). "Excessive heat" (shanghuo) is a common minor ailment, and many people turn to traditional Chinese medicines for relief. They often take Niu Huang Jie Du Pian at the first sign of toothache or heat-related symptoms. Some women even use its laxative effect for constipation relief or weight loss.
However, it's crucial to note that heat-clearing and toxin-eliminating products like Niu Huang Jie Du Pian and Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan are bitter and cold in nature. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, they are suitable for symptoms caused by excessive heat rising upward. If a patient's "heat" stems from deficiency heat or heart fire, taking these medications can further deplete the body's vital energy and exacerbate symptoms.Some patients self-increase dosages to rapidly clear heat and detoxify. However, Niuhuang Jiedu Pills contain realgar, and excessive intake can impair the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems, causing adverse reactions like chest tightness and palpitations. Furthermore, taking such medications often induces diarrhea, depleting stomach qi and weakening spleen-stomach function.
Tonifying Chinese Patent Medicines
Tonifying Chinese patent medicines include Ejiao (Donkey-Hide Gelatin) and Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill). Before taking tonics, individuals should first determine if they genuinely require supplementation. Those with robust constitutions are generally unsuitable for tonification.Only after understanding one's constitution can tonic herbs be selected appropriately. For instance, donkey-hide gelatin has become a popular tonic for many women. Though it is a superior remedy for gynecological conditions and possesses blood-nourishing properties, it is not suitable for everyone. Its sticky nature can cause symptoms like loss of appetite and stomach bloating in women with weak spleen and stomach.
The practice of taking Liuwei Dihuang Pills for any kidney deficiency is even more widespread. Many regard it as a "secret kidney-tonifying formula" for long-term use, yet they feel increasingly depleted. Not only do their original symptoms worsen, but they may even develop gastrointestinal discomfort from over-supplementation. Most patients who "complain" about Liuwei Dihuang Pills at hospitals have abused it as a supplement.Liuwei Dihuang Pills have very specific indications and should not be taken indiscriminately, much less daily like vitamins.