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What are the side effects of Prunella vulgaris (Summer枯草)?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
The formulations of Prunella vulgaris include oral liquid, granules, tablets, and capsules. Its adverse effects include spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, allergic reactions, hypotension, liver damage, and endocrine disorders. When using Prunella vulgaris, especially for individuals with a cold-deficient constitution or hypotension, it is essential to strictly follow medical advice, control the dosage and duration of treatment, avoid arbitrarily increasing the dose or prolonging the course of medication, and prevent adverse reactions.

Generally, the formulations of Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao) include oral liquids, granules, tablets, and capsules. Its adverse effects may include spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, allergic reactions, hypotension, liver injury, and endocrine disorders. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold

Prunella vulgaris is cold in nature, and excessive or long-term administration may damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, leading to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. Symptoms may include cold pain in the stomach, loss of appetite, and loose stools, affecting the normal digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach.

2. Allergic Reaction

Some individuals may be allergic to Prunella vulgaris. After administration, symptoms such as skin itching, rash, and erythema may occur. In severe cases, respiratory allergic reactions such as shortness of breath and chest tightness may develop, and even anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.

3. Hypotension

Prunella vulgaris has a certain blood pressure-lowering effect. Individuals with already low blood pressure may experience further drops in blood pressure after taking it, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, visual disturbances, and fatigue due to hypotension, affecting normal blood supply and physiological functions.

4. Liver Injury

Although Prunella vulgaris has certain liver-clearing effects, long-term or excessive use may burden the liver, leading to abnormal liver function. Some patients may exhibit elevated transaminase levels and other indicators of liver damage, affecting the liver's metabolic and detoxification functions.

5. Endocrine Disorders

Prunella vulgaris may affect the endocrine system and disrupt the balance of hormones in the body. Women may experience menstrual irregularities, such as reduced menstrual flow or irregular menstrual cycles. Men may also experience some interference with reproductive hormones, affecting endocrine stability.

When using Prunella vulgaris, especially for individuals with a cold-deficient constitution or hypotension, it is important to strictly follow medical advice, control dosage and duration of treatment, and avoid self-medicating by increasing the dose or prolonging the treatment course to prevent adverse reactions.

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