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Can I donate blood while taking traditional Chinese medicine?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Whether one can donate blood while taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) depends on whether the medicinal ingredients affect the blood. If the TCM contains no special ingredients and does not influence blood parameters, donation may be possible provided other blood donation criteria are met. However, if the TCM includes blood-activating, stasis-resolving, or toxic components, it may interfere with the coagulation mechanism or pose safety risks to the blood supply, making donation inadvisable. It is important to understand the composition of the TCM and consult a physician before donating blood.

　　Whether one can donate blood while taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) depends on whether the medicine's ingredients affect blood parameters. If the medicine contains no special components and does not influence blood indicators, blood donation is permissible. However, if the medicine contains ingredients that affect blood composition or pose potential risks, blood donation should be avoided. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　

　　Blood donation is possible when taking TCM that contains no special ingredients and does not affect blood parameters. Some commonly used TCM prescriptions for general health regulation mainly contain conventional herbal ingredients, which, after metabolism, do not adversely affect various blood parameters such as complete blood count, coagulation function, or infectious indicators. If the individual's physical condition meets the blood donation criteria during the course of taking such medicines, donating blood will neither harm the donor's health nor affect the quality of the donated blood, thus allowing normal participation in blood donation activities.

　　Blood donation should be avoided when taking TCM containing ingredients that affect blood composition or pose risks. Certain TCM herbs may include blood-activating and stasis-resolving ingredients that may alter blood coagulation mechanisms. Some herbs may also contain toxins that remain in the bloodstream after being absorbed by the body. Donating blood while taking these medicines may, on one hand, lead to abnormal coagulation in the donor and, on the other hand, pose potential safety risks to the donated blood, making it unsuitable for donation according to blood donation standards.

　　Before deciding to donate blood, it is essential to understand the composition of the TCM being taken and consult a physician to confirm its safety before proceeding with donation.

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