Who should not drink Siwu Decoction?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Siwu Decoction, as a classic formula for nourishing blood, is not suitable for everyone. Those who should avoid it include individuals with dampness in the body, those suffering from cold or fever, people with weak spleen and stomach, pregnant women, and patients with blood stasis due to excess conditions without blood deficiency. When using this formula, it is essential to observe contraindications and precautions, strictly follow medical instructions, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
Siwu Decoction, as a classic formula for replenishing blood, is not suitable for everyone. Those who should avoid it include individuals with internal dampness, those suffering from colds or fever, people with weak spleen and stomach, pregnant women, and those with blood stasis due to excess conditions without blood deficiency. The detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Individuals with internal dampness: These individuals often present with thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth, loose stools, and heavy limbs. Siwu Decoction tends to be rich and cloying; consuming it may exacerbate retention of dampness in the body, worsening these symptoms.
2. Individuals with colds or fever: When experiencing a cold or fever, it is important to disperse pathogenic factors. However, Siwu Decoction is a nourishing blood formula with a rich and greasy nature. Taking it at this time may hinder the expulsion of pathogens, potentially aggravating fever and prolonging the illness.
3. Individuals with weak spleen and stomach: Those with spleen and stomach deficiency typically have poor digestion, manifested as poor appetite, abdominal distension, and indigestion. The rich and greasy nature of Siwu Decoction can increase the burden on the spleen and stomach, leading to discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea.
4. Pregnant women: Danggui (Angelica sinensis), one of the ingredients in Siwu Decoction, has blood-activating properties. To avoid adverse effects on the fetus, pregnant women should not take this decoction without medical guidance, as it may cause fetal restlessness or other complications.
5. Individuals with excess-type blood stasis but no blood deficiency: These individuals may experience localized stabbing pain or bruising, but do not exhibit signs of blood deficiency such as pallor, dizziness, or fatigue. Since Siwu Decoction primarily nourishes blood and has limited blood-activating effects, taking it may actually worsen blood stasis.
When using Siwu Decoction, it is essential to observe contraindications and precautions, strictly follow medical advice, and ensure both safety and effectiveness of treatment.
