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What is the contraindication of Chinese herbal medicine compatibility?

Nov 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
The contraindications of Chinese herbal combinations refer to situations where certain herbs, when used together, may produce severe toxic side effects or reduce and destroy the therapeutic effects, thus they should not be combined. Common contraindications include not using licorice (Gancao) with euphorbia (Gansui), clove (Dingxiang) with turmeric (Yujin), aconite (Wutou) with pinellia (Banxia), sulfur (Luhuang) with mirabilite (Puxiao), and veratrum (Lilu) with ginseng (Renshen).

Contraindications in the compatibility of Chinese herbal medicines refer to situations where certain herbs, when used together, may produce severe toxic or adverse effects, or reduce or destroy each other's therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, these combinations should not be used together. Common contraindications in herbal compatibility include the incompatibility of licorice (Gancao, Glycyrrhiza uralensis) and kelp (Gansui, Euphorbia pekinensis), clove (Dingxiang, Syzygium aromaticum) and turmeric (Yujin, Curcuma wenyujin), aconite (Wutou, Aconitum carmichaelii) and pinellia (Banxia, Pinellia ternata), sulfur (Luhuang, Sulfur) and mirabilite (Puxiao, Sodium sulfate), and spurge (Lilu, Veratrum officinale) and ginseng (Renshen, Panax ginseng).

1. Licorice and kelp should not be used together: Combining licorice and kelp may increase the toxicity of kelp, leading to exacerbated adverse reactions such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

2. Clove and turmeric should not be combined: The combination of clove and turmeric may suppress clove's effect of regulating qi and relieving depression, thus affecting its therapeutic efficacy for diseases.

3. Aconite and pinellia should not be used together: The main component of aconite, aconitine, is highly toxic. Pinellia is warm in nature, acrid in taste, and also toxic. When these two herbs are combined, their constituents may interact, increasing the toxicity and potentially causing poisoning reactions.

4. Sulfur and mirabilite should not be combined: Sulfur is warm in nature, sour in taste, and toxic, while mirabilite is cold in nature, bitter and salty in taste. When used together, mirabilite's cold nature and purgative effect may counteract sulfur's warming properties and its functions of warming fire and assisting yang, thereby reducing or nullifying the therapeutic effects of sulfur.

5. Spurge and ginseng should not be used together: Ginseng is a tonic herb used for deficiency conditions, while spurge is an emetic herb used to induce vomiting. Their medicinal properties are opposing. When combined, they may produce antagonistic effects, weakening or negating ginseng's qi-tonifying effects, and potentially causing adverse reactions.

It is recommended to use Chinese herbal medicines under the proper guidance of a licensed TCM physician based on individual diagnosis. Self-medication should be avoided. If discomfort occurs, seek timely medical attention.

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