The Deadly Trap in Herbal Wine: A Series of Tragedies Warn Us of the Risks of Homemade Herbal WineIn recent years, herbal wine poisoning incidents have occurred frequently, resulting in heart-wrenching tragedies. Herbal wine originally intended for birthday celebrations turned into "poisonous wine" that took lives; herbal wine intended to share its miraculous effects with friends became "bitter wine" that led to collective poisoning; herbal wine meant as a folk remedy for back pain became "dangerous wine" that nearly ended lives
The Deadly Trap in Herbal Wine: A Series of Tragedies Warn Us of the Risks of Homemade Herbal Wine
In recent years, herbal wine poisoning incidents have occurred frequently, resulting in heart-wrenching tragedies. Herbal wine originally intended for birthday celebrations turned into "poisonous wine" that took lives; herbal wine intended to share its miraculous effects with friends became "bitter wine" that led to collective poisoning; herbal wine meant as a folk remedy for back pain became "dangerous wine" that nearly ended lives. These bloody lessons tell us that homemade herbal wine is not safe, and a slight mistake could lead to disaster.
I. The Culprit Behind Herbal Wine Poisoning: The Fatal Allure of Aconitine
The culprit behind many herbal wine poisoning incidents often points to a toxin called "aconitine." Aconitine is found in a variety of medicinal herbs, including Aconitum carmichaelii, Aconitum kusnezoffii, Aconitum chinense, and Senecio scandens, and has a strong analgesic effect, so many people use it to make herbal wine in an attempt to relieve joint pain. However, aconitine is a diester alkaloid with extreme toxicity, far surpassing people's imagination.
The Horrifying Truth of Aconitine Poisoning:
- Extreme Toxicity: Only 0.2 milligrams of pure aconitine can cause poisoning, and 2 to 4 milligrams can be fatal!
- Rapid Onset: After ingesting aconitine, symptoms of poisoning appear rapidly within 10 minutes, not to be ignored!
- No Specific Antidote: Currently, there is no specific antidote for aconitine poisoning. Only measures such as gastric lavage, catharsis, fluid replacement, and hemoperfusion can be used to accelerate the excretion of the toxin and treat arrhythmias according to their type.
II. Overlooked Danger: The Toxicity of Medicinal Herbs Cannot Be Underestimated
Many people believe that medicinal herbs are naturally harmless, but they overlook the toxicity of some species. Aconitine is not the only example; many medicinal herbs contain toxins, which can be categorized into three types:
- Toxic Mineral-Based Medicinal Herbs: Such as arsenolite, arsenious oxide, cinnabar, vermilion, realgar, etc., contain heavy metals or toxic elements that are harmful to the human body.
- Highly Toxic or Potent Medicinal Herbs: Such as Strychnos nux-vomica, raw Aconitum carmichaelii, raw Aconitum kusnezoffii, raw Aconitum barbatum, raw Aconitum chinense, etc., contain potent toxins, and overdosing or misuse can lead to severe poisoning or even death.
- Medicinal Herbs with Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity: Such as Tripterygium wilfordii, Euphorbia kansui, etc., can damage the liver and kidneys.
These toxic medicinal herbs must undergo a strict processing procedure before they can be used safely in medicine. They must never be randomly collected or purchased for making herbal wine.
III. Herbal Wine Is Not a Panacea: Misconceptions and Truths
Many people have various misconceptions about herbal wine, leading to frequent incidents of herbal wine poisoning:
- Misconception 1: Herbal Wine is a cure-all for all diseases?
Herbal wine does have some health benefits, but it is not a cure-all, nor can it replace regular medical treatment. Different herbal wines target different diseases. You should choose the appropriate herbal wine based on your own situation and not blindly "brew" or "drink" it.
- Misconception 2: The longer the herbal wine is soaked, the better the effect?
Herbal wine soaked for too long will not only release toxic ingredients but also reduce its antiseptic efficacy as alcohol evaporates, allowing harmful bacteria and microorganisms to multiply, which can actually increase the risk of disease.
- Misconception 3: Herbal wine is harmless and can be consumed freely?
Whether it's homemade herbal wine or commercially available herbal wine, it should be carefully selected and consulted with a doctor. Do not casually try any folk remedies.
IV. Herbal Wine Safety Guidelines: What to Know Before You Drink
To prevent further incidents of herbal wine poisoning, we must remember the herbal wine safety guidelines:
1. Do Not Blindly "Brew":
- Avoid using toxic medicinal herbs to make wine, especially herbal wine claiming to have therapeutic effects, which requires extra caution.
- When making herbal wine, be sure to strictly follow professional processing methods and not operate arbitrarily.
- Understand the contraindications for herbal wine, such as pregnant women, infants, those with impaired liver and kidney function, etc., and do not drink it.
2. Do Not Leave It for Too Long:
- Generally, herbal wine can be drunk after 10 to 20 days of soaking.
- Soaking for too long can cause mold, so it is recommended to finish drinking it within 1 to 2 months.
3. Do Not Drink Any Herbal Wine You Encounter:
- Not everyone is suitable for drinking herbal wine. You should choose the appropriate herbal wine based on your own situation and consult a doctor for advice.
- For chronic debilitating diseases, herbal wine can play an auxiliary role in treatment, but do not overrely on it, and do not consider it a panacea for all diseases.
V. Conclusion: Cherish Life, Stay Away from Homemade Herbal Wine
Herbal wine is not safe, and the risks behind it cannot be ignored. We should treat herbal wine with a scientific attitude, avoid blindly "brewing" and "drinking" it, and remember the herbal wine safety guidelines to cherish life and stay away from homemade herbal wine.
References:
[1] ..2023-11-27
[2] ..2020-12-27
[3] 100.22..2024-05-16
[4] ..2017-09-07
Special Note:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any medical advice. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified physician.
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