Long-term use of certain traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) can severely damage the liver and kidneys!Many people keep a supply of TCMs at home for common ailments like headaches, colds, and stomach upset. However, many are unaware that prolonged use of some TCMs can severely damage their health, especially liver and kidney function
Long-term use of certain traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) can severely damage the liver and kidneys!
Many people keep a supply of TCMs at home for common ailments like headaches, colds, and stomach upset. However, many are unaware that prolonged use of some TCMs can severely damage their health, especially liver and kidney function. This article details several TCMs unsuitable for long-term use, aiming to raise awareness of safe medication practices and encourage readers to share this crucial information.
I. Realgar: A Hidden Killer in Common TCMs
Realgar, an orange-red crystalline or granular substance, is used in TCM for insecticidal, expectorant, and detoxifying purposes. While seemingly innocuous, it harbors significant risks. Its main component, arsenic disulfide, is highly toxic. Excessive use can lead to:
- Nervous system damage: Disrupts nerve signal transmission, akin to a short circuit in the body, affecting normal physiological functions.
- Vascular damage: Damages the vascular system, hindering blood flow, like a ruptured pipe in the body, causing circulatory problems.
- Organ damage: Causes fatty degeneration and necrosis in vital organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and heart muscle. Severe cases may even increase cancer risk.
Many common children's TCMs contain realgar, such as Qizhen Wan (Seven Treasures Pills), often used for digestion. Parents may overlook the risk of realgar toxin accumulation from long-term use. Similarly, Xiaor Kehuosan (Small Child Detoxification Powder), used for clearing heat and detoxifying, contains realgar and can harm children if misused.
Adult medications like Niu Huang Jie Du Wan (pills/tablets) also contain realgar. Many use it for quick relief from heatiness, unaware of the potential long-term dangers. These are common household remedies, yet few realize the inherent risks.
II. Cinnabar: Hidden Threat Behind a Beautiful Exterior
Cinnabar, a beautiful vermilion-red substance, was historically used as a pigment and believed to ward off evil spirits. In TCM, it's used to calm the spirit and detoxify. However, its main component, mercury sulfide, is potentially toxic. While effective in certain dosages, misuse can cause:
- Skin allergies: Sensitive individuals may experience extensive rashes and severe itching, disrupting sleep.
- Nervous system disorders: Patients may experience insomnia, headaches, and in severe cases, convulsions and coma.
- Liver and kidney damage: Impairs liver and kidney function, like two hardworking "guardians" suddenly exhausted, potentially leading to failure.
Many sleep aids contain cinnabar, such as Zhusa Anshen Wan (Cinnabar An Shen Pills). Long-term use can lead to cinnabar toxin accumulation and irreversible damage. Guanxin Suhe Wan and Tianwang Buxin Dan also contain cinnabar, and patients may overlook its potential risks.
III. Aconitum Alkaloid-Containing Herbs: A Triple Blow to the Nervous, Circulatory, and Digestive Systems
Herbs like Chuanwu, Caowu, and Fuzhi contain aconitine, a highly toxic substance that strongly paralyzes the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems. Long-term or excessive use can cause:
- Nervous system paralysis: Numbness and abnormal sensations in the extremities, like countless ants crawling on the skin, escalating over time.
- Circulatory system disorders: Disrupts heart rhythm, causing palpitations and heart flutters.
- Digestive system disorders: Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Fuzhi is common in tonic formulas. Some use it in home remedies, but improper dosage easily leads to aconitine poisoning. Mild cases cause oral numbness; severe cases cause extremity numbness, palpitations, abdominal pain, and even life-threatening complications. While less common herbs like Xuewu and Luodi Qianjin can also cause severe consequences if misused.
IV. Toad Venom (Chansu): A Hidden Killer of Cardiac Function
Chansu, a processed secretion from toad skin glands, has detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, and analgesic properties, commonly used in treating heart disease and throat swelling. However, misuse can severely damage the heart:
- Cardiac arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat, like an out-of-sync drummer, affecting normal cardiac function.
- Nerve paralysis: Numbness in the extremities, feeling like limbs don't belong to the body.
- Pallor: Pale face, lacking color.
- Hypotension: Severe cases can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure and shock.
Some cardiovascular medications contain chansu, such as Xuetong Xinmai Ning tablets. Strict adherence to medical instructions is essential to minimize risks. Houzheng Wan also contains chansu and requires cautious use.
Conclusion: Rational Medication, Protecting Health
Highly toxic TCMs are generally used for rapid relief of acute conditions, like firefighters extinguishing a blaze the fire is put out, and the use stops. Even low-toxicity or non-toxic medications should not be taken arbitrarily. All medication should be taken as prescribed, and ingredients should be carefully reviewed before each use, avoiding blind medication. Do not trust unsubstantiated folk remedies or unqualified practitioners; medication safety is paramount. Caution and knowledge are crucial to reducing health risks and ensuring safety.
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