Introduction: There is a common perception about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): it is free from toxic side effects and can be taken as a tonic for a long time. This is because the properties of TCM are considered mild, so a slightly larger dose is seen as harmless. However, people often overlook the principle that "all medicines have some toxicity," and TCM is no exception. Some TCM herbs can cause poisoning if taken long-term. TCM practitioners point out that three types of traditional Chinese medicines—cinnabar, realgar, and monkshood—should not be taken long-term to avoid drug poisoning.
1. Cinnabar
Cinnabar has the effects of calming the spirit, tranquilizing the mind, clearing the heart, and detoxifying. It is a traditional medicine used throughout history to treat palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and mania. At the same time, many famous patent Chinese medicines also contain cinnabar, such as Zhusa Anshen Wan and Tianwang Buxin Dan. However, if taken in excessive doses or over a long period, it can cause harm to the digestive, cardiovascular, and urinary systems.
2. Realgar
The main component of realgar is arsenic disulfide, which decomposes to form arsenic trioxide, also known as arsenic. Once in the human body, arsenic destroys the respiratory enzymes of certain cells, causing tissue cells to be unable to obtain oxygen and die. Common compound preparations containing realgar include Niuhuang Jiedu Pian, Angong Niuhuang Wan, and Niuhuang Qingxin Wan. Long-term and high-dose use can lead to the accumulation of arsenic from realgar, causing damage to multiple organs such as the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system.
3. Monkshood
Monkshood-class herbs are considered "warming the meridians and unblocking yang" and are often used to treat arthralgia and bi-syndrome. Poisoning from monkshood-class herbs typically occurs within 10 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion. Symptoms of poisoning may include paroxysmal convulsions, muscle rigidity, body stiffness, locked jaw, incontinence, difficulty breathing, and even suffocation. Therefore, it cannot be taken long-term.