These three traditional Chinese medicines are the most toxic, so be careful when taking them.
Regarding traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there is a common perception that it is non-toxic and free of side effects, and can be taken as a tonic for long periods. This is because TCM is considered mild in nature, and slightly larger doses are thought to be harmless. However, people often overlook the saying that "all medicines have some toxicity," and TCM is no exception. Some TCMs, when taken long-term, may lead to drug poisoning. TCM practitioners point out that three types of traditional Chinese medicines—cinnabar, realgar, and monkshood—should not be taken for long periods to avoid drug poisoning.
1. Cinnabar
Cinnabar has the effects of calming the mind, tranquilizing, and clearing the heart to detoxify. It is one of the medicines used by TCM doctors throughout history to treat palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and mania. At the same time, many famous patent Chinese medicines also contain cinnabar, such as Anshen Ding Wan (Cinnabar Pill to Tranquilize the Mind) and Tianwang Buxin Dan (King of Heaven's Special Pill for Nourishing the Heart). However, long-term or excessive use of such medicines can cause certain harm to the digestive, cardiovascular, and urinary systems.
2. Realgar
The main component of realgar is arsenic disulfide, which decomposes to form arsenic trioxide, i.e., arsenic. Once in the human body, arsenic destroys the respiratory enzymes of certain cells, causing tissue cells to die from lack of oxygen. Common compound preparations containing realgar include Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Bovine Calculus Detoxifying Tablet), Angong Niuhuang Wan (Arresting Palace Powder with Bovine Calculus), and Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (Bovine Calculus Pill for Clearing the Heart). Long-term and large-dose use can lead to the accumulation of arsenic components in realgar, causing damage to multiple organs such as the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system.
3. Monkshood
Monkshood-class medicines are classified as herbs for warming the meridians and unblocking yang, and are often used to treat bi-syndrome (painful obstruction). Poisoning from monkshood-class medicines usually 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.