Unusual Caution or Contra Herbs

Ma Huang

Hypertension

Xi Xin

Long-term use may cause liver cancer

Cang Er Zi

Consumption of pork while taking this herb

Xiang Ru

May cause vomiting if taken hot

Sheng Ma

Wheezing and chest fullness due to qi rebelling up

Tian Hua Fen

Abortifacient if injected

Jue Ming Zi

Hypotension

Lian Qiao

Possible photodermatitis

Tu Fu Ling

possible allergic reaction with pruritis, papular rash, agitation

Bai Tou Weng

Fresh herb irritates skin and mucous membranes

Bai Wei

has cardiotonic properties, overdose can provoke toxic reactions

Da huang

during menstruation, pregnancy, lactation

Mang Xiao

if used externally to promote lactation, cease use when an effect is seen

Mu Gua

Hyperchlorhydria (sour stomach or acid stomach)

Ban Xia

Sore throat from fire excess, bleeding

Jie Geng

hemoptysis

Xing Ren

infants, diarrhea, overdosage must be avoided b/c of cyanogenic glycoside toxicity

Mai Ya

During lactation except in a very low dosage

Chen Pi

Long-term use can injure the primal qi

Di Yu

Large-area burns

Fu Zi

True heat and false cold

Ren Shen

excess caffeine or stimulant use

Da Zao

Damp-heat, phlegm-heat, qi stag

Xian Mao

high dose can cause tongue swelling

Tu si zi

constipation and scanty, dark urine (even tho neutral)

Sha Yuan Zi

Hyperactive sex drive

Wu wei zi

May cause heartburn

Bai Zi Ren

cool, dry, well circulated storage reduces risk of carcinogenic aflatoxin contamination

Yuan ZHi

Peptic ulcers and gastritis

Bing Lang

Collapse of middle qi