This is a reference, not medical advice. Before combining any herb with another herb, a supplement, or a medication, consult a qualified practitioner and your pharmacist or physician.
The five safety/warning tags on 129 Chinese herbs.
- Drug interactions — documented interactions with medications, with a derived risk level and interaction type (blood thinners, blood sugar, liver metabolism, and more).
- Incompatible · 十八反 — the classical "Eighteen Incompatibilities": herb pairs that must not be combined.
- Antagonizes · 十九畏 — the "Nineteen Antagonisms": herb pairs that mutually blunt or counteract each other.
- Toxic / restricted — herbs that are toxic, or restricted/illegal in the United States, with a toxicity note.
- Endangered / illegal — substances from CITES-protected species (e.g. tiger, rhinoceros, pangolin, saiga antelope, seahorse) that are illegal and must be replaced with humane, legal substitutes.
These flags describe what we document; the interaction risk level is not a clinical severity score. Always read a herb's full page and confirm with a qualified practitioner and pharmacist.
Showing 129 of 129 herbs with a safety flag.
- Ba Dou十九畏 AntagonizesToxic / restrictedCroton Seed (Crotonis Fructus)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Qian Niu Zi
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Bai Fu ZiToxic / restrictedTyphonium Rhizome (Rhizoma Typhonii Gigantei)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Bai GuoToxic / restrictedGinkgo Nut (Semen Ginkgonis Bilobae)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Bai Hua SheHigher interactionToxic / restrictedAgkistrodon, Bungarus (Agkistrodon Seu Bungarus)Bleeding / Blood ThinnersToxic / Restricted Herb
As Bai Hua She has an anticoagulant effect, it should be used with extreme caution when taking anti-platelet or anti-coagulant drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Bai Ji十八反 IncompatibleBletilla Rhizome (Rhizoma Bletillae)
- Bai Lian十八反 IncompatibleAmpelopsis, Japanese Ampelopsis Root (Radix Ampelopsis)
- Bai Shao十八反 IncompatibleWhite Peony Root (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Ban Bian LianModerate interactionChinese Lobelia, Lobelia (Herba Lobeliae Chinensis Gum Radice)Blood Pressure
Ban Bian Lian has a diuretic effect and should be taken with care with other diuretic drugs including Lasix, Bumex, and Demadex.
- Ban MaoToxic / restrictedCantharides (Mylabris)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Ban Xia十八反 IncompatibleToxic / restrictedPinellia Rhizome (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae)
- Bei Sha Shen十八反 IncompatibleGlehnia Root (Radix Glehniae Littoralis)
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Bei XieGeneral interactionFish Poison Yam Rhizome, Tokoro (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae)
None Noted
- Cang Er ZiToxic / restrictedCocklebur Fruit (Fructus Xanthii Siberici)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Cang ZhuGeneral interactionBlack Atractylodes Rhizone (Rhizoma Atractylodis)
May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.
- Cao Wu十八反 Incompatible十九畏 AntagonizesToxic / restrictedPrepared Wild Aconite (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Preparata)
Incompatible with 十八反: Bai Ji, Ban Xia, Chuan Bei Mu, Gua Lou, Gua Lou Pi, Gua Lou Ren, Tian Hua Fen, Zhe Bei Mu, Bai Lian
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Xi Jiao
Toxicity: Extremely toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Chan SuToxic / restrictedToad Venom, Dried Toad Skin Secretions (Secretio Bufonis)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Chang ShanToxic / restrictedDichroa Root (Radix Dichroae Febrifugae)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Che Qian ZiModerate interactionPlantago Seed, Plantain Seed (Semen Plantaginis)Blood Pressure
Che Qian Zi promotes urination and may interfere with Diuretic drugs.
- Chi Shao十八反 IncompatibleRed Peony Root (Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Chi Shi ZhiGeneral interaction十九畏 AntagonizesHalloysite, Kaolin (Hallyositum Rubrum)
Chi Shi Zhi has the ability to bind to other substances in the gastrointestinal tract forming a solid mass that has limited absorption in the intestines. For this reason, drugs should be taken a few hours before or after the ingestion…
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Rou Gui
- Chuan Bei Mu十八反 IncompatibleTendrilled Fritillaria Bulb (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae)
- Chuan JiaoToxic / restrictedFruit of Szechuan Pepper (Pericarpium Zanthoxyli Bungeani)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Chuan Lian ZiToxic / restrictedSichuan Pagoda Tree Fruit (Fructus Meliae Toosendan)
Toxicity: Unprocessed Chuan Lian Zi is Slightly Toxic.
- Chuan Mu TongModerate interactionClematis (Caulis Clematidis Armandii)Blood Pressure
Chuan Mu Tong promotes urination and may interfere with Diuretic drugs.
- Chuan Shan JiaEndangeredAnteater Scales, Pangolin Scales (Squama Manitis Pentadactylis)
- Chuan Wu十八反 Incompatible十九畏 AntagonizesToxic / restrictedPrepared Sichuan Aconite (Radix Aconiti Preparata)
Incompatible with 十八反: Bai Ji, Ban Xia, Chuan Bei Mu, Gua Lou, Gua Lou Pi, Gua Lou Ren, Tian Hua Fen, Zhe Bei Mu, Bai Lian
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Xi Jiao
Toxicity: Extremely toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Chuan XiongGeneral interactionSzechuan Lovage Root (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.
- Da Feng ZiToxic / restrictedChaulmoogra Seeds (Semen Hydnocarpi Anthelminticae)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Da JiHigher interaction十八反 IncompatibleJapanese Thistle, Cirsium (Herba Cirsii Japonici)Bleeding / Blood Thinners
Use with caution in patients taking warfarin or other blood thinners to avoid blood clots, but no adverse effect has been documented.
Incompatible with 十八反: Gan Cao
- Dan ShenHigher interaction十八反 IncompatibleSalvia Root (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)Bleeding / Blood Thinners
Dan Shen may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs. Decreases warfarin clearance and increases its bioavailability.
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Dang GuiGeneral interactionChinese Angelica Root (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Dang Gui may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.
- Dang Shen十八反 IncompatibleCodonopsis Root (Radix Codonopsitis Pilosulae)
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Deng Xin CaoGeneral interactionRush Pith, Juncus (Medulla Junci Effusi)
None Noted
- Ding Xiang十九畏 AntagonizesClove Flower Bud (Flos Caryophylli)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Yu Jin
- Dong Gua PiGeneral interactionWinter Melon Peel, Wax Gourd Peel (Exocarpium Benincasae)
None Noted
- Dong Gua ZiGeneral interactionWinter Melon, Wax Gourd Seed, Benincasa (Semen Benincasae Hispidae)
None Noted
- Dong Kui ZiGeneral interactionMusk Mallow Seeds, Abutilon Seeds (Semen Malvae)
Care should be used in patients taking diuretics like Lasix.
- Feng FangToxic / restrictedHornet's Nest (Nidus Vespae)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Fu Ling PiModerate interactionPoria Skin (Sclerotii Poriae Cocos)Blood Pressure
None noted but this herb has a diuretic effect and care should be used when taken with other diuretics
- Fu ShenModerate interactionPoria Spirit (Scierotium Pararadicis Poriae Cocos)Blood Pressure
None noted, but this herb has a mild diuretic effect and care should be used in patients taking diuretics.
- Fu Zi十八反 IncompatibleToxic / restrictedProcessed Aconite (Radix Lateralis Praeparatus Aconiti Carmichaeli)
Incompatible with 十八反: Bai Ji, Ban Xia, Chuan Bei Mu, Gua Lou, Gua Lou Pi, Gua Lou Ren, Tian Hua Fen, Zhe Bei Mu, Bai Lian
Toxicity: This herb is Toxic.
- Gan CaoGeneral interaction十八反 IncompatibleLicorice Root (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Corticosteroids: Glycyrrhizin, a compount in Gan Cao may prolong the biological half-life of the sytemic corticosteroids. 12, 25 Digioxin: Potassium loss associated with Gan Cao may increase toxicity of cardiac glycosides such as…
Incompatible with 十八反: Da Ji, Jing Da Ji, Gan Sui, Hai Zao, Yuan Hua
- Gan QiToxic / restrictedSap Prepared as Lacquer (Lacca Sinica Exsiccata)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Gan Sui十八反 IncompatibleToxic / restrictedKansui Root (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui)
Incompatible with 十八反: Gan Cao
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Gua DiToxic / restrictedMelon Pedicle (Pedicellus Cucumeris)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Gua Lou十八反 IncompatibleTrichosanthes Fruit (Fructus Trichosanthis Kirlowii)
- Gua Lou Pi十八反 IncompatibleTrichosanthes Peel, Snake Gourd Peel (Pericarpium Trichosanthis Kirlowii)
- Gua Lou Ren十八反 IncompatibleTrichosanthes Seeds (Semen Trichosanthis Kirlowii)
- Guang Fang JiHigher interactionToxic / restrictedAristolochia Root, Stephania (Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi)Toxic / Restricted Herb
This herb should not be used with other nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic compounds.
Toxicity: This herb is banned due to its toxicity This herb contains aristolochic acid, a compound that can cause permanent kidney damage, including kidney failure. It has also been shown to cause cancer,…
- Hai Zao十八反 IncompatibleSeaweed, Sargassum (Herba Sargassii)
Incompatible with 十八反: Gan Cao
- Han Fang JiGeneral interactionStephania Root (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae)
None noted, but use cautiously with diuretics including chlorothoiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix, Bumex, and Demadex.
- Han Lian CaoGeneral interactionEclipta (Herba Ecliptae Prostratae)
None Noted.
- He ShiToxic / restrictedCarpesium Fruit (Fructus Carpesii Seu Dauci)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Hei Zhi MaGeneral interactionBlack Sesame Seeds (black Semen Sesame Indici)
None Noted.
- Hong Da JiToxic / restrictedKnoxia Root (Radix Knoxiae)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Hong HuaGeneral interactionSafflower Flower (Flos Carthami Tinctorii)
Hong Hua may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.
- Hou PoHigher interactionMagnolia Bark (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)Bleeding / Blood Thinners
Hou Po contains magnolol, a mild anticoagulant. Caution should be used in patients taking antiplatelets or anticoagulants including; aspirin, dipyridamole, clopidogrel(plavix), heparin, warfarin, and enoxaparin(Lovenox).
- Hu GuEndangeredTiger Bone (Os Tigris)
Toxicity: None Noted
- Hua ShiGeneral interactionTalcum (Talcum)
None Noted
- Huang QiGeneral interactionAstragalus (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.
- Huo XiangGeneral interactionPatchouli, Agastache (Herba Agastaches Rugosus, Herba Pogostemonis)
None Noted
- Jin Qian CaoModerate interactionLysimachia (Herba Desmodii Styrachifolii)Blood Pressure
Due to Jin Qian Cao’s diuretic affect, use caution in patients taking diuretics.
- Jing Da Ji十八反 IncompatibleToxic / restrictedPeking Spurge Root (Radix Euphorbiae Pekinensis)
Incompatible with 十八反: Gan Cao
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Ku Lian Gen PiToxic / restrictedChina Tree Root Bark (Cortex Meliae Radicis)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Ku Shen十八反 IncompatibleSophora Root (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis)
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Lei WanToxic / restrictedFruiting Body of Omphalia (Scierotium Omphaliae Lapidescentis)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Li Lu十八反 IncompatibleToxic / restrictedVeratrum Root and Rhizome (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri)
- Liu Huang十九畏 AntagonizesToxic / restrictedSulpher (Sulphur)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Po Xiao
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Luo Han GuoGeneral interactionMomordica Fruit (Fructus Momordicae Grosvenori)
None Noted.
- Ma Dou LingToxic / restrictedBirthwort Fruit (Aristolochiae Fructus)
Toxicity: This herb contains aristolochic acid, a compound that can cause permanent kidney damage, including kidney failure. It has also been shown to cause cancer, specifically urothelial carcinoma. Position paper…
- Ma HuangModerate interactionEphedra Stem (Herba Ephedrae)Blood Pressure
Ma Huang contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine which interferes with Sympathomimic (anti-seizure) and Cariovascular drugs. Ma Huang (Ephedra) and MAOI can cause dangerously high blood pressure. FDA proposed a dosage limit of 8 mg every…
- Ma Qian ZiToxic / restrictedNux Vomica Seeds (Semen Strychnotis)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Mai Men DongGeneral interactionOphiopogon Tuber (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)
None Noted.
- Meng ChongToxic / restrictedtabanus, gadfly (Tabanus)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Mi Tuo SengToxic / restrictedLitharge (Lithargyrum)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Mu Bie ZiToxic / restrictedMomordica Seeds (Semen Momordicae Cochinchinensis)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Nu Zhen ZiModerate interactionPrivet Fruit, Ligustrum (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi)Blood Sugar
Nu Zhen Zi lowers plasma glucose levels. Combining this herb with anti-diabetic medication such as insulin or sulfonylureas may result in hypoglycemia. 12
- Pei LanGeneral interactionEupatorium (Herba Eupatorii Fortunei)
None Noted
- Po XiaoGeneral interaction十九畏 Antagonizes(Sal Glauberis)
- Qian DanToxic / restrictedLead Oxide (Minium)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Qian Niu Zi十九畏 AntagonizesToxic / restrictedMorning Glory Seeds or Pharbitis (Semen Pharbiditis)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Ba Dou
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Qing FenToxic / restrictedCalomel (Calomelas)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Qu MaiGeneral interactionAerial Parts of Fringed Pink or Chinese Pink Dianthus (Herba Dianthi)
Use with caution in patients taking diuretics since this herb promotes urination.
- Quan XieToxic / restrictedScorpion, Buthus (Buthus Martensis)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Ren ShenGeneral interaction十八反 Incompatible十九畏 AntagonizesGinseng Root (Radix Ginseng)
It is suggested, but not documented that Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) may induce mania in depressed patients that mix this herb with phenelzine antidepressants. 12 An in vitro study suggests that an herbal preparation of Ren Shen (Radix…
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Wu Ling Zhi
- Rou Gui十九畏 AntagonizesInner Bark of Saigon Cinnamon (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Chi Shi Zhi
- San Leng十九畏 AntagonizesBur Reed Rhizome (Rhizoma Sparganii)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Ya Xiao
- Sha RenModerate interactionCardamom (Grains of Paradise Fruit) (Fructus Amomi)Bleeding / Blood Thinners
Sha Ren has anti-platelet action and caution should be used with patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant meds. This possible interaction is undocumented.
- Sha ShenGeneral interaction十八反 IncompatibleAdenophora Root, Four Leaf Lady Bell Root (Glehniae/Adenophorae Radix)
- Shan Ci GuToxic / restrictedBulb of Chinese Tulip (Pseudobulbus Shancigu)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Shan YaoGeneral interactionChinese Yam Rhizome, Dioscorea (Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae)
May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.
- Shang LuToxic / restrictedPoke Root or Phytolacca (Radix Phytolaccae)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- She XiangEndangeredDeer Musk (Secretio Moschi Moschifeni)
- Shi GaoGeneral interactionGypsum (Gypsum Fibrosum)
May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.
- Shi Liu PiToxic / restrictedPomegranate Husk (Penicarpium Punicae Granati)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Shi WeiGeneral interactionPyrrosia Leaves (Herba Pyrrosiae)
None Noted
- Shu Di HuangGeneral interactionChinese Foxglove Root, Steamed with Water or Alcohol, Rehmannia (Processed Radix Rehmanniae)
None Noted
- Shui ZhiGeneral interactionToxic / restrictedLeech (Hirudo seu Whitmania)Toxic / Restricted Herb
Shui Zhi may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.
Toxicity: Overdose symptoms occur 1-4 hours after ingestion. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, metrorrhagia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, severe abdominal pain, hematuria, and coma.
- Tao RenGeneral interactionPeach Kernel (Semen Pruni Persicae)
Tao Ren may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.
- Tian Hua Fen十八反 IncompatibleTrichosanthes Root (Trichosanthis Kirlowii Radix)
- Tong CaoModerate interactionRice Paper Pith, Tetrapanax (Medulla Tetrapanacis Papyriferi)Blood Pressure
Due to the diuretic effect of this herb, care should be used when taking prescription diuretics.
- Tu Bie ChongToxic / restrictedWingless Cockroach (Eupolyphaga Seu Opistholpatia)
Toxicity: Slightly Toxic with symptoms like sinus bradycardia, general weakness, nausea, vertigo, irritation of the GI tract. Contact dermatitis is possible with topical application.
- Wu GongToxic / restrictedCentipede (Scolopendra Subspinipes)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Wu Ling Zhi十九畏 AntagonizesFlying Squirrel Feces (Feces Trogopterori Seu Pteromi)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Ren Shen
- Wu Zhu YuToxic / restrictedEvodia Fruit (Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Xi Jiao十九畏 AntagonizesEndangeredRhinoceros Horn (Cornu Rhinoceri)
- Xi Xin十八反 IncompatibleChinese Wild Ginger, Asarum (Herba Asari Cum Radice)
Incompatible with 十八反: Li Lu
- Xian MaoToxic / restrictedGolden Eye Grass Rhizome (Rhizoma Curculiginis Orchioidis)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Xing RenToxic / restrictedApricot Seed or Kernel (Semen Pruni Armeniacae)
Toxicity: Slightly toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Xiong HuangToxic / restrictedRealgar (Realgar)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Xuan ShenGeneral interaction十八反 IncompatibleNingpo Figwort Root (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis)
- Ya Dan ZiToxic / restrictedJava Brucea Fruit (Fructus Bruceae Javanicae)
Toxicity: Large doses can cause vasodilation of the internal organs and may lead to hemorrhage.
- Ya Xiao十九畏 Antagonizes(Nitrum)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: San Leng
- Yi Yi RenGeneral interactionSeeds of Job's Tears (Semen Coicis Lachyrma-jobi)
None Noted
- Yin ChenModerate interactionYinchenhao Shoots and Leaves, Capillaris (Herba Artemisiae Yinchenhao)Blood Pressure
None noted, but caution should be used when combining with diuretic drugs.
- Ying Su KeToxic / restrictedOpium Poppy Husk (Pericarpium Papaveris Somniferi)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Yu Jin十九畏 AntagonizesTurmeric Tuber (Tuber Curcumae)
Antagonizes / antagonized by 十九畏: Ding Xiang
- Yu Mi XuHigher interactionCornsilk (Stylus Zeae Mays)
Caution should be used when using prescription diuretics though adverse interactions are undocumented. Caution should be used when taking coumadin since this herb contains vitamin K, which affects clotting time.
- Yuan Hua十八反 IncompatibleToxic / restrictedGenkwa Flower (Flos Daphnis Genkwae)
Incompatible with 十八反: Gan Cao
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Yuan Ming FenGeneral interaction(Matrii Sulfas Exsiccatus)
Please See Mang Xiao
- Zao JiaoToxic / restrictedChinese Honeylocust Fruit (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus)
Toxicity: Doses in excess of 30 grams can lead to hemolytic anemia. This herb is toxic, overdose can lead to dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, burning sensation of the epigastrum, irritability and…
- Ze QiToxic / restrictedEuphorbia (Euphorbiae Helioscopiae)
Toxicity: Initial symptoms of toxic overdose or long term use are epigastric discomfort and pain. Severe cases include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, restlessness,…
- Ze XieModerate interactionWater Plantain Rhizome, Alisma (Rhizoma Alismatis)Blood Pressure
Ze Xie promotes urination and may interfere with Diuretic drugs (ie - Lasix).
- Zhang NaoToxic / restrictedCamphor (Camphora)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
- Zhe Bei Mu十八反 IncompatibleThunberg Fritillaria Bulb (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus)
- Zhi MuGeneral interactionAnemarrhena Rhizome (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Aspheloidis)
May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.
- Zhi Tian Nan XingToxic / restrictedPrepared Jack in the Pulpit Rhizome (Arisaematis Rhizoma preparatum)
Toxicity: The entire plant is toxic and unsuitable for ingestion unless pre-processed, usually with ginger. Overdose of processed herb leads to numbness of the extremities, paralysis and numbness of the mouth and…
- Zhu LingGeneral interactionPolyporus Sclerotium (Sclerotium Polypori Umbellati)
Caution should be used in patients taking prescribed diuretics though no adverse events are documented.
- Zhu ShaToxic / restrictedCinnabar (Cinnabar)
Toxicity: Toxic — use only the properly prepared form, and only under qualified supervision.
Please read — this list is not complete
While we have made every effort to catalog herb interactions, incompatibilities, and toxicities, these are deep, complex, and still-developing fields. These lists cannot be exhaustive. Cautions beyond those documented here undoubtedly exist, new ones are reported as research advances, and a herb's absence from a list is not evidence that it is safe. Treat this as a starting point for a conversation with a qualified practitioner, pharmacist, or physician — never as a final clearance.
For how we research, cross-reference, and grade the evidence behind these entries, see How we source our content .