Cautions toxic herbs

Because the herbs that expel wind, damp and cold are mostly warm, pungent and bitter, and have a drying nature, they should be used with caution in patients who suffer from deficiency of Yin, blood or body fluids. Caution when using toxic herbs ... 

Liver and renal function tests should be monitored in symptomatic patients or patients on chronic usage of the herb. Individuals using kava regularly should be cautioned about the potential for adverse interactions with other pharmacologically active substances, including ethanol, barbiturates, and some benzodiazepines. A toxic dose has not yet been established. 

Traditional use A decoction of the herb mixed with barley flour is used to treat various tumors. The ashes are applied to treat eczema and scabies (Khalmatov 1964). A decoction of the herb is used to treat fever, flu, sore throat, pertussis, stomach diseases, bums, and used as an anticonvulsive. It is also used as an insecticide to kill flies and cockroaches. It is important to note that since the plant is very toxic, it should be used with extreme caution (Kulikov 1975 Khalmatov et al. 1984 Khalmatov and Kosimov 1994). 

Shen Nung also grouped 365 herbs into three classes, Upper, Middle, and Lower, based on herbal toxicities. The nontoxic and rejuvenating Upper class herbs can be taken continuously for a long period and form the main components of the dietary supplement dishes ( Yao Shan ). The Middle class herbs promote mental stability and can have either nontoxic or toxic effects. Thus, more caution must be taken with their use. The Lower Class herbs have toxic properties, cannot be taken for extended periods, and must be properly processed to reduce their toxicity before being used in TCM formulations. Selected Oriental herbal products of all three classes will be discussed in more detail in the next section, including folkloric use, chemical composition, and currently identified biological activities. 

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