Can pregnant women drink Banlangen (Isatis root), and when is the best time to drink it

As a popular traditional Chinese medicine, Banlangen (Isatis root) has stood out over the years on the battlefields of various health and epidemic prevention efforts and influenza and SARS, and has thus been regarded as an infallible rule by many mothers-in-law and older women. But in fact, the side effects of Banlangen (Isatis root) are not minor either, and drinking too much actually makes you more prone to illness. Below we explain the efficacy and effects of Banlangen (Isatis root) as well as the contraindications for its use.

Side effects of Banlangen (Isatis root): Does drinking too much harm the spleen and stomach?

1. Large doses can cause gastrointestinal bleeding

Banlangen (Isatis root) can generally be consumed by most people, but 5-10 grams each time is preferable, and excessive amounts can also cause problems. Although the side effects are relatively minor, the method of administration and dosage must strictly follow the drug instructions on the packaging; blind abuse cannot achieve disease prevention or health care effects. For example, a very small number of people experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms when taking conventional doses. There was once a report stating that a child with mumps used Banlangen injection, Banlangen decoction and lozenges simultaneously for 6 days, causing upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

2. Acute allergy

The vast majority of allergic reactions are caused by Banlangen injection, manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, vomiting, palpitations, skin rash, sometimes generalized erythema multiforme-type drug eruption, and in severe cases a drop in blood pressure leading to anaphylactic shock. One patient developed dizziness, blurred vision, chest tightness, shortness of breath, vomiting and other symptoms 10 minutes after taking Banlangen granules for influenza, and then developed cyanosis of the face and lips, generalized skin flushing and itching; the symptoms eased after 2 days of bed rest. On the 2nd day, after taking Banlangen granules again, the above symptoms reappeared, along with pallor and generalized erythema multiforme rash, and the patient was diagnosed with acute allergy caused by Banlangen granules.

3. People who should not take it

Banlangen (Isatis root) is a cold-natured product and should not be abused. The elderly, people with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, and children should not take Banlangen (Isatis root) alone or in excess over the long term, so as to avoid damaging the spleen and stomach or even triggering other diseases. People with a constitution that is inherently weak, those who catch colds frequently, patients with chronic gastroenteritis, those with low blood pressure or poor spirits, those with an allergic constitution, and those with blood system diseases should use Banlangen (Isatis root) with caution. For others, such as those with gastroptosis, peptic ulcer, hypothyroidism, arrhythmia and other diseases, it should also be used with caution.

Can pregnant women drink Banlangen (Isatis root)? If there are symptoms of cold and fever, drinking Banlangen (Isatis root) is acceptable. For cold and fever during pregnancy, some Chinese herbal medicines with fewer toxic and side effects can be taken. For example, Banlangen (Isatis root), Daqingye (Isatis leaf), Lianqiao (Forsythia fruit), Qianghuo (Notopterygium root), Jinyinhua (honeysuckle) and others with heat-clearing, detoxifying and antiviral effects all have relatively good efficacy. Chinese patent medicines and their preparations can also be used, such as Yinqiao Jiedu Wan and Yinhuang Koufuye. However, if you are only doing this to boost immunity, it is not recommended to drink Banlangen (Isatis root) regularly.

During use, if unexplained physical discomfort or other reactions occur, the cause should be identified promptly and treatment given.

Can pregnant women drink Banlangen (Isatis root)

1. Excessive or long-term use of Banlangen (Isatis root) has an irritating effect on the digestive tract. Some patients show relatively obvious symptoms of mucosal irritation in the digestive tract after oral Banlangen (Isatis root), manifesting as gastrointestinal colic and gastrointestinal bleeding.

2. Some people experience acute hemolytic reactions due to taking Banlangen (Isatis root), developing jaundice and acute renal insufficiency.

3. There are also reports of drug eruptions after taking Banlangen (Isatis root). Anaphylactic shock caused by the use of Banlangen injection is relatively common, and there are reports of death from it. Banlangen injection can also cause kidney damage.

From the above description, we find that Banlangen (Isatis root), as a Chinese patent medicine, although the patients who experience the above situations are few, still has certain side effects. Therefore, pregnant women should use it with caution. It cannot be completely said that pregnant women cannot use Banlangen granules; the prerequisite is that the medication must be taken correctly under a doctor's guidance, and a treatment method suitable for oneself must be chosen.

Can nursing mothers eat Banlangen (Isatis root)

Banlangen (Isatis root) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine preparation and is generally relatively safe, and children can also use it appropriately. Nursing mothers can drink Banlangen (Isatis root), but if the illness is relatively severe, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding to avoid infecting the child. Also, drink more water and do not eat spicy food. It is recommended to pay attention to rest; generally, medications that have no effect on breast milk can be used. If it is a cold with relatively mild symptoms, you can drink more boiled water, rest more, pay attention to diet, and try to prevent colds in daily life as much as possible.

If accompanied by other symptoms, fresh bamboo sap can be drunk. As long as the medication instructions do not clearly state that it cannot be used during breastfeeding, then it can be used. As long as the nursing mother does not have a high fever, Banlangen (Isatis root), cold granules and other medications can be taken under a doctor's guidance. It is recommended that antibiotics or cold medicines with very strong drug effects should best not be abused.

If accompanied by other symptoms, fresh bamboo sap can be drunk. As long as the medication instructions do not clearly state that it cannot be used during breastfeeding, then it can be used. As long as the nursing mother does not have a high fever, Banlangen (Isatis root), cold granules and other medications can be taken under a doctor's guidance. It is recommended that antibiotics or cold medicines with very strong drug effects should best not be abused.