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Press Release

Public reminded to follow instructions from Chinese medicine practitioners when taking Chinese medicines

23 April 2015

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 23) appealed to members of the public not to consume self-prepared herbal broths based purely on herbal formulae taken from books, but to follow instructions from Chinese medicine practitioners when preparing and taking Chinese medicines.

The appeal followed the receipt of notification of a poisoning case involving a 47-year-old woman who took a herbal broth containing Aconitum alkaloids. The patient had prepared a herbal broth following a formula written in a book. The patient, who suffered from diarrhea, self-prepared a herbal broth on April 10 based on a herbal formula contained in a herbal recipe book (no English name) without consulting a Chinese medicine practitioner. She developed poisoning symptoms including numbness of all four limbs, lip numbness, dizziness and nausea 90 minutes after consuming the herbal broth. She attended Tseung Kwan O Hospital and was admitted for treatment. Her condition improved and the patient was discharged on April 11.

A DH spokesman said investigation revealed the recommended formula contained processed Radix Aconiti Lateralis.

Processed Radix Aconiti Lateralis is a Chinese herbal medicine containing Aconitum alkaloids and could be indicated for cold syndrome. Decoction-first and prolonged decoction to reduce its toxicity is required before oral consumption. If prepared incorrectly or used improperly, toxic symptoms and signs including numbness of the mouth, limbs and the body, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, a weak pulse and shortness of breath may occur. In severe cases it can be fatal.

The spokesman called on members of the public to observe the following advice when taking Chinese medicines:

  • Consult Chinese medicine practitioners and follow their instructions for the preparation and consumption of any Chinese herbal products. Do not alter the dose or preparatory method of your own accord;
  • When purchasing Chinese medicines, members of the public should understand their own health problems and the relevance and nature of the medicines to be consumed. Advice from Chinese medicine practitioners should be sought in case of doubt.

He urged members of the public to stop further consumption and seek medical attention as soon as possible if they do not feel well after taking herbal medicines.

23 April 2015