Chinese Medicine Guide

Detailed Chinese medicine safety guide for G6PD deficiency patients

Important Warning

G6PD deficient patients should avoid Chinese medicines containing Calculus Bovis, Realgar, Cinnabar, Menthol, etc.!

Prohibited Chinese Medicines

Chinese medicines that G6PD deficient patients should avoid

Mineral-based TCM

Calculus BovisHigh Risk

Calculus Bovis

RealgarHigh Risk

Realgar

CinnabarHigh Risk

Cinnabaris

PearlMedium Risk

Margarita

Aromatic TCM

MintMedium Risk

Menthae Herba

CamphorHigh Risk

Camphora

BorneolHigh Risk

Borneolum

MentholHigh Risk

Mentholum

Chinese Medicines Requiring Special Caution

These Chinese medicines contain oxidative components and should be avoided by G6PD deficient patients

TCM Requiring Special Caution

HoneysuckleMedium Risk

Lonicerae Flos

Reason: Contains oxidative components

ForsythiaMedium Risk

Forsythiae Fructus

Reason: Contains oxidative components

Isatis RootMedium Risk

Isatidis Radix

Reason: May contain oxidative components

DandelionMedium Risk

Taraxaci Herba

Reason: Requires cautious use

Relatively Milder Chinese Medicines

These Chinese medicines are relatively milder, but still require strict TCM practitioner guidance

Relatively Milder TCM (Still Requires Medical Guidance)

Licorice

Glycyrrhizae Radix

Harmonizes formulas, relatively safe

Poria

Poria

Spleen-strengthening, mild nature

Chinese Yam

Dioscoreae Rhizoma

Food-medicine dual use, relatively safe

Jujube

Jujubae Fructus

Qi-tonifying, mild nature

Cough Relief (Use with Caution)

Fritillaria

Fritillariae Bulbus

Lung-moistening, requires medical guidance

Loquat Leaf

Eriobotryae Folium

Lung-clearing, requires proper processing

Platycodon

Platycodonis Radix

Lung-opening, use in moderation

Patent Medicines to Avoid

These patent medicines contain components that are risky for G6PD deficient patients

Banlangen Granules

Caution

Heat-clearing and detoxifying, for cold and fever

Warning: May contain oxidative components, G6PD patients should avoid

Honeysuckle Dew

Avoid

Heat-clearing and detoxifying, for pediatric heat toxin

Warning: Contains honeysuckle with oxidative components, should be avoided

Relatively Milder Patent Medicines

These patent medicines are relatively milder, but still require medical guidance

Fritillaria and Loquat Syrup

Guidance Needed

Lung-moistening and cough-relieving, for dry cough

Note: Relatively mild, but still requires medical guidance, use with caution in diabetic patients

Licorice Tablets

Guidance Needed

Cough relief and expectorant, harmonizes formulas

Note: Relatively safe, but caution with long-term use

Chinese Yam Tablets

Guidance Needed

Spleen-strengthening and qi-boosting, food-medicine dual use

Note: Food-medicine dual use, relatively safe

Medication Guidelines

Choose Qualified TCM Practitioners

Actively inform TCM doctors about your G6PD deficiency so they can prescribe safe herbal formulas

Carefully Read Ingredients

Always check complete ingredient lists before purchasing patent medicines to avoid prohibited components

Avoid Self-medication

Do not self-purchase and prepare Chinese medicines, especially complex compound preparations

Related Resources

Western Medicine

Western medicine precautions

Oral Solutions

Oral solution safety guide

TCM Ingredients

Detailed TCM ingredient analysis

Symptom Recognition

Learn about hemolysis symptoms

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical advice. Any Chinese medicine use should consult qualified TCM practitioners.