Japanese Thistle Herb — Safety & Interactions

Da Ji · Herba Seu Radix Cirsii Japonici

Contraindications

  • Cold-pattern bleeding without Blood Heat — pale blood, cold extremities, weak pulse; cooling haemostatic will worsen Yang deficiency bleeding
  • Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold — cool herb impairs digestive Yang with prolonged use

Cautions

  • Standard dose: 9–15 g dried herb in decoction; 30–60 g fresh herb; charred form (Da Ji Tan): 6–9 g
  • Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin): haemostatic herbs paradoxically enhance coagulation — avoid combining with anticoagulants as bidirectional platelet effects can be unpredictable; monitor closely
  • Antihypertensive drugs: additive blood-pressure lowering; monitor in patients on antihypertensives
  • Pregnancy: Blood-cooling, stasis-dispersing actions; traditionally used with caution in pregnancy; high doses avoided

Drug Interactions

Drug Class / Substrate Mechanism Severity Source
Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — haemostatic herb with complex platelet effects; monitor bleeding parameters
Antihypertensive drugs — additive blood-pressure lowering via pectolinarin/linarin

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.