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A 65-year-old Uncle Zhang heard that Panax notoginseng powder is good for his health, so he started taking one spoonful a day. Two years have passed, what exactly has changed in his body? This seemingly simple habit can actually have unintended consequences.
Panax notoginseng, also known as notoginseng and ginseng, is a precious medicinal material commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has the effects of blood circulation and blood stasis, hemostasis, analgesia, etc., and is widely popular among the people. Many elderly people regard it as a health product, believing that long-term use can prevent diseases and prolong life.
That's what Uncle Zhang thinks. He brewed a spoonful of Panax notoginseng powder every morning for two whole years. At first, he did feel more energetic and had fewer minor problems. Over time, however, some hidden dangers began to emerge.
The first is an upset stomach. Uncle Zhang began to have stomach pain, acid reflux and other symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Panax notoginseng is warm in nature, and long-term use is easy to hurt the stomach and yin. Western medicine explains that Panax notoginseng contains saponins and other ingredients, and excessive intake will irritate the gastric mucosa, resulting in increased gastric acid secretion.
The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine has issued an announcement reminding the public not to take a large amount of Panax notoginseng for a long time. The National Institutes of Health of United States also noted that Panax notoginseng may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
This is followed by an increased tendency to bleed. Uncle Zhang found that he was prone to subcutaneous bruising and bleeding gums more frequently than before. This is because Panax notoginseng has an anticoagulant effect, and long-term use may affect blood clotting function. Traditional Chinese medicine theories believe that this is the result of excessive blood circulation. Western medical studies have shown that certain components in Panax notoginseng can inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
The World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Pharmacovigilance has reported that long-term use of Panax notoginseng may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when used concomitantly with anticoagulants.
Liver function is also impaired. Uncle Zhang found abnormal liver function indicators during the physical examination. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this is a manifestation of the drug "harming the liver". Western medicine explains that some of the ingredients in Panax notoginseng may have toxic effects on the liver, and long-term excessive intake can lead to liver cell damage.
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission emphasizes that Panax notoginseng should be taken in the recommended dose, and an overdose may damage the liver. The United States Food and Drug Administration has also warned that certain dietary supplements containing Panax notoginseng may cause liver damage.
Finally, there are drug interactions. Uncle Zhang suffers from high blood pressure and has been taking blood pressure medication. He did not expect that the combination of Panax notoginseng and some antihypertensive drugs may enhance or weaken the effect of the drug and affect blood pressure control. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, this is the embodiment of the "mutual use" of drugs. Western medical studies have found that Panax notoginseng may affect the metabolism of certain drugs and change its concentration in the body.
According to the International Association for the Study of Drug Interactions, Panax notoginseng may interact with a variety of common drugs, including antihypertensive drugs and anticoagulants.
Uncle Zhang's experience tells us that even traditional and precious medicinal materials cannot be taken blindly and in large quantities for a long time. Panax notoginseng does have its own unique medicinal value, but it is not suitable for everyone, and it is not "the more the merrier".
For the elderly, there may be some benefits to the rational use of notoginseng. It helps improve blood circulation, relieves joint pain, and may even play a role in preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. But the key lies in the word "moderation".
Experts recommend that healthy adults should not take Panax notoginseng powder in a daily dose of 3-5 grams. The elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with special diseases should be used with caution under the guidance of a doctor. It is best to have regular medical check-ups to detect potential problems in time.
The Panax notoginseng products on the market are mixed. Some may be adulterated with other ingredients, or improperly processed resulting in the loss of active ingredients. When purchasing, you should look for products produced by regular manufacturers, and it is best to have relevant quality certifications.
The way notoginseng is taken is also important. Traditionally, it was mostly soaked in water or ground to be taken, but modern studies have found that certain processing methods may alter the medicinal properties of Panax notoginseng. For example, steaming Panax notoginseng may enhance its hemostatic effect, while making wine may enhance its blood-invigorating effect. Therefore, it is also important to choose the right way to take it according to the individual's physique and needs.
For seniors like Uncle Zhang, health care can't rely on a single approach. In addition to the rational use of drugs, attention should also be paid to a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and maintaining good work and rest habits. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "curing diseases before they occur", while Western medicine advocates preventive medicine, and the concepts of the two are consistent in this regard.
Modern life is fast-paced and stressful, and people are paying more and more attention to health. But in the pursuit of health, we cannot ignore science and reason. Blindly following a certain health regimen may not only fail to achieve the desired results, but may also bring unexpected risks.
Uncle Zhang's example reminds us that the road to health requires wisdom and patience. Don't expect any "miracle medicine" to cure all ailments, and don't assume that traditional herbs are necessarily safe and harmless. True health comes from understanding and respecting the body, and from a scientific and reasonable lifestyle.
In this era of information explosion, we need to keep a clear head and maintain a cautious attitude towards various "health tips". It is wise to consult the advice of authoritative institutions, refer to the results of scientific research, and make judgments based on your own actual situation.
Health is a lifelong career that requires our continuous attention and investment. But this kind of attention and investment should not be blind, but should be based on scientific cognition. Let us work together to create a rational and scientific healthy lifestyle, and truly realize the good wish of health and longevity.
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