Today, we really need to talk seriously about the contraindications for medication use in people with Qi and Blood deficiency. This is something that demands serious attention!

First, let's talk about medications that clear heat. Many people, at the first sign of 'excess heat' or 'fire' (internal heat), instinctively reach for cooling herbal teas or heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines, hoping to quickly reduce the 'heat'. But what happens? The 'heat' just keeps coming back, like weeds that keep sprouting, impossible to eradicate completely. Why is this? Because for people with Qi and Blood deficiency, the 'heat' they experience is usually 'deficient fire' or 'deficiency heat'. If they use heat-clearing and fire-reducing medicines for a long time, not only won't the 'fire' be extinguished, but it will also deplete the body's Yang Qi. It's like trying to cook with a low flame, and you keep pouring water on it—how can the fire burn strong? Once Yang Qi is gone, the body becomes even weaker. For these types of patients, we can use herbs like cinnamon (cassia, *Rou Gui*) to 'guide fire back to its source', redirecting the deficient fire to where it should be, allowing the body to regain balance.

Next, let's talk about diaphoretic medicines. Diaphoretic medicines, as the name suggests, are medications that induce sweating after consumption. Examples like ginger and Huoxiang Zhengqi Water both have sweat-inducing effects. Traditional Chinese medicine often states that "blood and sweat share the same origin," as sweat is derived from qi and blood. In individuals with a weak constitution, qi and blood are already deficient. If excessive sweating occurs further, cold pathogens can more easily invade the weakened body, inevitably leading to lower immunity. When immunity declines, people become particularly susceptible to catching colds, frequently experience cold hands and feet, palpitations, shortness of breath, and feel weak in all activities. Therefore, people with qi and blood deficiency should generally consume less spicy and stimulating foods like chili peppers. Even when soaking feet in warm water, the water temperature should not be too high, as it may deplete the body's fluids and qi and blood, ultimately doing more harm than good.

Medicines that promote blood circulation should also be used sparingly. Nowadays, many middle-aged and elderly individuals like to purchase herbs such as Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) and safflower (Honghua) to invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis, hoping to prevent blood stasis. However, it’s important to remember that while these herbs promote blood circulation, they also consume qi and blood. Many people, after prolonged use, experience symptoms of qi and blood deficiency such as dizziness, blurred vision, and physical fatigue. Therefore, such medications should not be used continuously. If they must be used, it is advisable to combine them with herbs that supplement qi and blood for a more balanced approach.

Finally, let’s discuss the issue of constipation. In individuals with qi and blood deficiency, both qi and blood in the intestines are insufficient, leading to a lack of strength to propel stool downward. As a result, stool remains in the intestines, causing constipation. Many people in this situation think of using laxatives like rhubarb (Dahuang) or senna leaves (Fanxieye). Initially, these may show some effect, but over time, they become ineffective even in larger doses, and constipation symptoms may worsen. Why is this? Because laxatives exacerbate the symptoms of qi deficiency. It’s like stepping on the gas pedal of a car that has run out of fuel—can the car move? Therefore, for constipation caused by qi deficiency, the focus should be on supplementing qi. When qi is sufficient, intestinal motility gains strength, and bowel movements naturally become smooth.

Everyone, individuals with qi and blood deficiency must be cautious when using medications to avoid worsening their physical weakness through improper drug use!