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Incompatibility
Check the classical “eighteen antagonisms” and “nineteen mutual restraints” between herbs.
The classical “eighteen antagonisms” (十八反) and “nineteen mutual restraints” (十九畏) are traditional contraindications between herbs. Educational reference only — for any prescription, follow a qualified practitioner.
Eighteen antagonisms (十八反)
“Antagonism” (反): traditionally, these herbs should not be used together in one formula.
LicoriceantagonisesKansui root、Euphorbia / knoxia、Sargassum seaweed、Daphne flower；Aconite rootantagonisesTrichosanthes fruit、Pinellia、Ampelopsis root、Bletilla rhizome、Fritillaria；VeratrumantagonisesGinseng、Glehnia root、Salvia (red sage)、Scrophularia root、Asarum、Peony root。
Licoriceantagonises
Kansui rootEuphorbia / knoxiaSargassum seaweedDaphne flower
Aconite rootantagonises
Trichosanthes fruitPinelliaAmpelopsis rootBletilla rhizomeFritillaria
Includes Sichuan aconite / wild aconite / prepared aconite
Veratrumantagonises
GinsengGlehnia rootSalvia (red sage)Scrophularia rootAsarumPeony root
Nineteen restraints (十九畏)
“Restraint” (畏): traditionally, one herb reduces or changes the effect of the other.
| Sulfur | restrains | Mirabilite (Glauber salt) |
| Mercury | restrains | Arsenic trioxide |
| Langdu (Euphorbia) | restrains | Litharge |
| Croton seed | restrains | Pharbitis seed |
| Clove | restrains | Curcuma tuber |
| Sichuan aconite | restrains | Rhinoceros horn |
| Wild aconite | restrains | Rhinoceros horn |
| Niter (saltpeter) | restrains | Sparganium |
| Cassia cinnamon | restrains | Halloysite |
| Ginseng | restrains | Trogopterus feces |