Leech … Safety & Interactions
Shui Zhi · Hirudo
Contraindicated / High risk. Use only under practitioner supervision.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Active bleeding, hemorrhagic tendency, or severe thrombocytopenia
- Concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy without close supervision
Cautions
- Shui Zhi is a strong blood-breaking animal medicine with real anticoagulant relevance and should not be used casually in people with bleeding risk.
- Animal-derived material also raises sourcing, contamination, and identity concerns beyond those of ordinary plant herbs.
- Persistent pelvic pain, amenorrhea, or masses still require medical evaluation rather than herb-only treatment.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other anticoagulants - additive bleeding risk. | |||
| Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or clopidogrel - additive bleeding risk. | |||
| Thrombolytics - increased hemorrhagic risk. | |||
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
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.