Pregnant Woman's Desperate Attempt to Self-Medicate with Wild Herb Ends in Near-Tragedy

The events leading up to the tragic incident began when Xiaoli started experiencing skin itching and the appearance of red rashes. Seeking relief, she turned to online forums and discovered that "Mu Shou Cao" (literally "tomb grass"), also known as "Du Jiao Jin" or "独脚金", was purported to have detoxifying properties. Believing this herbal remedy could help alleviate her symptoms, Xiaoli took it upon herself to research and prepare the treatment. Due to the difficulty in purchasing the herb, Xiaoli decided to forage for it herself, climbing mountains to find the plant. After harvesting and drying the herb, she brewed it into a tea, hoping it would clear her skin issues. However, instead of improvement, Xiaoli's condition deteriorated. The red rashes showed no signs of abating, and she began to feel increasingly fatigued. Alarming symptoms soon emerged, including a waxy yellow discoloration of her skin and a noticeable yellowing of her eyeballs, indicative of jaundice.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the medical team found that the pregnant woman had suffered severe liver damage and was experiencing abnormal blood clotting. The fetus was also in a state of acute distress. The doctors carried out emergency procedures, including a cesarean section, which successfully delivered a baby boy. Despite this, the mother's condition remained critical, requiring her to undergo artificial liver treatment to support her recovery.

This desperate attempt to self-medicate, though born out of suffering and a desire for relief, underscores the dangers of misinformation and the importance of seeking professional medical advice, especially during pregnancy. The incident highlights a broader issue of public health, where the lack of access to reliable medical information and the ease of spreading unverified remedies online can have devastating consequences. The case has sparked concerns over the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and the dangers of randomly picking and consuming wild herbs. Experts warn that during spring, the mountains are teeming with various types of wild grass, making it difficult for non-professionals to distinguish between edible herbs and poisonous plants. They stress the importance of avoiding the random collection and consumption of unfamiliar Chinese medicine and wild vegetables to prevent accidental poisoning. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution when foraging for wild herbs, and the need for proper identification and expertise to ensure safe consumption. As the mountains come alive with new growth in the spring, it is crucial for the public to be aware of the potential risks associated with foraging for wild herbs and to take necessary precautions to avoid similar tragic incidents.