A woman in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, mistakenly drank medicinal wine containing highly toxic aconitine—used for foot soaks—thinking it was regular medicinal alcohol. She suffered severe poisoning but survived after emergency medical treatment.

Social Context

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations like aconite-based tinctures are strictly regulated under China’s Drug Administration Law due to their narrow therapeutic index. Self-preparation and improper labeling of such potent substances violate national safety standards, and recent enforcement campaigns emphasize mandatory warnings and secure storage for household TCM products.

Safety Tip

Store all herbal medicinal wines separately from consumable beverages and label them clearly with toxicity warnings in Chinese.