Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 8 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Formula H Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Health Concerns

Formula H label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Formula H against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Formula H is a dietary supplement by Health Concerns with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps and irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome (pms).Based on those ingredients, 1,201 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Phellodendron, White Peony, Rehmannia. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Formula H by Health Concerns

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Formula H by Health Concerns — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Formula H by Health Concerns

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (2,250 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Formula H contains nine ingredients. The active ones are Tang Kuei (Dong Quai), White Peony, Lonicera (Honeysuckle), Pulsatilla, Sophora (Pagoda Tree), Rehmannia, Phellodendron, Sanguisorba, and Fraxinus (Ash).

One ingredient — a proprietary blend — lists its components separately on the label. The formula also contains inactive ingredients: vegetable gum, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, and cellulose (a binder and filler).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Rehmannia) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for Formula H's ingredients is limited. Rehmannia is possibly effective for chronic kidney disease, but for all other uses listed — including iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, migraines, and eczema — the data in our records shows insufficient evidence to rate how well these ingredients work.

That doesn't mean they don't work; it means high-quality human studies aren't yet available to confirm their effects.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Dong Quai Peony Honeysuckle Pulsatilla Pagoda Tree Rehmannia Phellodendron Ash

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 6 of the 8 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 8.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 8 of 8.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Dong Quai is generally well tolerated but may cause burping and flatulence. It can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so protect yourself from sun exposure.

Peony taken orally is usually well tolerated for short-term use, though some people report stomach upset — abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea — and diarrhea occurred in 5% of trial participants taking high doses. Honeysuckle is often used as a tea with few reported problems, though rare cases of skin reactions and allergic eruptions have been documented.

Pulsatilla in this product should be properly dried or diluted; the fresh plant is toxic. Phellodendron, rehmannia, sophora, and fraxinus lack detailed safety data in humans.

Dong Quai contains compounds that are carcinogenic, but whether they're present in amounts that pose a real cancer risk with long-term use is unknown.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Dong Quai Peony Honeysuckle Pulsatilla Pagoda Tree Rehmannia Phellodendron Ash

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 8 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Peony, Pagoda Tree, Ash, Honeysuckle, Dong Quai, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,202 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications against this list before starting: blood thinners like warfarin and other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (major risk with Dong Quai; moderate with other ingredients); antihypertensive drugs for high blood pressure; antidiabetes medications; clozapine and other drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4; metformin; caffeine supplements; and CNS depressants like sedatives.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you take warfarin, blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, or certain psychiatric medications, talk with your pharmacist before using this formula — the interaction risks are real. The evidence for what Formula H treats is thin, so ask yourself whether you actually need it.

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid this product; several ingredients may harm the fetus or nursing infant.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 8 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Formula H, straight from the product label.

Brand Health Concerns
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status Off market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2013
DSLD ID 25541
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Formula H by Health Concerns, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Tang Kuei0 Not Present--
White Peony0 Not Present--
Lonicera0 Not Present--
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)2250 mg--
Pulsatilla0 Not Present--
Sophora0 Not Present--
Rehmannia0 Not Present--
Phellodendron0 Not Present--
Sanguisorba0 Not Present--
Fraxinus0 Not Present--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Gum, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Made in the U.S.A.

Pin Yin: Di Yu, Bai Tou Weng, Huai Hua Mi, Bai Shao, Dang Gui, Sheng Di Huang, Qin Pi, Huang Bai, Jin Yin Hua.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dr. Fung's Pulsatilla Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Three to five tablets 3 times per day between meals.

Precautions

Notice: This product is not intended for use by pregnant women.

Brand IP Statement(s)

CHINESE TRADITIONAL FORMULAS(TM)

COMBINING MODERN RESEARCH AND ANCIENT WISDOM(R)

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Formula H by Health Concerns label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Formula H label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Formula H by Health Concerns

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)

2250 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Gum, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Formula H by Health Concerns Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Formula H?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,201Drugs
2 Major 1,199 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Phellodendron 1,160
White Peony 811
Rehmannia 258
Fraxinus 258
Tang Kuei 163

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Formula H interact with 1,201 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

7 of the 9 ingredients in Formula H interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Phellodendron White Peony Rehmannia Fraxinus Tang Kuei Lonicera Sophora

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Formula H with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Phellodendron14 drug types · 1,160 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and in vivo research suggest that berberine can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Clinical research shows that berberine may lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, phellodendron might also lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, phellodendron might have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine can have hypotensive effects. Also, a clinical study suggests that taking berberine in combination with amlodipine can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone. Theoretically, phellodendron might also reduce blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research suggests that berberine may have sedative effects. Theoretically, phellodendron might also have CNS depressants effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase blood levels of cyclosporine.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can reduce metabolism of cyclosporine and increase serum levels, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporine. Theoretically, phellodendron might also reduce the metabolism of cyclosporine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical evidence show that berberine can inhibit CYP2D6. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP2D6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro research and preliminary clinical research show that berberine moderately inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Theoretically, phellodendron may increase serum levels of dextromethorphan.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) activity and reduce the metabolism of dextromethorphan. Theoretically, phellodendron may also inhibit the metabolism of dextromethorphan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, phellodendron might reduce the therapeutic effects of losartan by decreasing its conversion to its active form.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research suggests that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity and reduce metabolism of losartan. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit the metabolism of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of metformin.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In vitro and animal studies show that berberine can increase the systemic exposure and half-life of metformin, potentially increasing metformin's effects and side effects. This interaction seems to be most apparent when berberine is administered 2 hours prior to metformin. Taking berberine and metformin at the same time does not appear to increase systemic exposure to metformin. It is unclear if phellodendron might have this same effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, phellodendron might reduce metabolism of midazolam, which might increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Preliminary clinical research shows that berberine can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity and reduce metabolism of midazolam. Theoretically, phellodendron might also inhibit the metabolism of midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effect of pentobarbital.
Phellodendron contains berberine. Animal research shows that berberine can prolong pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. Theoretically, phellodendron might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Theoretically, phellodendron might increase blood levels of tacrolimus.
Phellodendron contains berberine. In a 16-year-old patient with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who was being treated with tacrolimus 6.5 mg twice daily, intake of berberine 200 mg three times daily increased the blood concentration of tacrolimus from 8 to 22 ng/mL. Following a reduction of the tacrolimus dose to 3 mg daily, blood levels of tacrolimus decreased to 12 ng/mL. It is unclear if phellodendron might have this same effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phellodendron full monograph & interactions

White Peony7 drug types · 811 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, combining peony with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that peony might have antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, peony might increase the levels and clinical effects of clozapine.
In vitro research shows that peony suppresses the metabolism of clozapine via weak-to-moderate inhibitory effects on cytochromes P450 (CYP) 1A2 and CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, peony might interfere with contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro and animal research shows that peony extract has estrogenic activity. Concomitant use might also increase the risk for estrogen-related adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, use of peony may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that peony suppresses the metabolism of clozapine via weak-to-moderate inhibitory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, use of peony may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that peony suppresses the metabolism of clozapine via weak-to-moderate inhibitory effects on CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of peony might interfere with hormone replacement therapy and/or increase the risk for estrogen-related adverse effects.
In vitro and animal research shows that peony extract has estrogenic activity. Theoretically, peony might compete for estrogen receptors and/or cause additive estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, peony might reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking peony root reduces levels of phenytoin. Some researchers suggest that peony root might affect cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, which metabolizes phenytoin. However, preliminary research in humans shows that peony root does not alter levels of losartan (Cozaar), which is also metabolized by CYP2C9.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
White Peony full monograph & interactions

Rehmannia2 drug types · 258 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, rehmannia might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that rehmannia may have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, rehmannia might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research shows that rehmannia may have hypotensive effects. Laboratory research shows that formulations of dried and processed rehmannia root inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Rehmannia full monograph & interactions

Fraxinus2 drug types · 258 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might affect glucose control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary. Animal research shows that ash seed/fruit extract reduces fasting levels of glucose. Although clinical research in patients without diabetes shows that ash seed/fruit extract does not significantly affect blood glucose levels, insulin levels, or homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), it may lower the incremental glucose area under the curve and decrease 2-hour blood glucose following an oral glucose tolerance test. Ash seed/fruit extract has not been evaluated in patients with diabetes. Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking antidiabetes drugs.
Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of ash seed with antihypertensive drugs might have additive blood pressure lowering effects. Animal research shows that ash seed extract can decrease blood pressure. This effect has not been evaluated in humans. Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking antihypertensive drugs.
Some antihypertensive drugs include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fraxinus full monograph & interactions

Tang Kuei3 drug types · 163 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of dong quai with warfarin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case, after 4 weeks of taking dong quai 565 mg once or twice daily, the international normalized ratio (INR) increased to 4.9. The INR normalized 4 weeks after discontinuation of dong quai.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Animal studies suggest that dong quai has antithrombin activity and inhibits platelet aggregation due to its coumarin components. Additionally, some case reports in humans suggest that dong quai can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking 1 gram of dong quai root daily for 3 weeks does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation or cause bleeding. Until more is known, use dong quai with caution in patients taking antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, dong quai may reduce the effects of estrogens.
Dong quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of dong quai might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tang Kuei full monograph & interactions

Lonicera1 drug type · 122 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, honeysuckle might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that polyphenols extracted from honeysuckle can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lonicera full monograph & interactions

Sophora1 drug type · 29 drugs

Caffeine

Theoretically, pagoda tree might reduce the clearance of caffeine.
Pagoda tree contains genistein. Taking genistein 1 gram daily for 14 days seems to inhibit caffeine clearance and metabolism in healthy females. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if this effect occurs with the lower amounts of genistein found in pagoda tree.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sophora full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Formula H, from the product label.

Health Concerns

See all Health Concerns products
Name
Health Concerns
Street Address
8001 Capwell Drive
City
Oakland
State
CA
ZipCode
94621
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Formula H by Health Concerns: Common Questions

Does Formula H by Health Concerns interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Formula H has a known interaction with 1,201 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Formula H contains 9 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Formula H if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Dong Quai and peony are rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy. Pulsatilla is likely unsafe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Honeysuckle, sophora, phellodendron, rehmannia, and fraxinus all lack enough safety data to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
Dong Quai may cause burping and flatulence. Peony can cause abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea — diarrhea showed up in about 5% of people taking high doses in trials. Rare cases of allergic skin reactions have been reported with honeysuckle. Most other ingredients lack detailed side-effect data.
Does this product actually work for what it's supposed to treat?
The evidence is very limited. Rehmannia is possibly effective for chronic kidney disease, but for everything else — anemia, bone health, heart disease, migraines, eczema — we don't have enough high-quality studies to say whether these ingredients help or not.
Will Dong Quai make me more sensitive to the sun?
Yes. Dong Quai can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so use sunscreen and limit direct sun exposure while taking this product.
Why does the product have so many interactions with medications?
Many of these ingredients contain compounds that slow down how your liver breaks down drugs — especially those processed by CYP enzymes. When your liver works slower, drug levels can build up in your blood and cause too many effects or side effects. That's why it's critical to check your exact medications with your pharmacist.
Is pulsatilla in this product dangerous if it's fresh?
Fresh pulsatilla is toxic and causes stomach, kidney, and skin irritation. But this formula should contain only properly dried or diluted pulsatilla, which is much safer. If you have questions about how it was prepared, contact the manufacturer.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Formula H label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Formula H’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Dong Quai

Interacts with 163 drugs

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called "female ginseng" and is mostly used for menstrual and menopausal complaints. High-quality scientific evidence that it works for these use...

Read the full Dong Quai monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Peony

Interacts with 811 drugs

Peony root is a traditional Chinese medicine herb often used for menstrual problems, cramps, and inflammation, frequently as part of combination formulas. Human evidence for most uses is lim...

Read the full Peony monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Honeysuckle

Interacts with 122 drugs

Honeysuckle, especially Japanese honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica), is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine used mainly for colds, sore throat, and inflammation. Modern human eviden...

Read the full Honeysuckle monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pulsatilla

Pulsatilla is a flowering plant in the buttercup family that is most often used today in homeopathic (highly diluted) preparations. The fresh plant is toxic and irritating, so it must never...

Read the full Pulsatilla monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pagoda Tree

Interacts with 29 drugs

Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum, also called the Japanese pagoda tree) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant best known as a natural source of the flavonoid rutin. While it has a long...

Read the full Pagoda Tree monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rehmannia

Interacts with 258 drugs

Rehmannia is a root used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often to 'tonify' the kidneys and support energy or blood health. Human evidence for most modern uses is limited, so i...

Read the full Rehmannia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Phellodendron

Interacts with 1,160 drugs

Phellodendron is a traditional Chinese medicine bark (Huang Bai) that contains berberine and other plant compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies. Human evi...

Read the full Phellodendron monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ash

Interacts with 258 drugs

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior and related species) is a tree whose leaves, bark, and seeds have a long history in folk medicine for arthritis, fever, and fluid retention. Solid human evidence is l...

Read the full Ash monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Formula H's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 70 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Dong Quai 19 references
  1. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril 1997;68:981-6. PubMed
  2. Page RL II, Lawrence JD. Potentiation of warfarin by dong quai. Pharmacotherapy 1999;19:870-6. PubMed
  3. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7. DOI
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Pulsatilla 3 references
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Pagoda Tree 2 references
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Rehmannia 3 references
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Phellodendron 22 references
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Ash 3 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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