To explore the pattern of manifestation,characteristics and methods of prevention and treatment of toxicity of Chinese materia medica for external use.Methods:Toxic Chinese materia medica for external use,common external use methods and poisoning characteristics,as well as external toxic reactions and treatment methods were studied to explain the characteristics of Chinese materia medica in external toxic reactions.Results:External application of Chinese materia medica is to directly apply Chinese materia medica to the affected area or acupoints,so that Chinese materia medica can be absorbed directly through the skin or dredging effect of meridians to achieve the effect of systemic administration.Chinese materia medica for external use does not pass through the stomach and intestines,without first-pass effect and gastrointestinal irritation.It has small toxic and side effects,which is a new type of administration method with good development prospects.At present,there is less theoretical guidance for external use of Chinese materia medica,which makes it difficult to control the toxicity of some Chinese materia medica externally used.Subsequent research should focus on exploring correct methods of external application of Chinese materia medica,with a view to reducing the toxicity of external application and improving its efficacy.Conclusion:The toxicity of external treatment by Chinese materia medica is relatively weak,and the methods of prevention and treatment are simple,easy and safe.However,the external use of Chinese materia medica lacks corresponding theoretical guidance in traditional Chinese medicine,which should be supplemented and improved,so that the external use of Chinese materia medica can better guide clinical application of Chinese materia medica.