Use of Chinese herbal medicines by rheumatoid arthritis patients was associated with lower risk of stroke: A retrospective cohort study

•Adding Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) to the conventional therapy was related t to the lower risk of stroke by 38% for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).•This study further explored the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal products, which could be a reference for the pharmacological investigations.•The strengths of present cohort study included utilizing a large population-based claims database, and the comprehensive and complete records of prescribed Chinese herbal formulas for RA, thus rendering the more robust relationship of the CHMs use and the subsequent risk of stroke.