After taking Chinese medicine, experiencing diarrhea is usually nothing to worry about. Especially when you are taking Chinese medicine with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, this may be a process where the medicine helps the body expel internal heat, which is beneficial to the body. However, if this is not the case, diarrhea may indicate the need to stop the medication and observe for a period of time. If symptoms persist for more than twelve hours, it is advisable to seek medical help.
When Chinese medicine is used to relieve internal heat, such as treating a fever, irritability, or acne, causing mild diarrhea is actually helping to reduce heat, which is a normal effect of the medicine working. However, if you are taking Chinese medicine for other conditions, diarrhea may be caused by other factors, and it is important to investigate the reasons. Correctly taking Chinese medicine is also crucial, for example, tonic Chinese medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, while heat-clearing and detoxifying medicine should be taken after meals, in order to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.
Sometimes, diarrhea caused by Chinese medicine is a normal reaction. For example, Chinese medicine used to reduce fever in children may be accompanied by mild diarrhea, which resolves as the condition improves. In addition, Chinese medicine containing trace amounts of laxative ingredients may also cause similar situations, provided that the diarrhea is not severe. Another common reason is consuming foods that are incompatible with the medication, which may lead to symptoms resembling poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s advice regarding dietary restrictions while taking the medication. Moreover, excessive dosage and taking medication that is too cold should not be overlooked as they may stimulate the gastrointestinal system and cause diarrhea. In such cases, the medication should be adjusted promptly or consult a doctor to include anti-diarrheal medication.
During the process of taking Chinese medicine, it is also important to avoid consuming raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods as they may weaken the effectiveness of the medicine, interfere with its efficacy, or even cause adverse reactions, negatively impacting health. Especially for patients with poor spleen and stomach function or specific medical conditions, strict adherence to dietary restrictions is necessary to ensure treatment effectiveness. In conclusion, proper medication use and dietary adjustments are essential to maximize the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine.
