Many people trust traditional Chinese medicine, thinking that it achieves therapeutic effects by nurturing the body. However, there are often doubts about when to take Chinese medicine, especially whether it can be taken on an empty stomach. Next, we will delve into the timing of taking Chinese medicine and some precautions.
Nourishing decoctions are best taken on an empty stomach in the morning to improve absorption. Similarly, drugs used for deworming or improving blood circulation in the limbs are also recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to ensure the rapid arrival of the medication in the intestines for maximum efficacy. Decoctions with a laxative effect follow the same principle.
The optimal timing for taking Chinese medicine varies according to the properties of the medication and the location of the disease:
– Before meals: suitable for treating lower-body diseases or drugs that need to quickly enter the intestines, such as liver and kidney problems or intestinal diseases.
– After meals: suitable for treating upper-body diseases, reducing irritation to the gastric mucosa, or drugs with significant toxic side effects.
– Between meals: for drugs treating spleen and stomach diseases, to avoid food affecting efficacy.
– Before sleep: for sedative and sleep aid medications, and specific area diseases treatment, suitable sleeping position should be chosen based on the medication’s properties.
– Overnight: specifically for certain deworming medications, should be taken on an empty stomach before sleep and the following morning.
The temperature of drinking Chinese medicine also matters, as most decoctions should be consumed warm, close to body temperature. For expelling wind-cold medications, it is recommended to consume them hot to enhance efficacy. Certain granule Chinese medicines need to be soaked in slightly cooled water to avoid affecting their efficacy.
As for whether to take Chinese medicine before or after meals, it depends on the specific disease and the properties of the medication, it is best to follow the doctor’s guidance.
When taking Chinese medicine, attention should be paid to contraindications:
– Avoid excessive or long-term self-medication to prevent adverse reactions.
– Individuals with special constitutions should choose carefully and consult a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner when necessary.
– Pregnant women should be cautious about taking Chinese medicine to avoid using drugs that may be harmful to the fetus.
– Avoid using metal containers for decocting medicine, and recommend using clay decoction pots or sand pots.
– Chinese medicinal decoctions should not be stored overnight to prevent spoilage and reduced efficacy.
– Exercise caution when adopting folk remedies, preferably after evaluation by a professional physician.
– In terms of diet, avoid foods that conflict with the properties of Chinese medicine, such as spicy, greasy, raw, and some types of seafood.
Understanding and following the above guidelines correctly can help Chinese medicine better serve health and avoid unnecessary risks.
