It is crucial to understand the correct usage methods and precautions of traditional Chinese medicine to ensure efficacy and safety. The timing of taking Chinese medicine can be flexibly adjusted based on the condition and properties of the medication, mainly including the following aspects:
Before meals: It is generally recommended to take it 30 to 60 minutes before meals, suitable for conditions where the disease is located below or requires quick entry into the intestines to exert the efficacy, such as liver and kidney deficiency, intestinal diseases, etc. At this time, the stomach is relatively empty, which helps in drug absorption.
After meals: Another common time for taking medicine is 15 to 30 minutes after meals, suitable for treating diseases above the heart and stomach, reducing the irritation of the gastric mucosa.
On an empty stomach: Taken in the morning before eating, especially suitable for nourishing medicine or treatments that require rapid efficacy, such as deworming, treating diseases related to the limbs and blood vessels, ensuring efficient drug absorption.
Before bed: For calming the nerves, tonifying the heart and spleen, antiallergic medications, it is more appropriate to take them 15 to 30 minutes before sleep to ensure the medicine takes effect during the night.
When taking Chinese medicine, attention should also be paid to dietary taboos, such as avoiding consuming radishes with it unless the medicine is used for promoting qi and resolving phlegm since radishes might weaken the tonifying effects. Avoid eating garlic when suffering from gastrointestinal diseases to prevent irritation to the intestinal mucosa. Avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and certain heat-inducing foods (such as seafood, mushrooms, etc.) during the period of taking Chinese medicine to prevent affecting efficacy or exacerbating the condition. Milk may also interact with certain Chinese medicine components, especially hypertensive patients should avoid consuming them together.
In addition, adjust the medication based on individual physique, seasonal changes, and special conditions (such as pregnancy), follow medical advice, pay attention to contraindications between medications to ensure treatment efficacy and safety. In conclusion, the use of Chinese medicine should consider multiple factors comprehensively, individual differences are significant, analyze specific situations accordingly, and consult professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioners when necessary.
