Chinese medicine is a familiar traditional therapy, but the dietary taboos when taking Chinese medicine are often overlooked. During the period of taking Chinese medicine, some foods should be avoided to prevent affecting the efficacy of the medicine or harming health.
Firstly, radishes should be avoided. Radishes have the functions of promoting digestion and resolving qi, which may affect the effects of nourishing Chinese medicines such as ginseng and astragalus. Unless taking medicine for regulating qi and resolving phlegm, it is better not to eat radishes.
Secondly, avoid eating raw and cold foods. These foods are difficult to digest and can stimulate the intestines and stomach, affecting the absorption of the medicine, especially when treating “cold syndromes”, it is not suitable to consume them.
Thirdly, spicy foods should be avoided. They may weaken the medicinal properties or react with the medicine, which is not conducive to treatment, especially when taking Chinese medicine for clearing heat and detoxification, nourishing yin, and increasing body fluids.
Moreover, foods that induce phlegm, such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and rooster meat, may worsen specific conditions, thus should be avoided according to medical advice.
Greasy foods, due to their sticky nature, can hinder the efficacy of the medicine, especially patients with indigestion, hypertension, etc., should pay attention to restricting intake.
In addition, pungent and gamey foods are incompatible with the aromatic components of Chinese medicine, which may affect the efficacy, especially allergic patients should avoid them.
For treating allergies, tropical fruits like mango should also be avoided; during the use ´ of stomach-nourishing Chinese medicine, avoid consuming hard-to-digest foods like glutinous rice; when taking tonic Chinese medicine, avoid taking together with radishes to prevent affecting the tonifying effect.
As for the correct way to take Chinese medicine, it is generally recommended to take it warm, but specific adjustments are required based on the nature of the medicine and treatment needs, for example, wind-cold colds may require hot administration.
Finally, Chinese medicine is not absolutely safe. The “Three-Part Toxicity” principle reminds us that proper medication should be taken under the discernment and treatment of professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to avoid misuse and ensure safety and effectiveness. When purchasing Chinese medicine, choosing regular hospitals or pharmacies is also an important step to guarantee the quality and safety of medicinal materials. Only by correctly understanding and following these principles can Chinese medicine better serve our health.
