Chinese medicine is a common method of treatment for us. Although we all know that good medicine tastes bitter, there are still many people who can't stand the bitterness of Chinese medicine. Some even can't help but spit it out after taking a few sips. In fact, there are many methods to make Chinese medicine taste less bitter. Let's take a look at some of them below.
1. Choose the right time to take medicine
Research has found that the "golden period" for the body to absorb medication is between 8-10 am and 2-3 pm. During this period, when the body's metabolism is most vigorous, the bitterness of the medication is less likely to cause obvious irritation to the body. Taking medicine half an hour or more after a meal can not only prevent nausea and vomiting but also reduce the bitterness of the medication. If there are no special requirements, medication can be taken during the above-mentioned time periods.
2. Drink the medicine after it cools down
Experts suggest that controlling the temperature of the herbal medicine when taking it orally can easily reduce the bitterness. Studies have shown that when the temperature of the herbal medicine is around 36.2℃, the bitterness is reduced. Therefore, when taking herbal medicine, it is best to let the brewed Chinese medicine sit aside for a few minutes until the temperature of the liquid has cooled to a warm temperature that won't burn the mouth. At this time, the bitterness is the mildest and it is easier to swallow.
3. Use dedicated utensils for decocting medicine
In addition, experts say that dedicated utensils should be used for decocting Chinese medicine, preferably sand pots or sand jars, because they have stable chemical properties and are less likely to react with the ingredients in the medicine. They also heat evenly and have good heat preservation, avoiding the use of aluminum, iron, copper, and other utensils.
The temperature in the human oral cavity is 36.2℃-37.2℃, and taste nerve fibers are mostly distributed on the surface of the tongue. When the temperature of the herbal medicine is similar to the temperature of the tongue, the taste nerve fibers are in the optimal working state and are most sensitive to the five flavors. At this time, the taste of the herbal medicine is the most bitter. Therefore, controlling the temperature of the herbal decoction between 15-36℃ can not only prevent burning the mouth but also reduce the bitterness.
4. Properly add "seasonings"
Many mothers add a lot of sugar to the herbal decoction when boiling Chinese medicine for their children, fearing that it will be too bitter and the children will fuss. However, Chinese medicine should not be made "sweet and sweet".
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, sugar is also a kind of medicine. In addition, adding sugar can also affect the effectiveness and absorption of certain active ingredients in the medication. For example, brown sugar contains iron and calcium, which can easily interact with some ingredients in Chinese medicine and affect the therapeutic effect of the medication. Adding sugar to many antipyretic Chinese medicines may weaken their heat-clearing effect.
People with thick and greasy tongue coating or those with abdominal distension, fullness, and internal damp-heat should not eat cane sugar. Adding sugar to herbal medicines that dispel dampness and regulate qi may worsen the disease. Some cold-natured Chinese medicines are also not suitable for adding sugar, as sugar has a warm nature and can reduce the efficacy of the herbal medicine.
However, when there are no specific contraindications, it is possible to add some jujubes during the decoction process or add some honey after decoction to reduce the bitterness of the medicine.
