The specific method of taking traditional Chinese medicine is very particular. If taken improperly, the efficacy of the medicine will not be effectively exerted, making it difficult to cure the disease. However, the administration of traditional Chinese medicine is not limited to the difference between before and after meals. The following are 8 ways to take medication.
① For diseases above the stomach, it is advisable to take the medicine after meals. Traditional Chinese medicine used to treat diseases above the stomach, such as heart, lung, and chest diseases, medicines with greater toxic side effects, medicines with greater gastrointestinal irritation, and medicines for digestion and stomach health are best taken 15 to 30 minutes after meals.
② Medicines for treating spleen and stomach diseases should be taken between meals after decoction to avoid adverse effects caused by food intake.
③ For diseases below the stomach or tonifying deficiency, it is advisable to take the medicine before meals. When traditional Chinese medicine is used to treat diseases below the stomach (such as liver disease, kidney disease, and enteritis), it is generally advisable to take it 30 to 60 minutes before meals. This is because the stomach is empty before meals, which is conducive to the rapid entry of the medicine into the small intestine, easy digestion, absorption, and exertion of the therapeutic effect, without being diluted by food and water in the stomach.
④ Traditional Chinese medicine used for purgation or treatment of blood vessels in the limbs should be taken on an empty stomach; however, medicines with tonifying and purgative effects should be taken on an empty stomach after waking up in the morning. This is because in the morning, there is no food in the stomach and duodenum. Taking the medicine at this time can avoid the mixing of the medicine with food, and the liquid medicine can quickly enter the intestines from the stomach and maintain a higher concentration, thereby quickly exerting its therapeutic effect.
⑤ Astringent medicines for stopping seminal emission are best taken before bedtime to treat nocturnal emission. Traditional Chinese medicines with the functions of nourishing the heart and calming the mind, tonifying the heart and spleen, and calming the mind should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime to alleviate irritability, stabilize emotions, and facilitate sound sleep.
⑥ Some medicines need to be taken at regular intervals. Some diseases occur at regular intervals, and the medicine can only be effective if taken shortly before the onset of the disease.
⑦ Medicines can be taken at any time. In case of emergencies, medicines can be taken at any time.
⑧ There are different methods for taking medicines at warm, hot, and cold temperatures. Warm administration refers to taking the decocted medicine when it is neither cold nor hot. Generally, nourishing and relatively mild decoctions are suitable for warm administration. Hot administration refers to taking the decocted medicine while it is hot (as long as it can be swallowed). Traditional Chinese medicines used to treat cold diseases, expel cold, and promote blood circulation are all suitable for hot administration. Cold administration refers to taking the cooled decocted traditional Chinese medicine. Generally, traditional Chinese medicines used to treat heat-related diseases, clear heat and detoxify, and stop vomiting are all suitable for cold administration.
