For many elderly people, traditional Chinese medicine is better for regulating the body than Western medicine. Although it has a slower effect, it can nourish from the inside out and treat the root cause. Chinese medicine experts remind us that in order to maximize the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, it is important to pay special attention to the timing of medication. Different types of medications have different recommended times for administration. Therefore, if you want to achieve the best therapeutic effect, it is necessary to carefully distinguish the timing of taking Chinese medicine.
1. Taking on an Empty Stomach
Taking Chinese medicine on an empty stomach is mostly used for treating diseases caused by excess or stagnation, such as blood stasis, edema, and dampness. In terms of body parts, it is suitable for treating diseases below the diaphragm (such as the stomach, liver, and kidneys). The specific timing for taking medication includes: taking before dawn (such as the Chicken Crow Powder); taking at dawn (early morning when the sky just brightens) (such as the Ten Jujubes Decoction); taking before meals (such as the Three Major Qi-Boosting Decoction), etc. Generally, taking medicine on an empty stomach before meals allows the medicine to come into direct contact with the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, quickly passing through the stomach and entering the intestines, and thus being more readily absorbed and effective.
2. Taking Before Meals
Taking medication 30-60 minutes before meals is generally recommended. If the affected area is below the waist, it is advisable to take medication before meals to facilitate downward movement of the medicinal properties. For treating intestinal diseases, it is also recommended to take medication before meals because in an empty stomach state, the medicine can directly contact the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, quickly passing through the stomach and entering the intestines, and thus being more readily absorbed and effective, without being diluted by food in the stomach and affecting the efficacy of the medicine.
3. Taking After Meals
Taking medication after meals is suitable for diseases above the chest. Taking medication after meals can facilitate the upward movement of medicinal properties. Traditionally, it is believed that diseases in the upper part of the body, such as diseases of the ears, eyes, mouth, and nose, should be treated with medication after meals. Generally, medication should be taken 15-30 minutes after meals. In addition, stomach-tonifying medicines and medications that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract (such as Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan) should be taken after meals to reduce damage to the gastric mucosa. Medications with high toxicity should also be taken after meals to avoid rapid absorption and adverse reactions.
4. Taking at Once
"Taking at once" means "taking the medication quickly in one go". It usually refers to cases where the condition is urgent, and the medicine is taken immediately after it is decocted, with the intention of treating the emergency quickly. Examples include the Xiexin Tang for treating acute vomiting or the Dahuang Mudanpi Tang for treating intestinal abscess. The method of taking medication at once is also used for high fever, infectious diseases, and pediatric emergencies.
5. Taking Before Bed
Medications for nourishing the heart and spleen, calming the mind, and promoting sleep can be taken at this time. Taking medication before bed allows the medicine to take effect promptly. Generally, medication should be taken 15-30 minutes before bedtime. Nighttime is when organ functions are at their lowest. Taking nourishing Yin-tonifying medicines at this time is like adding fuel to the fire, enhancing their effectiveness.
6. Taking the Next Morning
This mainly refers to deworming medication. It is taken once before bed and then again on an empty stomach the next morning to kill and expel parasites. It is worth noting that for acute severe illnesses, medication should be taken as soon as possible or taken frequently (every 1-2 hours), while for chronic illnesses, medication should be taken on schedule. In summary, the timing of taking Chinese medicine should be determined based on the condition and nature of the medicine, aiming to maximize the preventive and therapeutic effects of the medicine and minimize adverse reactions.
