Chinese herbal medicine is a type of medication that is recognized and used under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory. But do Chinese herbal medicines have side effects? And how should they be taken correctly?
【Side Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine】
Chinese herbal medicine does have side effects, but they are different from the toxicity of drugs.
The side effects of Chinese herbal medicine are mostly unexpected effects or effects unrelated to the treatment when used in proper combinations.
For example, using rhubarb to reduce fever can lower body temperature, but it may also cause mild diarrhea as a side effect. Similarly, using some tonifying herbs such as donkey-hide gelatin can nourish the blood and restore qi, but it may also promote dampness in the body. Proper use of Chinese herbal medicine can minimize side effects, but it cannot eliminate them completely.
The side effects of single herbs are more obvious, but if herbs are combined, the side effects can be greatly reduced or even eliminated.
【How to Take Chinese Herbal Medicine】
1. Decoction
Decoction is one of the most commonly used forms of Chinese herbal medicine. The preparation of decoction requires specific utensils, water, heat, and cooking methods. It is best to use a sand pot or a pottery pot for decoction, and enamel pots can also be used. Avoid using copper or iron pots to prevent chemical reactions that may affect the efficacy of the medicine.
The cooking time and heat for decoction vary depending on the properties of the herbs. Some herbs have special decoction methods due to their different textures, and these methods should be indicated in the prescription, such as pre-decoction, later addition, decoction in a separate bag, decoction of a single herb, dissolution, soaking, decoction instead of water, etc.
2. Administration
Chinese herbal decoctions are usually taken once a day, divided into two doses, with an interval of about 4-6 hours between doses. It is recommended to take Chinese herbal decoctions at a warm temperature.
