Different administration methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are not only based on the needs of the illness but also play a significant role in the efficacy of the treatment. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the administration of TCM.
Firstly, the temperature of the TCM decoction is important. According to TCM theory, diseases caused by external wind-cold invasion or cold pathogens affecting the stomach, such as gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers, are classified as cold patterns. In these cases, the decoction should be consumed while hot. The herbs should be simmered with high heat for about 8 minutes and taken while still hot to expel the wind-cold and warm the spleen. Conversely, for conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and wind-heat cold, which manifest with symptoms such as dry mouth, red tongue, and constipation, the decoction should be consumed at a cool or cold temperature. For general tonic decoctions, they can be consumed at a warm temperature.
Secondly, the timing of administration should be determined based on the condition and nature of the herbs. It has been a clinical practice throughout history that tonic herbs should be taken before meals, vermifuge and purgative herbs should be taken on an empty stomach, herbs with gastric and intestinal irritant properties should be taken after meals, and sedative herbs should be taken before sleep. Other general medications are also recommended to be taken after meals.
Thirdly, the frequency of TCM administration is also important. For conditions such as vomiting or drug poisoning, even though the dosage per administration may not be large, the medication should be taken frequently. Generally, TCM decoctions can be divided into 2-3 doses per day. For patients with a slow recovery, one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening may be sufficient. For acute conditions, the medication can be taken every 4 hours, day and night, to ensure continuous efficacy and control the progression of the disease. However, when using diaphoretic or purgative herbs, the patient's constitution should be considered. Sweating or bowel movements should be achieved to an appropriate extent, and excessive or prolonged administration should be avoided.
In addition, both pill and powder formulations of TCM can be swallowed with warm water. Adding alcohol is done to enhance the dispersing and promoting effects of the herbs, while using saline water is to direct the herbs to the kidneys. Of course, there are also more specific requirements for the administration of TCM, which should be followed according to the doctor's instructions.
In addition to proper preparation and dosage, post-administration care is also important when taking TCM. After taking diaphoretic herbs, one should rest, and after taking pungent and warm herbs, covering oneself with a blanket to induce slight sweating can help enhance the effects. However, when taking pungent and cool herbs, covering oneself should be avoided. For those taking diaphoretic herbs, only a slight sweating should be achieved, and excessive sweating should be avoided to prevent excessive sweating and collapse (especially in the elderly). If sweating does not occur after taking diaphoretic herbs, drinking some hot water or hot rice gruel can help facilitate the effects. After taking diaphoretic herbs, it is not advisable to consume sour foods or cold drinks. When taking emetic herbs, the patient should tighten the abdomen. If vomiting does not occur immediately after taking the medication, using a feather or finger to stimulate vomiting and drinking some warm water or raw egg white can be helpful. However, if vomiting persists, consuming cold rice gruel or drinking cold water is recommended.
The above information is general knowledge for taking TCM. When preparing TCM decoctions for infants and young children, there are additional precautions that need to be followed, as instructed by the doctor.
