The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) involves many aspects, which directly impact its efficacy. When used correctly, it can achieve the desired therapeutic effects. However, improper use can not only weaken the effectiveness of the medicine but also lead to adverse consequences.
There are several methods for using TCM, including oral administration, topical application, and injection.
1. Oral Administration
Direct ingestion: Liquid preparations such as decoctions, tinctures, wine-based preparations, oral solutions, and syrups can be directly consumed.
Administration with water: Solid dosage forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, and powders generally require administration with water. This can be done by either swallowing them with water or using medicated water.
Reconstitution: Granules, medicinal pastes, and gels are usually dissolved in boiling water before consumption. In addition, herbal teas are prepared by steeping them in boiling water and consuming the extract.
Mixing with other substances: Powders can be mixed with milk or sugar water to form a paste, which is commonly used for children and those who have difficulty swallowing. Dropping liquid preparations into milk or sugar water and consuming them also falls under this method.
Grinding into powder: Pills and tablets can be ground into a powder, mixed with water, and consumed in a paste-like form. This method is suitable for children and those who have difficulty swallowing. However, it should not be used for drugs that are known to irritate the stomach or for enteric-coated tablets.
Buccal administration: Buccal tablets and other similar preparations slowly dissolve in the mouth, allowing the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream or directly reach the affected area. This method is often used for throat diseases.
2. Topical Application
Applying to the affected area: External powdered preparations and ointments can be mixed with clean water, alcohol, vinegar, sesame oil, or egg white to form a paste, which is then applied to the affected area.
Applying to the skin: Aqueous solutions and oil-based ointments can be evenly applied to the affected area.
Patching: Pain-relieving plasters and medicated patches can be applied directly to the skin at the affected area.
Spot application: For oral ulcers and similar conditions, the medication can be applied by dipping a cotton swab into the powdered medicine and dabbing it onto the affected area.
Drops: Ointments for the eyes, eye drops, ear drops, and similar preparations are suitable for this method of administration.
Rectal or vaginal administration: Suppositories are inserted into the rectum or vagina for medication delivery.
3. Injection
Injection administration includes intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, and acupoint injection. Intravenous injection can be done either as a bolus or through an intravenous drip. Injection administration should not be used for home medical care.
