There is a popular saying in China that goes "food supplements are better than medicine supplements". This means that it is better to eat nutritious food than to rely on supplements. In general, this is true because our bodies rely on food for sustenance. People of all ages and genders need to replenish their energy and nutrients through proper nutrition in order to maintain normal bodily functions. However, when the body experiences imbalances in yin and yang and deficiencies in qi and blood, it becomes necessary to use medication to treat the conditions. This is what is referred to as "medicine supplements". Of course, when using medication for supplementation, it is important to differentiate between different types of imbalances, such as yin and yang, hot and cold, and the five organs.
1. Commonly Used Categories of Supplemental Medicines:
1. Yang-warming Medicines: Examples include deer antler, dog spine, dodder seed, walnut, and purple river carapace. There are also Chinese patent medicines such as Ginseng and Deer Antler Extract, Three Whips Wine, and Nannbao, which are mainly used for symptoms of yang deficiency such as impotence, premature ejaculation, lower back pain, weak knees, nocturnal emission, excessive urination, and loose stools. They are also used for symptoms of cold limbs and aversion to cold.
2. Qi-tonifying Medicines: Examples include ginseng, codonopsis, astragalus, prince ginseng, and roasted white atractylodes. There are also Chinese patent medicines such as Ginseng Essence, Tonifying the Middle and Boosting Qi Pills, Ginseng Wine, and Ginseng and Poria Extract, which are mainly used for symptoms of qi deficiency such as shortness of breath upon exertion, weakness in the limbs, and poor appetite. They are also used for symptoms of fatigue and excessive desire to rest.
3. Blood-tonifying Medicines: Examples include Chinese angelica, white peony, cooked rehmannia, donkey-hide gelatin, fleeceflower root, and chicken blood vine. There are also Chinese patent medicines such as Fleeceflower Root Tablets, Invigorating Spleen Pills, Blood-nourishing Tonic, and Blood-nourishing and Regulating Yuan Soup, which are mainly used for symptoms of blood deficiency such as dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations, pale lips and nails, sallow complexion, and irregular menstruation.
4. Yin-nourishing Medicines: Examples include fritillary bulb, dendrobium, goji berry, turtle shell, turtle plastron, lily, and sand ginseng. There are also Chinese patent medicines such as Erzhi Pills, Qiongyu Ointment, Nourishing Pulse Beverage, and Ginseng and Silver Ear Crystal, which are mainly used for symptoms of yin deficiency such as dry throat, hot flashes with night sweats, constipation, dry cough with no phlegm, and dry and gritty eyes.
2. What to do when experiencing side effects from taking supplements?
The main purpose of taking supplements is to enhance one's physical condition and delay aging. However, if supplements are taken improperly or in excessive amounts, they can cause various adverse reactions such as chest tightness, abdominal distention, poor appetite, dry mouth, and bitter taste.
When experiencing these abnormal sensations, it is advisable to immediately stop taking the supplements and check whether the type or dosage of the supplements is suitable for one's own constitution. For example, if someone with qi stagnation takes large doses of qi-tonifying medicines such as ginseng and astragalus, it can worsen the symptoms of qi stagnation and abdominal distention. For individuals with weak digestive function, taking nourishing and greasy drugs such as donkey-hide gelatin and cooked rehmannia can further worsen the appetite.
However, when experiencing side effects from taking supplements, there is no need to panic. You can adjust by choosing appropriate Chinese herbs and foods based on the symptoms. For example, if bloating and loss of appetite occur after taking qi-tonifying medicines such as ginseng and astragalus, one can eat radish or drink a decoction made from 10 grams of radish seeds, 6 grams of tangerine peel, to help with digestion and relieve gas. Drinking strong tea can also alleviate the symptoms. If constipation, irritability, increased blood pressure, and dry mouth occur after taking medicines such as red ginseng, deer antler, cow's whip, yellow dog kidney, and aconite, a decoction made from 10 grams of scrophularia, 20 grams of phragmites, 9 grams of anemarrhena, 9 grams of coptis, 9 grams of hawthorn, and 10 grams of fried barley malt can be taken. Alternatively, Baohewan or Huanglian Shangqingwan can be taken twice a day, 6 grams each time.
It is important to note that when side effects appear severe, one should not take over-the-counter medications without proper guidance. It is best to seek immediate medical diagnosis and treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
