Generally speaking, around 9 am and 3 pm are the "optimal times" for the body to absorb medication, so it is best to take traditional Chinese medicine during these times.
However, different types of traditional Chinese medicine require different timing for administration. In general, for treating deficiency syndrome and gastrointestinal diseases, it is recommended to take the medicine 30-60 minutes before meals. For treating cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and other common ailments, it is usually better to take the medicine 30 minutes after meals to avoid irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and reduce side effects. Digestive aids or stimulating medicines for the gastrointestinal tract should also be taken after meals. On the other hand, tonics and laxatives are best taken on an empty stomach before meals. Among them, laxatives such as rhubarb and hemp seeds should be taken in the morning or during the day to avoid taking them before bed or at night. Anthelmintic drugs should also be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, while sedatives should be taken before bedtime.
In addition, it is a common habit for most people to drink herbal soup while it is hot. However, it is not necessary to drink herbal soup while it is still hot. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, herbal soups should be taken at a warm temperature, which means filtering the soup immediately after decoction and drinking it when it reaches a temperature of 30°C to 37°C. Pills and powders of Chinese patent medicine should also be taken with warm water. Only herbs that have a dispersing and warming effect should be taken while hot, and it may be helpful to eat some porridge or drink hot water after taking the medicine to enhance its efficacy. Drugs that have a vomiting-suppressing, detoxifying, or heat-clearing effect should be taken while cold to avoid irritation.
