Is Chinese medicine too bitter to swallow?
Saying "good medicine tastes bitter and is good for the illness," although Chinese medicine is very effective in treating diseases, it is indeed too bitter to swallow. So, what can we do if we can't drink Chinese medicine because it's too bitter? Is there any way to alleviate the bitterness of Chinese medicine? In fact, correctly mastering the time of medication and the temperature of the medicine can also help alleviate the bitterness of Chinese medicine.
1. Master the time of medication
Within 24 hours, the body has two "golden periods" for absorbing medication, one from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and the other from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bitter Chinese medicine can be taken during these times after meals.
2. Master the temperature of the medicine
The use of Chinese medicine follows the principle of "cold medicines are heated, and hot medicines are cooled." However, when taking bitter Chinese medicine, this principle does not need to be strictly followed. Research by experts has shown that the tongue is more sensitive to temperatures above 37°C. Therefore, the temperature of the liquid medicine should be controlled between 15°C and 37°C. This can prevent scalding the mouth and correct the bitterness and difficulty of swallowing.
3. Master the location of holding and swallowing
Studies have shown that the human taste receptors are mainly concentrated in the front half of the tongue, with the tip of the tongue being the most prominent. Therefore, after the medicine liquid enters the mouth, it is best to quickly hold it at the base of the tongue and swallow naturally. Alternatively, use a spoon to directly deliver the liquid medicine to the base of the tongue and swallow it smoothly.
4. Master the speed of taking the medicine
The longer the medicine liquid stays in the mouth, the more bitter it will taste. Therefore, the intake of bitter Chinese medicine should be quick and decisive, disappearing in an instant.
5. Drink an appropriate amount of warm water after taking the medicine
This is not only beneficial for the absorption of the medicine by the gastrointestinal tract, but also can alleviate the bitterness of the medicine to some extent.
6. Add condiments
Add honey, cane sugar, etc. to bitter medicine liquids, but for herbs like Huanglian and Dangcao, use as little or no condiments as possible. If necessary, try adding licorice, dates, and other ingredients to harmonize the taste.
