With the increasing awareness of health preservation among modern people, more and more people are willing to use traditional Chinese medicine to treat physical ailments. Traditional Chinese medicine has many taboos, and some people are always confused about whether to take it before or after meals. Let's introduce it below.
Is it better to take Chinese medicine before or after meals?
When to take Chinese medicine depends on the nature of the medication and the area being treated.
Whether to take Chinese medicine before or after meals depends on the nature of the medication and the area being treated. For example, nourishing and tonifying medicines and gastric medicines are generally recommended to be taken before meals, while blood-activating and stasis-dissipating medicines or medicines that stimulate the stomach, which are used to treat joint pain, are generally recommended to be taken after meals.
Benefits of taking Chinese medicine on an empty stomach before meals
Soup medicines with nourishing effects should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to facilitate full absorption. Medicines used to expel parasites or treat blood vessel diseases in the limbs should also be taken on an empty stomach, so that the medicines can quickly enter the intestines and maintain a high concentration to rapidly exert their effects. The same goes for purgative soups, in order to enhance their efficacy.
Which Chinese medicines should not be taken on an empty stomach
Diseases above the chest should not be taken on an empty stomach. Taking the medication after meals can promote the upward movement of the medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that for diseases in the upper body, such as diseases of the ears, eyes, mouth, and nose, it is better to eat first and then take the medicine.
Benefits of taking Chinese medicine after meals
Generally, the medicine should be taken within 15 to 30 minutes after a meal.
Gastrointestinal medicines and medicines that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract should be taken after meals to reduce damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Medicines with higher toxicity should also be taken after meals to avoid rapid absorption and adverse reactions.
Can Chinese medicine be taken before bed?
Some Chinese medicines can be taken before bed, such as medicines for nourishing the heart and spleen, calming the mind, and promoting sleep. Taking medicine before bed can ensure timely effectiveness. It is generally recommended to take it 15 to 30 minutes before bed. In addition, nighttime is when the function of the organs is at its lowest. Taking nourishing and moistening medicines at this time is like adding fuel to the fire, greatly enhancing their efficacy.
