I have been suffering from hypertension for many years. Today someone bought me some Salvia miltiorrhiza, saying that it can lower blood pressure. I would like to know if Salvia miltiorrhiza can be taken on an empty stomach.
Can Salvia miltiorrhiza be taken on an empty stomach?
Generally, it can be taken on an empty stomach.
Salvia miltiorrhiza has a bitter taste and a slightly cold nature. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, regulating menstruation, relieving pain, clearing the mind, reducing heat, and treating abscesses. It can be used to treat symptoms such as chest pain, abdominal pain, restlessness and insomnia, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, closed menstrual flow, and painful abscesses. Salvia miltiorrhiza does not have a significant stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract, so it is also acceptable to take it on an empty stomach.
Is it better to take Salvia miltiorrhiza on an empty stomach or after a meal?
Taking Salvia miltiorrhiza on an empty stomach
Taking Salvia miltiorrhiza on an empty stomach allows it to enter the intestines more quickly, facilitating the absorption of its medicinal effects by the intestines. This can enhance the effectiveness of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Additionally, without food in the stomach and intestines, the impact of food on the effectiveness of Salvia miltiorrhiza is minimized, improving its efficacy.
Taking Salvia miltiorrhiza after a meal
Half an hour after a meal is when the secretion of enzymes in the stomach and intestines is most active. Taking Salvia miltiorrhiza at this time can promote the absorption of its medicinal effects. For individuals with weaker gastrointestinal function, taking Salvia miltiorrhiza after a meal can reduce its stimulation on the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate or avoid discomfort.
How much Salvia miltiorrhiza should be taken?
10-15 grams.
Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese medicine and has a recommended dosage. The usual dosage of Salvia miltiorrhiza is 10-15 grams. Excessive intake should be avoided as the strong blood circulation and pain relief effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza may stimulate blood vessels and cause gastrointestinal bleeding. If using Salvia miltiorrhiza for the treatment of a specific condition, it is recommended to consult a doctor for guidance on dosage based on individual circumstances, rather than self-administering blindly.
Precautions for taking Salvia miltiorrhiza
1. Not recommended for long-term use
It is generally not recommended to take Salvia miltiorrhiza for a long period of time. Once the condition improves, Salvia miltiorrhiza should be discontinued. Long-term use of Salvia miltiorrhiza can lead to a decrease in blood potassium levels. It is recommended to consume foods high in potassium, such as oranges, bananas, and celery, during the period of taking Salvia miltiorrhiza.
2. Avoid concurrent use with Pueraria lobata
According to the "Eighteen Antagonisms" in traditional Chinese medicine, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Pueraria lobata have opposite properties. Concurrent use of the two can result in toxic side effects. Therefore, during the period of taking Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is advisable to avoid concurrent use with Pueraria lobata.
3. Do not take with anticoagulants
Salvia miltiorrhiza has the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. Taking it together with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin can enhance the anticoagulant effect, possibly leading to local bleeding.
How to take Salvia miltiorrhiza
Salvia miltiorrhiza powder
1. Grind Salvia miltiorrhiza into fine powder.
2. Take about 5 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza and put it into a cup.
3. Add warm water and stir until well mixed, then take it.
4. Alternatively, directly put the Salvia miltiorrhiza powder into your mouth and take it with warm water.
5. Take it twice a day.
Salvia miltiorrhiza and Panax notoginseng tea
Ingredients: 10 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza, 3 grams of Panax notoginseng, and an appropriate amount of white sugar.
Instructions:
1. Grind the Panax notoginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza into coarse powder and put it in a small cloth bag.
2. Put the cloth bag into a teapot.
3. Pour boiling water into the teapot and let it steep for about 20 minutes.
4. Pour the tea into a cup.
5. Finally, add white sugar and stir well before drinking.
Salvia miltiorrhiza, jujube, and pork rib soup
Ingredients: 30 grams of Salvia miltiorrhiza, 500 grams of pork ribs, 5 jujubes, 20 grams of goji berries, a little rice wine, and salt to taste.
Instructions:
1. Wash all the ingredients, remove the pits from the jujubes, and set aside.
2. Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove blood and fishy smell.
3. Put the pork ribs, Salvia miltiorrhiza, jujubes, and goji berries in a soup pot, and pour in rice wine.
4. Add an appropriate amount of water and simmer.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 2 hours.
6. Finally, add salt to taste.
