Many traditional Chinese medicinal herbs are recommended to be taken after meals and not on an empty stomach. Wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis) is also a type of Chinese medicinal herb. Some people wonder if it can be taken on an empty stomach.
Can Wuweizi be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, it can.
Wuweizi has a sour and sweet taste, warm in nature, and belongs to the lung, heart, and kidney meridians. It has the effects of astringing, tonifying qi and generating fluids, nourishing the kidneys, and calming the mind. It is commonly used to treat chronic cough, asthma, nocturnal emissions, frequent urination, spontaneous sweating, and night sweats. Many Chinese herbs are not recommended to be taken on an empty stomach due to the potential irritation caused by their properties. However, Wuweizi does not have a noticeable stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract, so it can be taken on an empty stomach.
When is the best time to take Wuweizi?
It is recommended to take Wuweizi half an hour before or after meals.
Before meals
Taking Wuweizi half an hour before meals can allow it to enter the intestines more quickly, facilitating the absorption of its medicinal effects by the intestines. This can enhance the effectiveness of Wuweizi. Additionally, with an empty stomach, the presence of food will not interfere with the medicinal effects of Wuweizi.
After meals
Half an hour after meals is when the secretion of enzymes in the stomach and intestines is most active. Taking Wuweizi at this time can promote the absorption of its medicinal effects. For people with weaker gastrointestinal function, taking Wuweizi after meals can reduce its impact on the gastrointestinal tract.
What is the appropriate dosage of Wuweizi?
The recommended dosage is 2-6 grams.
Wuweizi has no obvious toxic side effects, but as a Chinese medicinal herb, it has a specified dosage. The usual dosage of Wuweizi is 2-6 grams. Taking an excessive amount of Wuweizi may cause adverse reactions such as hiccups, acid reflux, stomach pain, burning sensation in the stomach, and drowsiness.
Precautions when taking Wuweizi
1. Prevent allergies or adverse reactions
Some individuals may experience a series of allergies or adverse reactions when taking Wuweizi, such as fever, headache, urticaria, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to start with a small dosage of Wuweizi and observe one's own reactions. If no discomfort occurs, continue taking it.
2. Not suitable for those with early-stage cough
Treatment for early-stage cough caused by external pathogens should focus on dispersing and ventilating the lungs. However, Wuweizi has the characteristic of astringing and solidifying, which may exacerbate the symptoms of early-stage cough caused by external pathogens.
3. Not suitable for those with early-stage measles
Treatment for early-stage measles should focus on dispersing and promoting rashes. However, the astringent effect of Wuweizi may worsen the symptoms of early-stage measles. Therefore, it is not recommended for those with early-stage measles to take Wuweizi.
Methods of taking Wuweizi
Wuweizi infused in water
Instructions:
1. Take about 3 grams of Wuweizi and grind it into fine powder.
2. Put the powdered Wuweizi in a tea bag and place it in a teapot.
3. Pour boiling water over it, cover and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
4. It can be brewed 2-3 times a day and consumed as a substitute for tea.
Wuweizi green tea
Ingredients: 3 grams of green tea, 2 grams of Wuweizi, and honey as needed.
Instructions:
1. Put Wuweizi and green tea in a cup.
2. Add boiling water to the cup, let it steep, and let it sit.
3. When it is warm, add honey and stir well.
4. It can be consumed as a substitute for tea.
