When taking traditional Chinese medicine, it is not advisable to drink strong tea, as tea contains tannic acid. Taking tea with Chinese medicine can affect the absorption of the active ingredients in the medicine and reduce its effectiveness.
When taking Chinese medicine, it is not recommended to eat radishes (except when taking medicine to treat phlegm). Radishes have the effects of promoting digestion and breaking up qi. Especially when taking nourishing Chinese medicine like ginseng, eating radishes can reduce the effectiveness of the medicine and affect its nourishing effects.
For patients with digestive tract diseases such as hepatitis and chronic gastritis, it is forbidden to take garlic while taking spleen-strengthening, stomach-warming, and stomach-tonifying medicines. Garlic contains allicin, which can stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and prevent the medicine from effectively treating the condition.
When taking decoctions and pills of Chinese medicine, it is advisable to avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods. Raw and cold foods can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and affect the absorption of the medicine. Greasy foods are difficult to digest and absorb, and mixing them with medicine can further hinder the absorption of the active ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the medicine.
In addition, individuals with ulcers or skin diseases should avoid eating fish, shrimp, crab, lamb, pork, and other related foods. People with edema should avoid consuming salt. Patients with hepatitis should avoid eating spicy and greasy foods.
