During the period of taking Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to pay attention to diet, as it greatly affects the effectiveness of the medication. As early as the Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing mentioned in the usage of "Ming Gui Zhi Tang" that eating rice porridge can help the sweating effect of Gui Zhi Tang. Modern clinical practice has also confirmed that drinking warm rice porridge after taking medicine for relieving external symptoms can assist in sweating and serve as an adjunctive treatment. Although different diseases and medications have different dietary requirements, in general, the diet during the period of taking Chinese herbal medicine should be light and easy to digest. Especially for conditions with excess heat, such as cold and fever that persists for several days, it is not advisable to think that after being sick for many days, nourishing food should be given. It is not conducive to the elimination of external pathogens.
For those with gastrointestinal stagnation, oily, high-protein, and high-fat foods like meat, eggs, and fish should be avoided. These foods can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and hinder the efficacy of the medication. For those who are chronically ill, weak, or elderly, under the premise of a light and easily digestible diet, it is appropriate to drink some chicken soup or fish soup. This can promote recovery for those who are physically weak. Additionally, foods like millet, red dates, tremella, mushrooms, and other fresh fruits and vegetables that are beneficial for the recovery of weakened constitution can be selected appropriately to aid in treatment.
Ancient Chinese medical literature has detailed records of dietary taboos. For example, Changshan should avoid onions, Dihuang and Heshouwu should avoid onions, garlic, radishes, and mint should avoid turtle meat, Fuling should avoid vinegar, and Biejia should avoid amaranth. Patients should refer to these guidelines. Due to the nature of the disease, during the period of taking medication, foods that are difficult to digest, sticky, greasy, or have a strong odor should be avoided. For patients with high fever, eating ice-cold watermelon or beverages may temporarily relieve thirst, but it is not conducive to sweating and expelling pathogens to reduce fever. Patients with allergic asthma, allergic purpura, allergic dermatitis, and ulcers should not eat chicken, pork head, fish, shrimp, crab, or garlic, as these foods can easily cause allergies and worsen the condition. Patients with poor gastrointestinal function should not eat starchy foods such as potatoes and soybeans, as these foods can produce gas and cause bloating.
In summary, the diet during the period of taking Chinese herbal medicine directly affects the treatment of diseases. Under the guidance of a light and easily digestible diet, specific analysis should also be made based on the type of disease, the patient's constitution, and the severity of the condition. It is not advisable to completely restrict or excessively consume certain foods. Only by doing so can the diet effectively complement the medication. In conclusion, fish gallbladder should never be used to treat heat-related conditions, eye disorders, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms, as its toxin is not easily destroyed by high temperature and can cause poisoning even in cooked food. Therefore, it is important to remember the saying "Fish can be eaten, but not the gallbladder."
