People with heavy phlegm and those with poor digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract are not suitable for ointment formulas. They need to regulate their spleen and stomach first, using appetizers to transform phlegm and regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, nourish the heart, replenish qi, and improve digestive function before they can take supplements.
Those with yin deficiency constitution (excessive internal heat) should not take supplements such as ginseng, placenta, deer antler, etc. Those with yang deficiency constitution (weak body and aversion to cold) should avoid using cold-natured supplements such as Ophiopogon japonicus, rehmannia, turtle, etc., so as not to further damage yang qi. If cold-natured ointments are taken, there may be stomach pain, diarrhea, and delayed menstruation in women. In addition, it is generally not advisable for people with cold symptoms to take supplements, so as not to worsen the condition and prolong the illness.
Shi Suofang said that young people have strong energy and excessive internal heat, so he generally does not recommend ointment formulas for them. Otherwise, nosebleeds, constipation, bloating, and loss of appetite may occur. Instead, they should focus on strengthening physical exercise to improve their own disease resistance.
