What to do if Chinese herbal medicine is too bitter to drink?
Most Chinese herbal medicines are bitter, and people generally have a resistance to bitter foods. Even the smell of it makes it difficult to swallow. So, what can you do if Chinese herbal medicine is too bitter to drink?
Although it is said that "good medicine tastes bitter and is beneficial to the disease," some Chinese herbal medicines are really too bitter to swallow. However, if you master some techniques for taking Chinese herbal medicine, you can alleviate the bitterness to a certain extent.
1. Master the timing of medication
Within 24 hours, the body has two "golden periods" for absorbing medication: one is from 8 am to 10 am, and the other is from 2 pm to 3 pm. Bitter Chinese herbal medicine can be taken during these times after meals.
2. Control the temperature of the medicine
The administration of Chinese herbal medicine follows the principle of "hot for cold conditions, and cold for hot conditions." However, this principle does not apply to bitter herbal medicines. Research has shown that the tongue is more sensitive to temperatures above 37℃. Therefore, the temperature of the herbal medicine should be controlled between 15℃ and 37℃. This can prevent burning the mouth and alleviate the bitterness and roughness of the medicine.
3. Focus on the mouth and throat
Studies have shown that the taste receptors for bitterness are mainly concentrated in the front half of the tongue, with the tip of the tongue being the most sensitive. Therefore, after the medicine enters the mouth, it is best to quickly hold it at the back of the tongue and swallow naturally, or use a spoon to directly send the medicine to the back of the tongue and swallow it.
4. Control the speed of medication
The longer the medicine stays in the mouth, the more bitter it will taste. Therefore, it is recommended to take bitter herbal medicine as quickly as possible, without lingering in the mouth.
5. Drink warm water after taking the medicine
This not only helps the gastrointestinal tract absorb the medicine, but also alleviates the bitterness to some extent.
6. Add seasonings
Add honey, sugar, etc. to bitter herbal liquids. However, for herbs like Huanglian and Danchai, it is best to use fewer or no seasonings. If necessary, licorice, jujube, and other herbs can be added to harmonize the taste.
Precautions when taking medicine
When taking medicines containing ingredients like Radix Rehmanniae and Polygonum Multiflorum, avoid eating onions, garlic, and radishes. When taking mint, avoid eating turtle meat. When taking Poria cocos, avoid vinegar. When taking tortoise shell, avoid amaranth. When taking laxatives like Da Cheng Qi Tang and Ma Ren Wan, avoid oily and hard-to-digest foods. When taking vermifuges, avoid oily foods and take them on an empty stomach. In addition, during the period of taking medication for illness, avoid eating cold, sticky, or highly irritating foods.
Chinese herbal medicine is indeed quite bitter, but for the sake of good health, it is necessary to drink it even if it's bitter. By mastering some of the above methods for taking herbal medicine, the bitterness can be reduced, making it easier to swallow.
