When we are sick, taking medicine is inevitable. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine are two different types of drugs. If we need to take both at the same time, what should we do?
Can you drink TCM and take Western medicine at the same time?
Yes, you can. However, there should be a gap of two to three hours between taking the two types of medicine. TCM contains rich tannins, which can react with certain functional groups. Some chemical components in Western medicine can be easily destroyed by tannins in TCM. If the two medicines are taken together, it may reduce the effectiveness of treatment or even cause toxic side effects. Therefore, it is best to take them with a gap of two to three hours.
These TCM and Western medicine should not be taken together:
Some TCM and Western medicine should not be taken together. When taking them, you must be cautious, otherwise there may be some toxic side effects.
1. Antibiotics and Shenqu, Douchi, Hawthorn
These TCM have the function of inhibiting microorganisms and enzymes, so they should not be taken together with antibiotics.
2. Tetracycline and Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets
Tetracycline is mainly used for inflammatory diseases. It can easily combine with inorganic substances such as calcium, magnesium, and iron to form difficult-to-absorb complexes, thus reducing its effectiveness. The main ingredient of Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets is gypsum, and the main component of gypsum is calcium sulfate. Therefore, tetracycline and drugs containing gypsum should not be taken together.
3. Aspirin and Deer Antler, Licorice, and their compound preparations
When ulcer patients take these drugs at the same time, it will greatly increase the stimulation of gastric mucosa and increase gastric acid secretion, which is not good for patients.
4. Atropine and Datura
Datura contains atropine, so taking them together will exceed the safe dosage of atropine and cause poisoning symptoms.
Taboos when drinking TCM:
1. Do not eat radishes: When taking TCM, it is not advisable to eat raw radishes (except for drugs that promote digestion and dissolve phlegm), because radishes have the functions of promoting digestion and breaking gas. Especially when taking tonifying drugs such as ginseng and astragalus, eating radishes will weaken the nourishing effect of ginseng and reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
2. Avoid cold food: Cold food is difficult to digest. Cold food can also stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and affect the absorption of drugs by the stomach and intestines. Therefore, when treating "cold syndromes" with TCM such as warming meridians, promoting blood circulation, dispelling cold and dampness, or strengthening the spleen and warming the stomach, avoid cold food.
3. Avoid strong tea: Generally, do not drink strong tea when taking TCM, because tea contains tannic acid, and strong tea contains more tannic acid. Taking them together with TCM can affect the absorption of effective ingredients in TCM and reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. Especially when taking "Donkey-hide gelatin" and "Tremella", avoid taking them with tea. Taking them together will cause precipitation of tannic acid and alkaloids in tea, affecting the absorption by the body. If you usually have a habit of drinking tea, you can drink less green tea, and it is best to drink it 2-3 hours after taking the medicine.
