During the period of taking Chinese herbal medicine, it is important to pay attention to diet, as it plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the medication. As early as the Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing emphasized the importance of eating rice porridge while taking the Ming Gui Zhi Tang to help induce sweating. Modern clinical practice has also confirmed that drinking warm rice porridge after taking medicine for relieving external symptoms can assist in sweating and provide auxiliary treatment. Although different diseases and medications have different dietary requirements, it is generally recommended to have a light and easily digestible diet during the period of taking Chinese herbal medicine. Especially for conditions such as common cold with prolonged fever, it is important not to think that the illness has lasted for several days and therefore requires nourishment. Consuming nourishing foods often hinders the elimination of external pathogens.
For individuals with gastrointestinal stagnation, it is necessary to avoid oily, high-protein, and high-fat foods such as meat, eggs, and fish. These foods can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal system and hinder the effectiveness of the medication. For those who are chronically ill, weak, or elderly, it is recommended to consume chicken soup or fish soup in addition to a light and easily digestible diet. This can promote recovery for individuals with weakened constitution. It is also beneficial to include foods such as millet, red dates, tremella, mushrooms, and other fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be chosen appropriately for consumption to aid in treatment.
Ancient Chinese medical literature has detailed records on dietary taboos. For example, Chang Shan should not be consumed with scallions, Shu Di Huang and He Shou Wu should not be consumed with scallions, garlic, radishes, or mint, Fu Ling should not be consumed with vinegar, and Bie Jia should not be consumed with amaranth. These guidelines should be followed by those taking medication. Due to the nature of the disease, it is necessary to avoid consuming foods that are difficult to digest or have special irritants, such as those that are cold, sticky, or have a strong odor. For example, patients with high fever should avoid consuming ice-cold watermelon or beverages as they may relieve temporary thirst but hinder sweating and the expulsion of pathogens, and patients with allergic asthma, allergic purpura, allergic dermatitis, and ulcers should avoid consuming chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, crab, and chives, as these foods can trigger allergies and worsen the condition. Patients with poor gastrointestinal function should not consume starchy foods such as potatoes and soybeans, as these foods can cause bloating due to the production of gas.
In summary, the diet during the period of taking Chinese herbal medicine directly affects the treatment of diseases. Following the principle of a light and easily digestible diet, specific analysis should be made based on the type of disease, the patient's constitution, and the severity of the condition. It is important not to completely avoid or consume everything. Only by doing so can the diet effectively complement the medication. In conclusion, fish gallbladder should never be used to treat heat-related symptoms, blurred vision, cough, and other conditions, as its toxins are not easily destroyed by high temperatures. Even when cooked, it can still cause poisoning. Therefore, it is important to remember the saying, "Fish can be eaten, but not its gallbladder."
