Many people have reported experiencing diarrhea after drinking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Many believe that it is due to the TCM itself and therefore stop taking it. So, what is the reason for diarrhea after taking TCM? Today, I will explain the situation of diarrhea after taking TCM.
Diarrhea after taking TCM
If you are taking TCM for clearing heat and detoxifying, diarrhea is beneficial for you. However, if the diarrhea is severe, you should stop taking the medicine and observe for 12 hours before deciding whether to seek medical attention. If your body has internal heat, such as having a fever, feeling restless, or having acne, and the diarrhea is caused by taking TCM, it means that the medicinal properties of the TCM are directing the internal heat downward and excreting it, which helps to relieve the internal heat and there is no need to worry.
Many TCMs can cause diarrhea because they are detoxifying agents. Diarrhea is a normal phenomenon caused by detoxification. TCMs such as honeysuckle, forsythia, dandelion, and skullcap are all heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines that can cause loose stools. Therefore, experiencing diarrhea is normal as long as it is not severe.
On the other hand, some people experience diarrhea immediately after taking TCM, which may be due to the excessively cold nature of the medicine. If the diarrhea is severe, you should stop taking the medicine. Additionally, not all TCMs cause diarrhea. It mainly depends on the type of prescription. As mentioned earlier, if it is a heat-clearing and detoxifying prescription that contains cold-natured herbs, experiencing diarrhea is considered normal.
If you are taking TCM for other conditions, you should investigate the cause. There are taboos when taking TCM. Tonic TCM should be taken on an empty stomach, while heat-clearing and detoxifying TCM should be taken after meals for the most benefit to the body.
What to avoid when drinking TCM
1. Foods that induce heat
Mushrooms, truffles, bamboo shoots, mustard greens, pumpkins, rooster meat, pig's head meat, sow meat, and similar foods belong to the category of wind-inducing and phlegm-producing foods. The degree of "inducing" varies depending on the severity of the disease.
2. Cold foods
Raw and cold foods have a cooling nature and are mainly used for clearing heat and relieving thirst, making them suitable for hot diseases. However, they can affect gastrointestinal function, so they should be avoided by those with weak constitutions and gastrointestinal diseases.
3. Spicy foods
Foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, ginger, alcohol, and chili are generally hot and spicy, with the ability to promote yang and invigorate the stomach. However, excessive consumption can cause phlegm and fire, qi dispersal, and blood consumption. Therefore, this type of diet is only suitable for those with cold diseases and not suitable for those with yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity, blood disorders, warm diseases, hemorrhoids, abscesses, and boils.
4. Fishy foods
Fish foods are generally salty and cold, with a fishy taste. They also contain proteins that can cause allergies. Excessive consumption can damage the spleen and stomach and trigger diseases, so they should be consumed in moderation, especially by those with spleen and stomach diseases and individuals with allergies.
5. Greasy foods
Many young people nowadays like to eat greasy foods, such as animal fats and fried foods. Greasy foods can impair the function of the spleen and stomach, so they should be avoided by those with external diseases, jaundice, and diarrhea. Fried and fried foods are hard and dry, and not easily digestible. They should be avoided by those with gastrointestinal diseases and "excessive internal heat".
6. Sour and astringent foods
Excessive acidity can irritate the intestines and stomach, so those with excessive stomach acid and stomach ulcers should avoid consuming them.
