Is it okay to drink traditional Chinese medicine 15 minutes after a meal?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, whether it is acceptable to take traditional Chinese medicine 15 minutes after a meal depends on the nature of the medicine. Mild medicines that cause minimal gastrointestinal irritation are usually safe to take at this time. However, those that require fasting or strongly irritate the gastrointestinal tract should generally not be taken after eating. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance.
Generally speaking, whether it is acceptable to take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) 15 minutes after a meal depends on the nature of the herbal formula. For TCM preparations that are mild in nature and have minimal gastrointestinal irritation, this timing is usually acceptable. However, for those requiring fasting administration or those that strongly irritate the gastrointestinal tract, it is generally not recommended. If any discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. The detailed analysis is as follows:
For certain tonic herbs or TCM formulations that cause minimal gastrointestinal irritation, taking the medicine approximately 15 minutes after a meal is acceptable. At this time, food can help dilute the medicine, reduce direct irritation to the gastric mucosa, and the warmth of the food may promote drug absorption, thereby enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
However, for TCM formulas with strong irritant properties or those imposing a burden on the gastrointestinal tract, or those required to be taken on an empty stomach, taking them 15 minutes after a meal is generally not advised. This is because food may not yet be fully digested, and administering the medicine at this time could lead to interactions between the food and the herbs, potentially impairing drug absorption and efficacy.
In daily practice, attention should be paid to ensuring the TCM is consumed at a suitable temperature—neither too hot nor too cold—to avoid irritating the stomach. Additionally, drinking the medicine slowly in moderate amounts may facilitate better absorption.
