When is the best time to drink medicinal wine?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

The timing for consuming medicinal wine should be determined based on its type. If it is a tonic medicinal wine, it is recommended to take it half an hour after lunch to fully exert its therapeutic effects and reduce discomfort. However, if the medicinal wine is intended for regulating sleep, it is more suitable to take it half an hour before bedtime, which helps relax the body and mind and improves sleep quality. Regardless of the type of medicinal wine, it should not be taken on an empty stomach to avoid causing discomfort.

Generally speaking, the best time to consume medicinal wine depends on its type. If it is a tonic medicinal wine, it is recommended to drink it half an hour after lunch. If it is a medicinal wine intended to regulate sleep, it is advised to consume it half an hour before bedtime. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the medicinal wine is of a tonic nature, such as one made with traditional Chinese herbs like angelica (Dang Gui), astragalus (Huang Qi), and wolfberry (Goji berries), it is generally recommended to consume it half an hour after lunch each day. At this time, gastrointestinal function is active, and moderate consumption of medicinal wine can be fully absorbed, exerting its therapeutic effects. Moreover, drinking it half an hour after a meal also helps blood circulation and aids normal digestion.

However, if the medicinal wine is intended to regulate sleep, such as one made with herbs like lily bulbs, mulberries, and lotus seeds, it is recommended to take it half an hour before bedtime daily. This type of medicinal wine can help relax the body and mind, relieve fatigue, and improve sleep quality. It is commonly used by individuals experiencing poor sleep quality or frequent dreaming.

It should be noted that regardless of the type of medicinal wine, consumption on an empty stomach in the morning should be avoided to prevent gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort. Additionally, during consumption, regular monitoring is necessary, and if any adverse symptoms occur, use should be discontinued promptly.

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What are the types of tonic wines for enhancing male vitality?

There are various types of tonic wines for enhancing vitality and sexual function, commonly including deer antler wine, epimedium wine, cistanche wine, ginseng and lycium wine, and morinda root wine. These medicinal wines are prepared by steeping traditional Chinese herbs in alcohol, and they are known for their functions of nourishing the kidneys, enhancing vitality, strengthening the tendons and bones. They can also help alleviate discomforts such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and general fatigue. However, it is important to consume them in moderation and be aware of related contraindications.

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How long should medicinal wine be steeped before drinking?

The soaking time for medicinal wine is affected by environmental temperature. In general, in a high-temperature environment where the temperature is above 30°C, it can be consumed after soaking continuously for 7–15 days. However, it must be stored refrigerated afterward to prevent spoilage of the medicinal ingredients. In low-temperature environments, it takes 15–30 days before consumption. This is because, at lower temperatures, the active ingredients are less readily extracted into the alcohol, thus requiring a longer soaking period.

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How to consume Hongguoshen (a type of herb or plant, possibly a local/national remedy or food item)?

Under normal circumstances, the edible methods of Hong Guo Shen (red fruit ginseng) include stewing soup, making jam, cooking porridge, preparing膏方 (a type of concentrated herbal paste), and soaking in alcohol to make medicinal wine. When preparing chicken soup, bone soup, or other types of soups, Hong Guo Shen can be added and cooked together. Consuming it in soups helps nourish the body and improve symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue. When consuming, individuals can choose suitable methods according to their personal taste and physical condition.

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Can Suoyang be steeped in water for consumption?

Suoyang is a traditional medicinal plant with a thick, fleshy appearance, commonly growing as a parasite on the roots of other plants. It is frequently used to help alleviate fatigue, improve low energy levels, or address difficulties with bowel movements. It can be boiled in water for consumption or steeped in medicinal wine. Modern research has found that it contains various active ingredients which may help enhance immunity and delay aging.