When to drink Chinese herbal medicine

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

The administration time of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should be determined according to its type. For tonic TCMs, such as ginseng and astragalus, it is recommended to take them on an empty stomach in the morning or 1–2 hours after dinner, to enhance drug efficacy and achieve better therapeutic effects. For non-tonic TCMs, such as those used for promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis or clearing heat and detoxifying, it is advisable to take them half an hour after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.

Generally speaking, when to take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mainly depends on the type of medicine. If it is tonic medicine, it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach in the morning or 1-2 hours after dinner. If it is not tonic medicine, it is recommended to take it about half an hour after meals. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the medicine is tonic, such as ginseng, astragalus, cuscuta, codonopsis, etc., it is usually recommended to take it on an empty stomach in the morning or 1-2 hours after dinner. Tonic TCM has nourishing effects on the body. Taking it on an empty stomach allows the medicine to directly adhere to the gastrointestinal mucosa, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the body and enhancing the therapeutic effect.

If the medicine is not tonic, but rather for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis or clearing heat and detoxifying, it is usually recommended to take it about half an hour after meals. These types of herbs can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and taking them on an empty stomach may cause discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Taking the medicine after meals can reduce the irritation and alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms.

Regardless of the type of TCM, it should be taken under the guidance of a physician. Self-medication should be avoided. Additionally, regular monitoring is recommended during medication use, and if any discomfort occurs, discontinuation of the medication is advised promptly.

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