Can I eat crayfish while taking traditional Chinese medicine?

May 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Crayfish belongs to seafood. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the fishy and膻 (gamey) odor may affect the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine. Some active ingredients in Chinese herbs may interact with substances in crayfish, thereby reducing the therapeutic effects of the herbs. For example, certain tonic Chinese herbs may have their effects compromised if crayfish is consumed during their administration.

It is generally not recommended to eat crawfish while taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). To ensure safety, it is advisable to follow medical instructions and consult your doctor regarding dietary recommendations during TCM treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Crawfish is a type of seafood that may affect the efficacy of TCM. Some active ingredients in TCM may interact with substances in crawfish, thereby reducing the therapeutic effects of the medicine. For example, tonic herbs such as ginseng and astragalus may have their effects compromised if crawfish is consumed during treatment.

Crawfish has a relatively warming nature and is often prepared with spicy seasonings. If you are taking heat-clearing herbs such as coptis, scutellaria, or phellodendron, consuming crawfish may exacerbate internal heat symptoms, counteracting the cooling effects of the herbal treatment.

Crawfish can also cause allergic reactions. People with allergic constitutions may experience symptoms such as skin itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after consuming crawfish. Having an allergic reaction while taking TCM may not only affect the treatment's effectiveness but could also worsen the condition and pose greater health risks. During TCM therapy, it is important to strictly avoid allergenic or "heat-inducing" foods, as crawfish is considered a potential trigger that may interfere with treatment efficacy.

While undergoing TCM treatment, a light diet is recommended, avoiding the intake of spicy and stimulating foods.

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