Can I eat bird's nest while taking traditional Chinese medicine?

Jul 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, it is acceptable to consume bird's nest while taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), although excessive consumption is not recommended. The intake of bird's nest should be controlled to avoid placing additional strain on digestion due to overconsumption. It is advisable to separate the consumption of bird's nest and the administration of TCM by 1–2 hours, allowing sufficient time for the body to digest and absorb each separately. If any discomfort occurs during TCM treatment, consult a physician promptly to determine whether it is related to bird's nest consumption.

Generally speaking, it is acceptable to consume bird's nest when taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), although excessive consumption is not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

The main components of bird's nest include water-soluble proteins, amino acids, and minerals. These substances are mild in nature and will not chemically react with active ingredients in TCM, nor will they interfere with the absorption or therapeutic effects of the medicine. From a TCM perspective, bird's nest is neutral in property and sweet in taste, possessing functions of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, invigorating qi, and strengthening the middle jiao. Many TCM prescriptions also focus on regulating the balance of yin and yang in the body. Therefore, bird's nest and certain TCM formulations may have synergistic effects—for example, when taking yin-nourishing TCM, bird's nest may enhance the nourishing effect on the body. Additionally, as a natural health supplement, bird's nest has high nutritional value. During TCM treatment, the body often requires additional nutrition to support recovery, and moderate consumption of bird's nest can provide energy and nutritional support without imposing an extra burden on the body.

Consumption of bird's nest should be controlled in quantity to avoid increasing digestive strain due to excessive intake. It is preferable to separate the time of bird's nest consumption from TCM administration by 1–2 hours, allowing sufficient time for the body to digest and absorb each separately. If discomfort occurs during TCM treatment, consult a physician promptly to determine whether it is related to bird's nest consumption.

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