Can I take Western medicine anti-inflammatory drugs while taking Chinese herbal medicine?

Generally, whether it is permissible to take Western anti-inflammatory drugs while taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) depends on the specific medical condition. Anti-inflammatory treatment with Western medication may be taken under medical guidance if there is a clear bacterial infection; however, if there is no definite infection and the TCM is being used solely for body regulation, taking additional anti-inflammatory drugs is unnecessary and should be avoided to prevent inappropriate medication use. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If obvious signs of bacterial infection—such as respiratory infection with yellow phlegm or skin abscesses—occur during TCM treatment, it is necessary to take Western anti-inflammatory drugs. In such cases, inform the physician who prescribed the TCM, and select an appropriate anti-inflammatory drug under their guidance. The timing of the Western drug should be spaced 1–2 hours apart from the TCM dose to avoid potential drug interactions.

If TCM is being taken solely for constitutional regulation or improving qi and blood, and there is no evidence of bacterial infection, Western anti-inflammatory drugs are not needed. Taking them unnecessarily may disrupt the body's microbial balance, increase metabolic burden on the liver and kidneys, and potentially interfere with the therapeutic effects of the TCM.

In daily practice, it is important to follow proper medication guidelines. Do not self-prescribe combinations of Western and Chinese medicines. Maintain a light diet during treatment, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and ensure adequate rest to promote recovery.