Can I eat cold foods while taking traditional Chinese medicine?
Dec 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Whether cold drinks can be consumed while taking traditional Chinese medicine depends on the nature of the herbs and the individual's body constitution. It may be acceptable to consume small amounts of cold drinks when taking cooling herbs, especially for individuals with a naturally hot constitution. However, it is generally not recommended when taking warming or heating herbs, or for those with a deficient-cold constitution. Dietary restrictions should be carefully observed during herbal treatment; always clarify the nature of the prescribed herbs and your own body constitution before consuming cold drinks. As a general daily practice, it is advisable to favor warm or hot foods and avoid raw or cold items that may cause irritation.
Whether or not to consume cold drinks while taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) depends on the nature of the herbal remedy and the individual's body constitution. It is generally acceptable to have a small amount of cold drinks when taking cooling herbs and if one has a naturally heat-prone constitution; however, it is not recommended when taking warming herbs or if one has a cold-deficient constitution. The detailed analysis is as follows:
If you are taking cooling TCM herbs that clear heat, purge fire, detoxify, or cool the blood, and your body constitution tends toward heat, consuming a small amount of cold drinks at room temperature typically will not affect the medicine's efficacy. These types of herbs aim to eliminate internal heat, and moderate intake of cold beverages does not increase internal coldness nor interfere with treatment outcomes.
However, if you are taking warming herbs that dispel internal cold, strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, or nourish the blood, or if you have a constitution characterized by deficiency-cold, consuming cold drinks can significantly impair the therapeutic effect. The cold nature of such drinks may counteract the warming effects of the herbs, irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and lead to discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, thereby worsening symptoms of internal cold.
Dietary restrictions should be carefully observed during TCM treatment. Before consuming cold drinks, it is essential to understand both the nature of the prescribed herbs and your own body constitution. As a general daily practice, warm or hot foods and beverages are recommended, while raw and cold foods should be avoided to ensure optimal effectiveness of the herbal treatment.
