What does the body feel like when taking Chinese herbal medicine for resolving nodules?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

After taking Chinese herbal medicine for resolving nodules, you may experience bloating with increased flatulence, localized dull pain or soreness, changes in stool consistency, mild fatigue or dizziness, dry mouth, or a bitter taste. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, or worsening dizziness occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Herbal medicines for resolving nodules often have functions of promoting qi circulation and activating blood flow, which may enhance intestinal motility and accelerate gas expulsion.

After taking Chinese herbal medicine for resolving nodules, you may experience symptoms such as abdominal bloating with increased flatulence, mild localized pain or soreness, changes in bowel movements, slight fatigue or dizziness, dry mouth, or a bitter taste. If severe abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, or worsening dizziness occurs, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Abdominal bloating and increased flatulence: Herbal medicines for resolving nodules often have functions of promoting qi circulation and activating blood, which may enhance intestinal motility and accelerate gas expulsion. Some individuals may feel bloated with increased frequency of passing gas, but these symptoms usually subside gradually as the body adapts.

2. Localized dull pain or soreness: As the medication acts on nodule lesions, it may trigger adjustments in local qi and blood circulation, leading to mild dull pain or aching at the site of the lesion. This is generally tolerable and does not interfere with daily activities.

3. Changes in stool consistency: Qi-regulating and blood-activating herbs may affect intestinal fluid metabolism. Some people may experience looser stools, increased bowel movements, or conversely, constipation. If not accompanied by abdominal pain, consider adjusting your diet accordingly.

4. Mild fatigue or dizziness: Nodule-resolving herbal medicines may temporarily consume some vital energy (zheng qi), causing short-term fatigue or dizziness, especially in individuals with weaker constitutions. These effects are often due to redistribution of qi and blood and typically improve with rest.

5. Dry or bitter mouth: Some nodule-resolving herbs are relatively warm or hot in nature, while others are bitter and cold, potentially altering oral fluid balance and leading to sensations of dryness or bitterness in the mouth. Drinking warm water can help alleviate these symptoms; avoid spicy or irritating foods.

During treatment, maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid staying up late, eat light and easily digestible meals, reduce intake of raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods, and engage in moderate walking to promote qi and blood circulation. These practices support the body’s adaptation to the medication and enhance its effectiveness in resolving nodules.

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How to manage cold body constitution and excessive dampness

Under normal circumstances, cold body constitution and excessive dampness can generally be managed through dietary regulation, moderate exercise, environmental improvements, moxibustion or heat application, and Chinese herbal medicine. Applying moxibustion to acupuncture points such as Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36), and Mingmen (GV4), or using a hot water bag to apply heat to the waist, abdomen, and feet can help stimulate the meridians, warm and supplement yang energy, and enhance the body's ability to expel cold and resolve dampness. This treatment can be performed 2–3 times per week.

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Can I eat waxberries while taking Chinese herbal medicine?

If the properties of the herbal medicine are mild, there are no specific restrictions on acidic foods, and the patient is in good physical condition with normal gastrointestinal function, Chinese bayberries (Myrica rubra) can usually be consumed in moderation. For example, herbal remedies that regulate qi and blood or provide nourishing effects, such as Si Wu Tang or Ba Zhen Tang, generally will not have their therapeutic effects impacted by the consumption of Chinese bayberries if there are no special contraindications. It is recommended to maintain regular dietary habits during treatment, and dietary adjustments should follow medical advice when special circumstances arise.

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Can I eat crayfish while taking traditional Chinese medicine?

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.

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Can I eat locust flowers while taking traditional Chinese medicine?

If there are no specific contraindications in the Chinese herbal prescription and the physician permits the consumption of cooling ingredients, then moderate consumption of pagoda tree flowers (Sophora japonica) is acceptable. Pagoda tree flowers have a sweet and cool property, and they function to clear heat and detoxify, as well as cool the blood to stop bleeding. In certain cases, they may even assist the effects of Chinese herbal medicine. For example, when taking heat-clearing herbal medicines, moderate consumption of pagoda tree flowers might produce a synergistic effect, helping to alleviate internal heat.