What is the best time to take traditional Chinese medicine twice a day?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been frequently taking traditional Chinese medicine and would like to know the optimal time of day to take it.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
The best time to take herbal medicine twice a day is either half an hour to one hour after meals or divided between morning and evening. Generally, the following recommendations apply:
1. Half an hour to one hour after meals: Most herbal medicines are recommended to be taken after meals, especially those with nourishing effects. This can reduce gastrointestinal irritation and utilize food to promote drug absorption.
2. Divided doses in the morning and evening: Arrange the two doses to be taken after breakfast and dinner, or upon waking in the morning and before bedtime at night. This helps maintain effective drug concentrations in the body and avoids discomfort that may arise from taking too much medication at once.
Please note that the above times are only for reference; the specific administration time should be adjusted according to the type of herbal medicine, therapeutic purpose, and the patient's individual circumstances. For example, herbal medicines for promoting digestion or treating heart and lung conditions are usually taken after meals, whereas tonifying medicines and those used for treating gastrointestinal disorders are better taken before meals.
For advice on the timing of herbal medicine administration, please consult directly with the prescribing TCM practitioner or pharmacist, who can制定 the most suitable medication plan according to your individual condition to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
