Can Chinese herbal medicine be consumed cold?
I am a 30-year-old female. Recently, I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a cold. As the weather is quite hot, I would like to cool the TCM before drinking it. I wonder if it is acceptable to take TCM cold?
Doctor's answer (1)
It is generally not recommended to take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cold. The efficacy of TCM is somewhat related to its temperature, and warm or hot TCM is more conducive to the absorption and effectiveness of its active ingredients. Cold consumption may affect gastrointestinal digestive function, leading to incomplete drug absorption or causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Some TCM formulations have warming and nourishing properties, and cold intake may weaken these warming and tonic effects, thereby affecting the therapeutic outcome. Therefore, to ensure the best efficacy of TCM, it is usually recommended to take it in a warm state.
When taking TCM, one should try to keep the medicine warm. If the weather is hot, the freshly prepared TCM can be left at room temperature to cool slightly until warm, but should not be allowed to cool completely. It is also important to avoid refrigerating the TCM before consumption, as this can further reduce its effectiveness. If TCM needs to be taken in hot weather, it can be consumed in small amounts at a time to reduce discomfort. Additionally, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and greasy foods, as these may interfere with the medicine's effectiveness. If you have any questions or experience discomfort, consult your physician promptly to ensure treatment effectiveness.
