What is the best time to take traditional Chinese medicine?

Generally, it is recommended to choose the time for medication based on the drug's effects and the body's circadian rhythms. For example, tonic medicines are best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or before meals, while sedative medicines should be taken one hour before bedtime. Circulation-promoting medicines can be taken after lunch. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have complex compositions; certain active ingredients must be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract to exert their effects, and taking them before meals can reduce interference from food. Some medicines may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and should be taken with food to alleviate discomfort. The activities of the internal organs demonstrate circadian rhythms—for example, the liver's detoxification function is more active at night, and certain medicines that regulate liver function and relieve qi stagnation can be timed to coincide with these physiological patterns.

Before taking the medicine, consult the prescribing physician to clarify the medicine's properties. For example, Qi- and blood-nourishing decoctions should be avoided in the evening to prevent restlessness. Laxative medicines should be taken after breakfast to prevent frequent bowel movements at night that could disrupt rest. In daily practice, the interval between two doses can be controlled at 8–10 hours; if the first dose is taken at 7 a.m., then 7 p.m. would be a reasonable time for the second dose. The temperature of the decocted medicine should be around 40°C, avoiding excessive heat that could damage the esophageal mucosa or excessive coldness that could cause gastrointestinal spasms. Special formulations, such as decoctions containing volatile ingredients, should be taken while hot. Mineral-based medicines are advised to be ground into powder and consumed with liquid to improve absorption rates. During the medication period, raw, cold, or greasy foods should be avoided to prevent interference with the medicine's effectiveness or induction of diarrhea.