Small Points to Note When Taking Chinese Medicine
When taking Chinese medicine, besides proper decoction and correct dosage, some small points need attention.
1. Adjust the temperature of the decoction according to the condition and nature of the herb to better achieve therapeutic effects.
2. Some herbs may cause vomiting if taken improperly—take care. For example, Xiang Ru (Herba Elsholtziae) causes vomiting when hot, so it should be taken cold.
3. Careful nursing: After taking diaphoretic herbs, rest quietly. For pungent-warm exterior-releasing herbs, cover with a blanket to induce slight sweating; for pungent-cool exterior-releasing herbs, do not cover.
4. Monitor efficacy: Those taking diaphoretic herbs should only achieve mild whole-body perspiration—not profuse sweating—to prevent exhaustion (especially in elderly). If no sweat appears after taking medicine, drink warm water or congee to assist the drug's action.
5. Avoid sour foods and cold drinks immediately after taking diaphoretic herbs.
During medication, avoid raw, cold, greasy, hard-to-digest, spicy, and stimulating foods, as they may affect drug absorption and efficacy. For example: Poria (Fuling) should not be taken with vinegar; honey should not be taken with raw scallions; Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Root) should not be taken with carp; Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) should not be taken with garlic, peach, or plum.