In recent years, with the popularization of pre-packaged and bagged traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions, the troubles associated with decocting herbs have been greatly reduced, making more patients willing to accept and try herbal preparations, thus leading to better treatment and regulation of various related diseases. So, how should properly decocted and bagged herbal preparations be used and stored?
01
Storage Methods for TCM Decoctions
To ensure the safety of the medicine, the optimal storage temperature for vacuum-sealed TCM decoctions is 0-5°C, with a storage time of 7-14 days, but it is best not to exceed 7 days. On one hand, higher temperatures accelerate the deterioration of the decoction; lower temperatures can slow down this process. On the other hand, if the decoction contains animal-based herbs such as Quan Xie (Scorpion) or Wu Gong (Centipede), or herbs with high sugar content like Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Huang Qi (Astragalus), this will also affect the storage time. If the bag of decoction is swollen or the liquid has an unusual taste or bubbles, it indicates spoilage and should not be consumed. After opening, TCM decoctions are generally not recommended for overnight use to avoid deterioration affecting health.
02
Timing for Taking TCM Decoctions
To maximize the efficacy of the medicine, it is important to pay attention to the timing of administration, as different types of medicines have different recommended times for consumption.
When is the best time to take TCM? Generally, it should be taken according to the doctor’s advice. Additionally, the timing may vary based on the action of the medicine and the location of the illness.
Before Meals
Generally, medicines should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals. If the disease is located in the lower part of the body, it is advisable to take the medicine before meals to facilitate the downward action of the herbs, such as in cases of liver and kidney deficiency or diseases below the waist. For treating intestinal diseases, it is also advisable to take the medicine before meals, as in an empty stomach state, the decoction can directly contact the mucosa of the digestive tract, allowing for quicker absorption and effectiveness without being diluted by food in the stomach.
After Meals
Generally, medicines should be taken 15-30 minutes after meals. If the disease is located in the upper part of the body, it is advisable to take the medicine after meals. For symptoms related to the heart, lungs, or above the stomach, taking the medicine after meals can help the herbs ascend. For medicines that irritate the gastrointestinal tract, taking them after meals can reduce damage to the mucosa. Highly toxic medicines should also be taken after meals to avoid rapid absorption and potential side effects.
Between Meals
Medicines can be taken between meals to avoid food interference, which is suitable for medicines treating spleen and stomach disorders.
Before Bed
Generally, medicines should be taken 15-30 minutes before bed. Herbs that nourish the heart and spleen, calm the spirit, and promote sleep, as well as those for stagnation or chest disorders, should be taken while lying flat after consumption; for conditions affecting the head, mouth, or ears, one should lie without a pillow after taking the medicine; for diseases affecting the left or right ribs, the sleeping position should be chosen based on the ascending or descending nature of the herbs, such as lying on the healthy side for ascending herbs and on the affected side for descending herbs.
Overnight Use
This mainly refers to anti-parasitic medicines, which should be taken once before bed and again on an empty stomach the next morning to kill and expel parasites. It is important to note that in cases of acute severe illness, medicines should be taken as soon as possible or frequently (every 1-2 hours), while for chronic diseases, medicines should be taken on schedule. In summary, the timing for taking TCM should be based on the condition and nature of the medicine to maximize its preventive and therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse reactions.
Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Southwest Branch
Ye County People’s Hospital
Introduction to the TCM Department
The TCM department is located on the 13th floor west of the inpatient building, and the TCM comprehensive treatment room is located on the 2nd floor east of the outpatient building. The department has a total of 16 medical staff and 48 open beds. All medical staff adhere to the principle of TCM as the main focus, integrating Chinese and Western medicine, and are dedicated to creating a warm, comfortable, and orderly treatment environment for patients.
The TCM department’s treatment scope includes: hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and its complications, digestive system diseases, respiratory system diseases, and other common internal medicine diseases. It also has excellent efficacy for conditions such as neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, stroke sequelae, rheumatic pain, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, toothache, dysmenorrhea, facial paralysis, stiff neck, joint and muscle strain, insomnia, and cold-induced vomiting.
Special TCM treatment projects include: acupuncture, Gua Sha (scraping therapy), ear acupressure, moxibustion, Du Mai (Governing Vessel) moxibustion, bloodletting therapy, infrared therapy, herbal fumigation, herbal steam baths, cupping, herbal hot compresses, herbal sealing packs, acupoint application, and ion introduction rehabilitation devices.
Address of the TCM comprehensive treatment room: East side of the outpatient building, 2nd floor
Consultation phone for the TCM comprehensive treatment room: 0375-3315126
Address of the TCM department ward: West side of the inpatient building, 13th floor
Consultation phone for the TCM department ward: 0375-3315587
Submitted by | Ji Yingying
Edited by | Feng Congle
Chief Editor | Li Yanan
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Address: 1 Health Road, Ye County