Packaged Chinese herbal decoctions refer to the herbal solutions that have been prepared and portioned for internal use, typically provided by hospitals that offer decoction services. The benefits of packaged herbal decoctions include saving time on preparation, reducing the risk of contamination from external harmful substances, and being easy for patients to carry and consume, which has gradually gained acceptance among the public.
What precautions should be taken when storing and consuming packaged Chinese herbal decoctions at home? Today, let’s discuss this!
Regarding storage, packaged herbal decoctions can be preserved by placing them in a cool place, soaking them in cold water, using ice packs, or refrigerating them.
1. Placing in a cool place: During cold winter days, the decoction can be placed in a cool area, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent spoilage.
2. Soaking in cold water: In hot summer weather, sealed packaged herbal decoctions can be soaked in cold water to maintain a low temperature and prevent spoilage due to heat.
3. Using ice packs: Ice packs can be placed in the storage box, and the decoction can be placed inside to avoid abnormal odors in high-temperature environments.
4. Refrigeration: If there is a refrigerator at home, the prepared packaged herbal decoctions can be stored in the refrigerator for better preservation.
It is recommended to strictly follow medical advice when taking packaged herbal decoctions and not to self-medicate. If the decoction is improperly stored and shows signs of spoilage, it should be discontinued to avoid health risks.
There are different methods for consuming packaged herbal decoctions: warm, hot, and cold:
1. Warm consumption: This refers to the method of consuming the decoction after warming it. Most packaged herbal decoctions are typically consumed warm.
2. Hot consumption: Some packaged herbal decoctions require hot consumption, usually for treating cold conditions, such as certain herbs that disperse wind-cold, as hot consumption can enhance their efficacy.
3. Cold consumption: Some packaged herbal decoctions need to be cooled before consumption to maximize their efficacy, such as heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs, especially in summer when decoctions for heat relief are more suitable for cold consumption.
Regarding precautions during medication:
1. Avoid raw and cold foods: During the consumption of packaged herbal decoctions, it is advisable to avoid raw and cold foods to prevent damage to the gastrointestinal tract and affect the efficacy of the herbs, especially for patients with weak gastrointestinal function.
2. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods: Spicy foods can weaken the medicinal properties and may even react chemically with the herbs, impacting health. Particularly when taking certain heat-clearing and blood-cooling herbs, it is essential to avoid foods like lamb, Sichuan pepper, and garlic.
3. Avoid greasy foods: Greasy foods are hard to digest and can promote dampness, so they should not be consumed during medication.
4. Avoid strong tea: Tannins in tea can affect the absorption of the herbs and reduce their efficacy. Patients who habitually drink tea should wait 2-3 hours after taking the herbs before drinking tea.
5. Timing of consumption: Decoctions that are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract can be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption, while those that are more irritating should be taken 30 minutes after meals.
6. Moderate exercise: After taking the decoction, moderate exercise is recommended to avoid gastrointestinal spasms, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
The specific method of consumption should be determined based on the patient’s condition under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist. If any discomfort occurs during medication, please seek medical attention promptly.
This is medical science popularization and is for reference only.
Issue 1310
Editor: Guo Xiaolong
Contributors: Wang Ruixia
Editor: Chen Yuwen
