1. Taking with Boiled Water
Boiled water is the most commonly used method for taking pill medications. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that boiled water can be used for any pills that tonify Yang, regulate Qi and blood, and open the meridians.
2. Taking with Ginger Juice
Pills for treating deficiency cold and wind-cold are taken with ginger juice. Ginger can dispel wind and scatter cold to enhance the efficacy of the medicine, such as Tong Xuan Li Fei Wan (Tong Xuan to Regulate the Lungs Pill) and Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Aconite to Regulate the Middle Pill).
3. Taking with Alcohol
In TCM, alcohol is said to invigorate blood circulation and open the meridians. It is used for conditions such as Qi and blood deficiency, Qi stagnation, blood stasis, numbness of the limbs, hemiplegia, and wind-cold dampness. An example is Huo Luo Wan (Invigorating Collaterals Pill).
4. Taking with Tea
Pills are often taken with tea for diuretic effects, especially in cardiovascular diseases. However, caution is advised as tea contains tannins. While green tea is diuretic, black tea warms the stomach, and oolong tea has anti-cancer properties, it is best to avoid tea unless necessary.
5. Taking with Salt Water
Pills that tonify kidney Qi, such as Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill) and those for deficiency cold sexual dysfunction like Jin Xiao Gu Jing Wan (Golden Seal to Secure Essence Pill), should be taken with light salt water. However, caution is needed for the elderly with high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, or edema.
6. Taking with Rice Soup
Pills that tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen and stomach, such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng to Strengthen the Spleen Pill), Ji Zhu Wan (Accumulated Zhu Pill), Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan (Ginseng to Return to the Spleen Pill), and Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan (Biota Seed to Nourish the Heart Pill).
7. Taking with Honey
This method is often used for digestive medicines and various dryness conditions, such as Ma Ren Run Chang Wan (Hemp Seed to Moisten the Intestines Pill) and Wu Ren Run Chang Wan (Five Nuts to Moisten the Intestines Pill). It can also be used for lung dryness and deficiency treatments like Yang Yin Qing Fei Wan (Nourishing Yin to Clear the Lungs Pill) and Qing Fei Yi Huo Wan (Clearing the Lungs and Suppressing Fire Pill), but honey should be avoided by diabetics.
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