Whether Chinese medicine is eaten on an empty stomach or after meals depends on the nature of the drug, the type of disease, the patient's constitution, drug irritation, drug absorption and other factors.

1. Medicinal properties: Nourishing traditional Chinese medicines, such as ginseng, deer antler, ejiao, etc., taken on an empty stomach can make the drug fully absorbed and better exert the tonic effect; Eating anthelmintic drugs on an empty stomach can make the drug quickly enter the intestines, maintain a high concentration, and enhance the anthelmintic effect; Laxative drugs, such as rhubarb, senna, etc., can be eaten on an empty stomach to speed up the onset of the drug and promote bowel movements.

2. Type of condition: Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of gastric diseases, such as drugs for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers, can reduce the irritation of the gastric mucosa by taking them after meals; Traditional Chinese medicine for intestinal diseases, such as drugs for enteritis and dysentery, can be eaten on an empty stomach to make the medicine reach the intestine faster and play a role.

3. Patient's constitution: People with weak spleen and stomach have weak gastrointestinal function, and taking Chinese medicine after meals can reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines; Those with good physique and normal gastrointestinal function have a strong tolerance to the drug, and can choose to take it on an empty stomach or after meals according to the nature of the drug.

4. Drug irritation: Traditional Chinese medicine with strong irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, such as drugs containing frankincense, myrrh and other ingredients, can avoid or reduce adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain when eaten after meals; For traditional Chinese medicine without obvious irritation, the time of taking it can be determined according to the condition and characteristics of the drug.

5. Drug absorptionSome drugs are better absorbed on an empty stomach, such as some fat-soluble drugs, there is no food interference in the gastrointestinal tract during fasting, and the drugs can better contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa, which is conducive to absorption; Some drugs are more conducive to absorption after meals, such as some drugs that require bile to participate in digestion and absorption, eating after meals can promote bile secretion and improve the absorption rate of drugs.

Whether traditional Chinese medicine is eaten on an empty stomach or after meals and has a good effect needs to be judged by comprehensive factors. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, patients should choose an appropriate time to take the drug according to their specific drug and their own situation to ensure the efficacy of the drug and reduce adverse reactions. No matter when you choose to take your medication, follow your doctor's instructions to ensure that it is safe and effective. If you feel unwell during taking the medicine, you should seek medical attention in time.

This article is only for health science popularization and does not constitute medication or medical guidelines, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time if you have health problems.