Do Birth Control Pills Interact with Cholesterol Medication?
Is there a drug interaction between the contraceptive pill (Alesse) and Simvastatin? Hello Doctor: May I ask if there is any interaction between the contraceptive pill (Alesse) and Simvastatin? Currently, I take one Simvastatin pill in the morning and one in the evening, and I ha...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, Frog: After consulting with the manufacturer of Shoumei cholesterol-lowering medication, the response was, "According to the labeling of Esliyan, there is no interaction with statin medications." Therefore, the two medications do not affect each other. As for whe...[Read More] Do Birth Control Pills Interact with Cholesterol Medication?
Managing Gas and Bowel Issues After Colon Cancer Surgery: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Flatulence and bowel movement issues? Hello Dr. Chang, My mother underwent surgery for stage 2B colorectal cancer in August of last year and completed adjuvant chemotherapy in early March of this year. In addition to regular follow-up appointments, she has also been taking tradi...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, Xiao Cai: Regarding your first question, although Western medical examinations show no issues, you are experiencing bloating and bowel movement problems. I can provide another example: when a person is overworked for a long time, they may feel very fatigued and lethargic...[Read More] Managing Gas and Bowel Issues After Colon Cancer Surgery: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Can Duck Meat and Sports Drink Cause Nausea and Diarrhea?
Duck meat paired with shupao (a type of steamed bun)? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, my boyfriend's mother went on a trip with friends. There were seven people in total, and only she experienced vomiting and diarrhea. After reflecting on the situation, she recalled that the only d...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
This combination should not be related to vomiting and diarrhea.[Read More] Can Duck Meat and Sports Drink Cause Nausea and Diarrhea?
Understanding Tinnitus and Brain Noise: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus issues? Hello, Dr. Gao. I have never experienced tinnitus before, but it started about three weeks ago, a day or two after the four-day Double Tenth holiday. I really can't believe that the Chinese medicine doctor prescribed medication suggest...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
Based on the current situation, it is recommended to prioritize traditional Chinese medicine, with acupuncture as a supplementary treatment.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Brain Noise: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Tinnitus and Brain Noise: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus issues? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing tinnitus for three weeks now, with a constant ringing in my ears 24 hours a day. Sometimes it is loud, and other times it suddenly becomes quiet. This morning, I visited a traditional Chinese medi...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
The prescription he provided is related to emotional and psychological tension, which he believes is caused by emotional factors and may not be effective because it is not addressing the root cause. Based on your description, it seems to be a lingering infection, possibly due to ...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Brain Noise: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Dry Mouth and Hair Loss: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
A mild sensation in the mouth and hair loss issues? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have two questions to ask: 1. Recently, I have been waking up in the morning with a faint taste in my mouth and very little saliva, and this persists throughout the day (I have gastroesophageal reflux dise...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
1. Recently, I have been waking up in the morning with a faint taste in my mouth and very little saliva, and this has persisted throughout the day (I have gastroesophageal reflux disease). What could be the reason for this? It is most likely due to insufficient hydration in the b...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and Hair Loss: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding the Dosage and Effects of Traditional Chinese Herbal Powders
Traditional Chinese Medicine powder Hello, Doctor Gao. I bought a jar of Peach Kernel Chengqi Decoction from Shun Tian Tang, which states that adults should take it 3 to 4 times a day, with each dose being 4 grams. However, my spoon, which is marked with Shun Tian Tang (one level...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
Peach Kernel Chengqi Decoction is considered a relatively strong laxative in traditional Chinese medicine, and Shun Tian Tang is a leading brand. If taking 2 level teaspoons per day is ineffective, you may try increasing to 3 level teaspoons per day. There have been no reported s...[Read More] Understanding the Dosage and Effects of Traditional Chinese Herbal Powders
How Long Should You Continue Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment?
How long does it take to adjust the body? Hello, Doctor: I have been receiving treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for a long time, and I currently do not have any obvious discomfort symptoms. I would like to ask if I need to continue taking Chinese herbal ...
Dr. Lü Bingcheng Reply:
It is recommended that Lin discuss in detail with the current Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner about the duration of the body conditioning treatment. After all, Lin did not specify which health issues are being addressed, and each individual's medical conditio...[Read More] How Long Should You Continue Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment?
Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Herbal Remedies and Patient Queries
Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation The prescription you mentioned includes the following components: 1. E110 Zhenwu Decoction 5g = 35g 2. F310 Chaihu Jialonggu Muli Decoction 4g = 28g 3. G608 Compound Danshen Tablets 1g 4. Tianma 1g 5. B101 Acorus Calamus 1g 6. C107 Rehma...
Dr. Zhang Chunfang Reply:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diagnosis and treatment are based on the current symptoms, utilizing the four diagnostic methods: observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse-taking. After taking Chinese herbal medicine for one week, a detailed re-evaluation will be conducted....[Read More] Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Herbal Remedies and Patient Queries
Safe Consumption Guidelines for Money Mint in Traditional Medicine
How to safely consume pennyroyal? My sister has been seriously ill (in the intensive care unit for nearly a month, intubated for 25 days, and in a general ward for a month and a half) and has narrowly escaped death. After about a month in the general ward, she suddenly started to...
Dr. Lü Bingcheng Reply:
First of all, if your sister wants to actively treat the sequelae of a stroke, it is recommended that in addition to rehabilitation therapy, she should also seek acupuncture and herbal treatment from a qualified traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner after a proper diagn...[Read More] Safe Consumption Guidelines for Money Mint in Traditional Medicine
Why Does Acupuncture for Neck Pain Cause Hand Discomfort?
Pain in the hand after acupuncture? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I went for acupuncture for my shoulder and neck pain. When the doctor was needling my "left shoulder and neck," I felt a jolt of electricity. After the treatment, I experienced pain along the outer edge of my...
Dr. Lü Bingcheng Reply:
If the pain on the side of your little finger does not show significant improvement after 1 to 2 days of rest, please consult your original acupuncturist or another trusted qualified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine for further examination and trea...[Read More] Why Does Acupuncture for Neck Pain Cause Hand Discomfort?
Understanding Chronic Cheilitis: Causes, Treatments, and Remedies
Chronic cheilitis Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy message. My condition has been ongoing for about 7 to 8 months. It started with small blisters on my upper lip. I applied Neomycin ointment a few times (for three to four days, which caused peeling and healing). After t...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
Hello, Q1: Recently, I visited another dermatologist who diagnosed me with exfoliative cheilitis and prescribed gentamicin ophthalmic ointment for application. I would like to ask the doctor, is this gentamicin ophthalmic ointment harmful to the lips? A1: Antibiotic ointments...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Cheilitis: Causes, Treatments, and Remedies
Can Diabetics Drink Sugar-Free Tea with Licorice?
Dietary issues Hello Doctor: My mother has high blood sugar issues. I bought a sugar-free barley tea that claims to be sugar-free, but it contains licorice. I would like to know if people with high blood sugar can drink sugar-free tea that has licorice in it. Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Chunfang Reply:
Licorice is a sweetener that should be avoided by individuals with high blood sugar. Chiayi Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Diabetics Drink Sugar-Free Tea with Licorice?
Understanding White Coating and Deep Groove on Your Tongue: TCM Insights
There is a white coating on the surface of the tongue, and there is a deep longitudinal groove in the middle of the tongue? Hello Dr. Chang: I have a white coating on the surface of my tongue, and there is a deep longitudinal groove in the middle of the tongue, making it feel lik...
Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ke: Regarding the cracks on your tongue, generally speaking, cracks indicate a deficiency in Yin. The most common causes are prolonged lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Additionally, long-term consumption of heating foods and a temperament that is easily agitated...[Read More] Understanding White Coating and Deep Groove on Your Tongue: TCM Insights
Managing Health Anxiety: Understanding Family History and Diabetes Risk
Is there suspicion? Hello, doctor. I am someone who tends to worry easily about my health. Last time, I asked you about my blood sugar levels, which were normal, but recently I've noticed some ants near my water cup and have experienced some thirst, which prompted my questio...
Dr. Zhang Chunfang Reply:
Yes, metabolic syndrome can fluctuate with age, and maintaining good lifestyle habits is important. There is no need for excessive panic; focus on taking each day as it comes. The principle is to eat until you are 80% full at each meal, starting with protein (1/3), followed by ve...[Read More] Managing Health Anxiety: Understanding Family History and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Dry Tongue: Causes and Solutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dry mouth issues related to the tongue? Hello doctor, I often feel that my tongue is dry (but other areas in my mouth do not feel dry). I drink at least 1500cc of water every day. What could be the likely issue? I would appreciate your explanation.
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
If there are no other symptoms, Traditional Chinese Medicine considers this to be Yin deficiency. If you usually have sufficient sleep and drink more than 2000 cc of water, it is advisable to consume less spicy food, limit coffee and tea intake, reduce smoking and alcohol consump...[Read More] Understanding Dry Tongue: Causes and Solutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
About blood sugar? Hello Doctor, my blood sugar situation is as follows: Four years ago, my fasting blood sugar was 75. Two years ago, I experienced a period of dry mouth and thought I might have diabetes, so I went for a test, and my fasting blood sugar was 99. The doctor review...
Dr. Zhang Chunfang Reply:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by going to bed early and waking up early. Aim to sleep by 10:30 PM and wake up at 6:30 AM. Ensure a balanced diet consisting of the five food groups along with 2000 milliliters of plain water. Engage in physical activity such as brisk walking for hal...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Can Moldy Chinese Herbs Be Used? Plus, When to See a Doctor for Rectal Bleeding
Moldy herbal medicine / Rectal bleeding 1. If you buy a whole package of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, such as fox nut (Euryale Fox), and find a few moldy pieces, you can remove the moldy ones and the rest can still be used, provided that the remaining herbs are not contam...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
1. Yes, it can be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. 2. Based on the description, it seems there is a higher likelihood of hemorrhoids; a consultation with a colorectal surgeon may be advisable. Gastrointestinal bleeding from the stomach or small intestine typically presents as me...[Read More] Can Moldy Chinese Herbs Be Used? Plus, When to See a Doctor for Rectal Bleeding
Managing Nerve Compression and Leg Numbness: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Spinal degeneration, leg numbness, nerve compression? Due to degeneration, I am experiencing lower back pain and have difficulty standing up straight immediately after sitting down. Recently, the cold weather triggered my rhinitis, causing me to sneeze multiple times, which led t...
Dr. Gao Peiyi Reply:
1. Traditional Chinese Medicine can perform acupuncture (electroacupuncture) and prescribe herbal medicine (to invigorate blood circulation, resolve stasis, clear heat, and eliminate dampness) to alleviate symptoms. 2. If the symptoms have been present for less than six months an...[Read More] Managing Nerve Compression and Leg Numbness: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights
Can You Drink Ginger and Red Date Tea While on Anticoagulants?
Can I drink ginger tea and red date tea while taking anticoagulant medication? Hello, Director. In 2015, during a health check-up, I discovered that there were mild calcified plaques in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In 2020, I underwent two ca...
Dr. Zhang Chunfang Reply:
Ginger and jujube tea can be consumed in moderation as food. The Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Chiayi Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Can You Drink Ginger and Red Date Tea While on Anticoagulants?