The specific time to take medication should be determined according to the gastrointestinal condition, the needs of the disease and the characteristics of the medication. Take on an empty stomach The medicine of damping down and expelling water, the medicine of attacking and guiding stagnation, and the medicine of deworming should be taken on an empty stomach. When fasting, there is no food in the stomach and duodenum, so the drug can be taken to avoid mixing with food and can quickly enter the intestine and be effective. For example, senna leaves, etc. Take before meals The medicine for deficiency and the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases should be taken before meals. Because the stomach is empty before meals, the drug can enter the small intestine faster to maintain a higher concentration, so that the drug is not blocked by food and can fully and timely play its effect. Tonic drugs should also be taken before meals, in order to facilitate digestion and absorption. After meals, stomachic drugs or drugs that stimulate the stomach and intestines should be taken after meals. There is more food in the stomach after meals, which can reduce the stimulation of drugs. Take before bedtime, such as tranquilizers 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime, in order to sleep peacefully. Astringent medicine should be taken before bedtime to treat dream essence and spermatorrhea. Retardants should be taken before bedtime to facilitate defecation the next morning. For malaria patients, it should be taken 2 hours before the onset of the disease. If the disease is urgent and dangerous, it should be taken at any time.