I am currently breastfeeding, but my milk supply has been low and has led to mastitis. My relatives have suggested that I drink water boiled with Chinese knotweed and dandelion. I would like to know what the benefits of Chinese knotweed and dandelion are.
Benefits of Chinese Knotweed and Dandelion
Promotes Milk Production
Chinese knotweed has a mild and sweet taste. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese knotweed has the ability to regulate the body's meridians and promote milk production. It can be used as an adjunct treatment for postpartum low milk supply and insufficient milk secretion. Dandelion contains active ingredients that can help clear blocked milk ducts and promote milk secretion.
Clears Heat and Promotes Diuresis
Chinese knotweed has the ability to regulate and clear the body's meridians, especially the bladder meridian, helping with diuresis and reducing swelling. It can increase the excretion of potassium in the urine and can be used to treat conditions such as difficulty urinating and painful urination. Dandelion has the ability to clear heat and toxins, and promote diuresis. It can be helpful for urinary tract infections and hematuria.
Disperses Nodules and Reduces Swelling
Dandelion acts on the liver and stomach meridians, helping to relieve internal heat, reduce liver fire, disperse nodules, and reduce swelling. It can be used to treat conditions such as enlarged lymph nodes, breast hyperplasia, mastitis, and thyroid enlargement.
Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Dandelion has the ability to clear heat and toxins. It has strong antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus hemolyticus. It can be used as an adjunct treatment for conditions such as colds, red and swollen eyes, acute tonsillitis, cholecystitis, and gastritis.
How to Prepare Chinese Knotweed and Dandelion Water
Ingredients: 5g of Chinese knotweed, 15g of dandelion, 1 cloth bag.
1. Put Chinese knotweed and dandelion into the cloth bag.
2. Soak in water for about 30 minutes.
3. Pour into a pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes after the water boils.
5. Remove the cloth bag and drink the liquid.
Ratio of Dandelion to Chinese Knotweed in the Water
3:1
It is recommended to use a ratio of 3 parts dandelion to 1 part Chinese knotweed when preparing the water. For example, you can use around 15g of dandelion and 5g of Chinese knotweed. However, there is no strict rule for the ratio, and it can be adjusted based on individual needs under the guidance of a doctor, as long as the recommended dosage is not exceeded.
Precautions when Drinking Chinese Knotweed and Dandelion Water
1. Pay attention to the dosage
The recommended dosage of Chinese knotweed is generally 3-5g, and the dosage of dandelion is 10-15g. Excessive intake of Chinese knotweed may cause abdominal discomfort, loose stools, increased urination, and increased burden on the kidneys. Excessive intake of dandelion may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.
2. Avoid long-term consumption
Chinese knotweed and dandelion are both traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The active ingredients in them need to be metabolized by the liver and kidneys. Long-term consumption may increase the burden on the liver and kidneys and may have negative effects on overall health. Chinese knotweed and dandelion water have strong diuretic effects, and long-term consumption may affect the normal functioning of the kidneys.
3. Be cautious of allergies
Both Chinese knotweed and dandelion are herbal medicines, and some people may experience skin allergies such as hives and itching, or gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, you can start by drinking a small amount of Chinese knotweed and dandelion water and observe any discomfort. If there are no adverse reactions, you can continue to consume it.
4. Accurate diagnosis is important
Dandelion has the ability to clear heat and toxins and is often used to treat various infections. Most infections belong to the category of heat conditions, but some infections may belong to the category of cold conditions, such as long duration without fever and weak constitution. In these cases, taking dandelion may not improve the symptoms and may even worsen the symptoms such as loss of appetite, pale complexion, and fatigue. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is important when taking dandelion.
Contraindications for Drinking Chinese Knotweed and Dandelion Water
1. Pregnant women
Chinese knotweed and dandelion are both traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Pregnant women have a special constitution, and it is uncertain whether the medicinal ingredients will affect the fetus. Chinese knotweed has the ability to regulate and clear the body's meridians. Large doses may cause miscarriage, so it is not recommended for pregnant women to drink Chinese knotweed and dandelion water.
2. Individuals with internal cold
Individuals with internal cold may experience symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, cold limbs, and abdominal pain. Chinese knotweed and dandelion water have a cold nature, and taking them may aggravate the accumulation of cold in the body, worsening the symptoms.
3. Individuals with qi and yin deficiency
Individuals with symptoms such as thirst, shortness of breath, epigastric distension, pale complexion, fatigue, dry mouth, and throat, due to qi and yin deficiency, should not drink Chinese knotweed and dandelion water. Taking them may further deplete qi and yin, worsening the symptoms.
4. Individuals with yang deficiency and external cold
Individuals with yang deficiency may have symptoms such as cold intolerance, cold hands and feet, pale complexion, and coldness in the lower body. Chinese knotweed and dandelion water have a cold nature, and taking them may exacerbate the symptoms of yang deficiency.
5. Individuals with spleen deficiency and diarrhea
Chinese knotweed and dandelion both have a cold nature, and using them together will increase the cold nature. Therefore, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency and symptoms of loose stools and diarrhea should not drink Chinese knotweed and dandelion water, as it may worsen the symptoms.
