I recently gave birth, but my breast milk is not sufficient. My mother-in-law made me a soup with reed rhizome, and she told me to drink the soup along with the reed rhizome. However, I don't like the taste of reed rhizome, so I want to ask if I need to eat the reed rhizome when cooking the soup.
Do I need to eat reed rhizome when cooking the soup?
There is no need to eat it.
During the cooking process of reed rhizome, its medicinal components and nutrients have already been extracted into the soup. The remaining reed rhizome residue basically does not contain much medicinal residue, so there is no need to eat it together with the soup.
How much reed rhizome should be used when cooking the soup?
3-5 grams.
Reed rhizome is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and has a certain dosage requirement. If the dosage is too small, it may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Reed rhizome has a cold nature and has diuretic properties. If the dosage is too large, its cold nature may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, causing loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal reactions. It may also increase urine output and burden the kidneys. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use 3-5 grams of reed rhizome.
Should salt be added when cooking reed rhizome soup?
A small amount of salt can be added for seasoning.
Reed rhizome is usually stewed with pig trotters, carp, chicken, etc. If no salt is added, the soup may be too greasy. Adding a small amount of salt can help alleviate the greasiness and improve the taste. However, it is important to note that adding too much salt may increase the burden on the kidneys and even lead to hypertension during lactation.
Can reed rhizome soup be consumed long-term?
It is not recommended to consume it long-term.
Reed rhizome is a medicinal herb with strong diuretic properties. Long-term consumption of reed rhizome soup may burden the kidneys and affect kidney function. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stop consuming reed rhizome soup once the symptoms improve and not to consume it long-term.
Who should not consume reed rhizome soup?
1. Pregnant women should use it with caution.
Reed rhizome has a slightly cold nature and has the function of promoting blood circulation. Pregnant women have a special constitution, and consuming a large amount of reed rhizome soup during pregnancy may cause miscarriage and affect the growth and development of the fetus.
2. Those with deficiency of Qi and Yin should use it with caution.
Symptoms of deficiency of Qi and Yin include thirst, shortness of breath, epigastric fullness, pale complexion, fatigue, and dry mouth. Reed rhizome has diuretic properties, and its consumption may further deplete Qi and body fluids in individuals with deficiency of Qi and Yin, worsening their symptoms.
3. Those with coldness in the body should use it with caution.
Coldness in the body refers to the invasion of external coldness, which affects the five internal organs and causes symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, cold limbs, and abdominal pain. Reed rhizome has a sweet taste and a cold nature. Consumption of reed rhizome soup by individuals with coldness in the body may aggravate the accumulation of coldness in the body and worsen their discomfort.
