Many traditional Chinese medicines should not be consumed when cold, otherwise it may cause diarrhea. Some people say they have brewed Schisandra tea but forgot to drink it, and now it has turned cold. So, can cold Schisandra tea still be consumed?
Can Cold Schisandra Tea be Consumed?
It depends on the situation.
If Schisandra tea has cooled down for a short period of time, it does not undergo any deterioration. In this case, the cooled Schisandra tea can still be consumed. However, if the Schisandra tea has been left at a high room temperature for a long time or has been left overnight without being refrigerated, it is not recommended to consume the cooled Schisandra tea.
How to Reheat Cold Schisandra Tea
Since Schisandra is a type of traditional Chinese medicine, heated Schisandra tea is more effective in exerting its medicinal properties. If Schisandra tea has turned cold, it can be reheated by boiling or using a double boiler. The specific instructions are as follows:
Boiling Method
1. Pour the cooled Schisandra tea into a teapot or a clay pot.
2. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
3. Finally, pour out the medicinal liquid and it is ready to be consumed.
Double Boiler Method
1. Prepare a basin of hot water.
2. Put the cold Schisandra tea in a bottle and tightly close the lid.
3. Then, place the bottle in hot water until the Schisandra tea becomes warm. Take it out and it is ready to be consumed.
What are the Effects of Drinking Cold Schisandra Tea?
No Adverse Effects
Generally speaking, if Schisandra tea has been cooled for a short period of time and has not yet been contaminated by bacteria, it will not have any adverse effects on the body.
Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
For individuals with weak digestive systems or if the Schisandra tea has been left for a long time and has been contaminated by bacteria, consuming the tea may irritate the stomach and intestines, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, loose stools, and other discomfort.
What to Do If You Have Consumed Cold Schisandra Tea?
Drink Warm Water as Much as Possible
If you have consumed cold Schisandra tea and experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or loose stools, you can drink warm water as much as possible. This can help dilute the remaining Schisandra tea in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the symptoms from worsening. Additionally, drinking warm water can promote the elimination of Schisandra tea from the body, helping to alleviate the symptoms.
Seek Medical Attention
If the symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other discomfort are severe or if other symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention for appropriate treatment such as fluid replacement and anti-diarrheal medication, in order to prevent the condition from worsening.
What Precautions Should Be Taken When Drinking Schisandra Tea?
1. Do not consume excessive amounts
It is generally recommended to use 2-6 grams of Schisandra. Consuming more than 13-18 grams of Schisandra may cause discomfort such as burning sensation in the stomach, hiccup, heartburn, and nausea.
2. Prevent allergic reactions
A small portion of the population may experience allergic or toxic reactions when consuming Schisandra tea, such as hives, fever, headache, and nausea. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, you can start by consuming a small amount of Schisandra tea and observing for about an hour. If no discomfort occurs, you can continue consumption.
3. Not suitable for early-stage cough
Schisandra tea has a certain effect in suppressing cough and promoting perspiration, but it is mainly effective for treating chronic or weak cough. In the early stage of cough, treatment should focus on dispersing the pathogenic factors. Consuming Schisandra tea at this stage may cause the pathogenic factors to be trapped in the body, worsening the symptoms.
4. Not suitable for early-stage rash
Schisandra tea has a sour taste and has the effect of astringing and consolidating. In the early stage of rash, treatment should focus on dispersing and promoting the eruption of the rash. Consuming Schisandra tea may retain the pathogenic factors, leading to worsening of the rash symptoms.
