When many people go to see a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor, they may be told that they have damp-heat in their body or that they have a damp-heat constitution. The formation of damp-heat in the body of modern people is closely related to excessive greasy diet. So, can honeysuckle help to eliminate damp-heat?
Can honeysuckle eliminate damp-heat?
Honeysuckle does not have a significant effect in eliminating damp-heat.
Damp-heat is a term in TCM and also a TCM syndrome, referring to the accumulation of dampness and heat evils in the body, which obstructs the circulation of the organs and meridians, resulting in a certain disease. Clinical manifestations include: body heat, thirst for cold drinks, headache and body heaviness, bitter taste in the mouth, short and yellow urine, yellow and greasy tongue coating, and slippery and rapid pulse. TCM believes that this syndrome is related to the liver, spleen, and kidney, and the treatment should mainly focus on clearing heat and eliminating dampness.
Honeysuckle is a good medicine for clearing heat and detoxification. It has a sweet taste and a cold property. It enters the lung, heart, and stomach meridians and has a good effect in clearing heat. However, it does not have a significant effect in eliminating dampness and heat from the root.
Can people with damp-heat drink honeysuckle?
Yes, they can.
Although honeysuckle cannot cure the symptoms of damp-heat, damp-heat patients can drink honeysuckle in moderation without worsening their symptoms. Honeysuckle has a good effect in clearing heat, which can improve the discomfort of damp-heat patients such as body heat and thirst to a certain extent. Therefore, people with symptoms of damp-heat or a damp-heat constitution can drink honeysuckle in moderation.
How to drink honeysuckle for damp-heat?
Honeysuckle and Chrysanthemum Tea
1. Put 10 grams of honeysuckle and 10 grams of chrysanthemum in a teacup.
2. Pour in boiling water and steep.
3. Add rock sugar or white sugar and stir well.
4. Cover and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then drink it as tea.
Honeysuckle and Peppermint Tea
1. Put 10 grams of honeysuckle and 10 grams of peppermint in a cup.
2. Pour in boiling water and steep.
3. Cover and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
4. Add an appropriate amount of honey and drink.
What should be noted when drinking honeysuckle?
1. Do not consume excessive amounts.
The recommended dosage of honeysuckle tea is generally 10-30 grams. Although honeysuckle does not have obvious toxic side effects, it should not be consumed excessively. Excessive consumption of honeysuckle tea, as it has a cold and cool nature, may stimulate the intestines and stomach, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and loose stools.
2. Avoid long-term use.
Honeysuckle tea has a cold and cool nature. Drinking it every day can stimulate the stomach and intestines, which is not conducive to the health of the spleen and stomach. It is generally recommended to stop drinking honeysuckle tea after the symptoms improve.
3. Do not consume during menstruation.
Honeysuckle tea has a sweet and cold nature. Taking it during menstruation may aggravate uterine cold and lead to poor menstrual blood flow and worsen dysmenorrhea symptoms.
The fastest way to eliminate damp-heat in the body
1. Pay attention to diet
Diet therapy is a convenient way to treat damp-heat. Damp-heat patients should pay attention to eating less greasy food and have a light diet. They can eat lotus root, red beans, coix seed, winter melon, lotus seeds, mung beans, and other foods in moderation. These foods have the effect of clearing heat and eliminating dampness, which can help remove damp-heat.
2. TCM treatment
The best way to treat damp-heat in the body is to seek professional TCM doctors for systematic treatment. The doctors can choose the most suitable and convenient treatment methods according to the patient's condition, such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, and scraping.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is also one of the methods to treat damp-heat. You can choose jogging, hiking, playing badminton, and other sports. Moderate exercise can help sweat and achieve the effect of removing dampness.
