We know that many drugs have certain toxicity, so we need to be cautious when taking them. Suoyang, which is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, is it toxic?
Is Suoyang Toxic?
Suoyang itself is not toxic.
Suoyang is the dried fleshy stem of the plant Suoyang. It has a sweet taste and warm nature. It has the functions of nourishing the kidneys and replenishing essence, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as kidney deficiency, essence and blood deficiency, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, impotence and premature ejaculation, and dryness and constipation of the intestines. Suoyang itself is not toxic, but if it is taken improperly or by inappropriate individuals, it may cause a series of toxic side effects.
Overdosage
Although Suoyang itself is not toxic, it is still a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and has a certain dosage requirement. Its medicinal properties are warm. If taken in excess, it may cause internal deficiency heat, resulting in symptoms of dry mouth, sore throat, and other signs of excess heat. The recommended dosage of Suoyang is generally 5-15 grams.
Long-term Use
Suoyang should not be used for a long time. It is recommended to stop using it after symptoms improve. On one hand, the medicinal components need to be metabolized by the liver and kidneys, and long-term use may damage liver and kidney health. On the other hand, Suoyang has a warm nature, and long-term use by individuals with normal constitution may cause constipation.
Use for Yin Deficiency and Fire Excess
The treatment for Yin deficiency and fire excess should focus on nourishing Yin and reducing fire. However, Suoyang has a warm nature and has a good effect on nourishing the kidneys and strengthening yang. Yin deficiency patients may experience aggravation of symptoms such as irritability, dry throat, and night sweats after taking Suoyang. Therefore, for individuals with Yin deficiency and fire excess, Suoyang is considered "toxic".
Use for Spleen Deficiency and Diarrhea
The treatment for spleen deficiency and diarrhea should focus on tonifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea. Suoyang enters the large intestine meridian and has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Taking Suoyang may aggravate the original symptoms of diarrhea for individuals with spleen deficiency and diarrhea. Therefore, for individuals with spleen deficiency and diarrhea, Suoyang is considered "toxic".
Use for Excessive Heat Constipation
Excessive heat constipation is caused by the accumulation of heat in the stomach and intestines, with symptoms such as dry and hard stools, abdominal distension and pain, nausea and vomiting. Although Suoyang has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, it is only effective for constipation caused by kidney yang deficiency and essence and blood deficiency. Taking Suoyang for individuals with excessive heat constipation will not only relieve the symptoms, but may worsen the discomfort. Therefore, for individuals with excessive heat constipation, Suoyang is also considered "toxic".
How to Use Suoyang
Suoyang Paste
Ingredients: 1500 grams of Suoyang, 240 grams of honey.
Instructions:
1. Put Suoyang in a clay pot and add an appropriate amount of water.
2. Simmer for about 30 minutes and extract the medicinal juice.
3. Then add water again, simmer and extract the juice.
4. Mix the two batches of medicinal juice together and pour into the clay pot.
5. Simmer on low heat, then add honey and stir well.
6. Cool and store in a glass bottle.
7. Take three times a day, one spoonful each time, preferably with warm wine.
Suoyang and Ginger Slice Congee
Ingredients: 150 grams of rice, 30 grams of Suoyang slices, ginger slices, scallion segments, and salt to taste.
Instructions:
1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 1 hour.
2. Place a pot on the stove, add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil.
3. Then add Suoyang slices and simmer for 30 minutes, remove the residue and extract the juice.
4. Add the rice and continue to simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Finally, add ginger slices, scallion segments, and salt, and cook until the porridge is well cooked.
