In recent years, there has been a widespread use of bamboo vinegar for children with cough and excessive phlegm. However, is bamboo vinegar suitable for all children with cough and phlegm? This is a question that needs to be studied and analyzed. It is indeed necessary for the care of infants.
I. The source and causes of phlegm in children
Phlegm is believed to have various origins. It can be caused by heat, cold, dampness, shock, dietary factors, excessive consumption of cold food, spleen deficiency, and so on. Although there are various names, they can all be categorized into the four main categories of cold, heat, deficiency, and excess.
Treatment must identify the cause of phlegm production and apply different treatments accordingly. For children, there are indeed many cases of excess phlegm and hot phlegm, but there are also many cases of deficient phlegm and cold phlegm. Therefore, it is impossible to treat all children with bamboo vinegar alone. Moreover, children have fragile constitutions and are prone to phlegm due to spleen and lung deficiencies, so it is especially important to treat the root cause instead of merely addressing the symptoms.
II. Properties and effects of bamboo vinegar
Bamboo vinegar is a liquid extracted from fresh bamboo.
Throughout history, it has been recognized by medical experts for its strong cooling nature and pure yin properties. It has the ability to smooth the flow, open up the meridians, and expel phlegm, making it an essential medicine for adults with wind-phlegm conditions. If there is phlegm formed by internal inflammation, obstructing the airways and preventing the smooth flow of qi, taking bamboo vinegar can help remove the phlegm heat and clear the airways, leading to natural recovery.
For children, it is particularly effective in treating infantile spasms caused by phlegm in the meridians, limbs, and external membranes. It is suitable for those with symptoms of fire, dryness, and heat, but "ginger juice must be used to activate its effects, so it can be used skillfully."
However, it is not meant to be taken frequently or for a prolonged period of time, and it should not be casually used for common colds and coughs with excessive phlegm.
III. The harm of indiscriminate use of bamboo vinegar
We often hear from patients that they don't know about syndrome differentiation, but after taking bamboo vinegar, their phlegm decreases. What could be wrong with that? We say the problem lies here. On the surface, the phlegm temporarily decreases, but in essence, it is a cycle of reduction and resurgence. The fundamental source of phlegm production has not been resolved. If it is repeatedly used, it will inevitably harm the child's body.
The spleen is the source of phlegm production, and the lungs are the storage organ for phlegm. Currently, due to overindulgence by parents and improper feeding, excessive consumption of cold drinks, the lungs and spleen of children tend to be deficient and cold, making them susceptible to coughing, wheezing, and excessive phlegm. This is commonly seen in clinical practice. If this type of condition is not addressed at its root to eliminate phlegm, it is difficult to solve the problem.
Doctors usually develop the habit of using medication as long as there are no adverse reactions and there is immediate therapeutic effect. Patients are even more inclined to demand prescriptions for continuous use. This further contributes to the excessive use of bamboo vinegar.
IV. Adverse reactions of fresh bamboo vinegar
Ammonia can cause coughing in mice, and oral administration of fresh bamboo vinegar has a significant antitussive effect. The guaiacol red test in mice confirmed that fresh bamboo vinegar has a significant expectorant effect. Through the experiment of measuring sputum volume in rats using capillary tubes, it was found that bamboo vinegar can stimulate gastric mucosa and reflexively increase respiratory secretions, mainly increasing mucus content, making the sputum thinner and easier to cough out. The experiment on ciliary movement of rabbit tracheal epithelium in vitro showed that bamboo vinegar can enhance the speed of ciliary beating and accelerate the movement of ciliary mucus.
V. Precautions for children taking fresh bamboo vinegar
1. It is not advisable to take nourishing herbal medicines at the same time during the medication period.
2. Patients with diabetes and those with severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease should take it under the guidance of a physician.
3. During the medication period, if the patient's fever exceeds 38.5℃, or if there is increased breathlessness, worsened cough, or a significant increase in phlegm, they should seek medical attention.
4. Strictly follow the recommended dosage and usage. This product should not be taken for a long time.
5. It is prohibited for those who are allergic to this product, and caution should be exercised by those with allergies.
6. If symptoms do not improve after three days of medication, one should seek medical attention.
The above are the instructions on how children should take fresh bamboo vinegar and the precautions to be aware of. Comments are welcome.
