Sea squill can treat pharyngitis and tonsillitis. However, some people may experience allergic reactions after taking it, and long-term use can also cause toxic reactions.
Sea squill, a traditional Chinese medicine, is the seed of the deciduous tree sea squill in the family Sterculiaceae. It has a sweet, mild taste and a cool property. It enters the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians. Its functions include moistening the lungs, opening the voice, and clearing heat and toxins. It is mainly used to treat dry cough without sputum, sore throat, hoarseness, red eyes, and toothache. Due to its lung-moistening and voice-opening effects, sea squill is often consumed as a tea. However, it is not a "safe" medicine, as it has certain toxic side effects and can cause allergic reactions. In clinical practice, cases of allergic reactions are commonly seen, manifested as itching and diffuse flushing of the skin, widespread hives and wheals all over the body, lip swelling, accompanied by dizziness, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Therefore, sea squill should not be consumed as tea, and it is not suitable for people of all ages and genders. It should not be taken in large doses for a long period of time.
