Herbal Teas: What to Avoid and What to Embrace for Better Health

Which teas should not be consumed regularly

Drinking tea is a favorite pastime for many people, but there are several herbal teas that should not be consumed regularly. Traditional Chinese medicine warns that the following 5 herbal teas can lead to serious health problems if consumed frequently!

1. Wild Chrysanthemum

    Wild chrysanthemum has a slightly cold nature and a bitter taste. It can help dispel wind, improve eyesight, and clear heat and toxins. However, some people may experience digestive discomfort, poor appetite, and intestinal noises after drinking wild chrysanthemum tea. People with weak spleen and stomach or pregnant women should avoid consuming it.

2. Licorice

    Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which has similar effects as adrenal corticosteroids. Prolonged and excessive use of licorice can cause edema, increased blood pressure, decreased blood potassium levels, and weakness in the limbs. Patients with kidney disease should use licorice with caution.

3. Fat Sea

    Fat sea is only suitable for hoarseness caused by wind-heat invading the throat. It is ineffective for hoarseness caused by vocal cord nodules, incomplete vocal cord closure, or excessive smoking and drinking. Drinking fat sea tea can cause side effects such as loose stools and chest tightness, especially in the elderly and those with weak spleen.

4. Ginkgo Leaves

    Drinking tea made from ginkgo leaves occasionally can cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, dry tongue, chest tightness, stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. People with a history of allergies should use it with caution.

5. Cassia Seed

    Cassia seed has a good protective effect on the optic nerve and has the effects of inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus growth, contracting the uterus, reducing blood pressure, and lowering serum cholesterol. However, it can also cause diarrhea and long-term consumption is not beneficial for the body.

    Therefore, not all herbal teas are suitable for consumption. When drinking herbal teas, it is important to consider one's own physical condition and be cautious about their potential impact on health.

    Which herbal teas should not be consumed regularly, which herbal teas can be brewed and consumed, and what precautions should be taken when drinking herbal teas

    4 types of herbal teas that are beneficial for health

    Herbal Tea 1: Goji Berries

    Goji berries are known for their nourishing properties, including nourishing yin and blood, improving vision, and promoting longevity. They can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and help prevent the formation of arterial plaques. Goji berries are particularly suitable for long-term consumption by the elderly. Brew 3-10 grams of goji berries with hot water and drink as a tea.

    Herbal Tea 2: Ophiopogon

    Ophiopogon is a commonly used Chinese herb for nourishing yin and clearing heat. It can calm the heart, nourish the spleen and stomach, and moisturize body fluids. Ophiopogon can improve heart function in the elderly and has a positive effect on pancreatic cells and central nervous system function. It also has anti-inflammatory, cough-suppressing, phlegm-clearing, asthma-relieving, and diuretic effects. Brew 3-10 grams of ophiopogon with hot water and drink as a tea once a day.

    Herbal Tea 3: Cassia Seed

    Cassia seed can relieve heat, improve vision, moisturize the intestines, and clear liver fire. It also has certain effects in lowering blood lipids and blood pressure. Take 10-15 grams of roasted cassia seed, brew with boiling water for 15 minutes, and drink when the fragrance of the herb is released. The color of the tea will gradually darken, resembling coffee. Discard the tea when the color becomes lighter after several brews.

    Herbal Tea 4: American Ginseng

    American ginseng has a cold nature and can nourish yin and replenish qi, making it an excellent herb for dual nourishment in traditional Chinese medicine. American ginseng can enhance the body's immune function, anti-tumor abilities, and resistance to radiation. It has a good effect on common symptoms in heart disease patients during the summer, such as restlessness, heat, and thirst. Brew American ginseng slices or roots with boiling water, cover for 5 minutes, and then drink. Take 3-6 grams per day.

    Although drinking herbal teas can be beneficial for the body, it is important not to overconsume them, as everything has its limits. Moderate consumption can have a positive effect on health and well-being. It is important to exercise caution and moderation!