It's the season of "fragrant locust flowers in May". Locust flowers not only have ornamental value, but also have good medicinal value. Modern pharmacological studies have found that it not only has mild anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, can assist in reducing vascular permeability, increasing vascular elasticity, and lowering blood pressure, but also has mild expectorant and cough suppressant effects.
In traditional Chinese medicine, locust flowers are believed to have the effects of cooling blood and stopping bleeding, clearing liver and reducing fire. Clinically, they are mainly used to treat conditions such as bloody stools, bleeding hemorrhoids, blood in urine, and red eyes due to wind-heat. Because of its clear and sweet taste, it is also a good example of the concept of "food as medicine". In addition to being made into classic food "locust flower cake", it can be brewed into a small herbal tea.
"Locust flower" refers to the open flowers, while the unopened flower buds are called "locust rice". Their medicinal properties are basically the same. Take 10 grams each of locust flowers, chrysanthemum flowers, and selfheal flowers, boil them in water for 30 minutes, and you can make "liver-clearing drink". It can clear liver and improve eyesight, clear heat and reduce fire, and is commonly used for red and swollen eyes, dizziness, and headaches caused by excessive liver fire. If the symptoms are mild, you can take 10 grams each of locust flowers and chrysanthemum flowers, put them in a cup, add boiling water, and let it steep for half an hour before drinking as tea.
It should be noted that those with weak spleen and stomach or those with yin deficiency and no excess fire should be cautious in taking it to avoid causing cold and damaging the body.
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