The Benefits and Precautions of Medicinal Liquor: A Comprehensive Guide

The consumption of medicinal liquor, especially, emphasizes moderation. It should not only avoid excessive alcohol consumption but also prevent excessive medication. It needs to be comprehensively considered, but in general, the principle is to consume a smaller amount than non-medicated alcohol. Medicinal liquor combines the dual characteristics of medication and dietary conditioning, and can be consumed in small quantities multiple times or for a long period of time. The principle of small quantities multiple times means that in general, the use of medicinal liquor for healing and maintenance should be gradual and not rushed. Rushing will not lead to success. The saying "stop after a taste" applies to the health benefits of medicinal liquor.

[Scope of application of medicinal liquor]

The scope of application of medicinal liquor is quite extensive. In summary, it is mainly applicable to the following areas.

1. Medicinal liquor can treat diseases.

Medicinal liquor has therapeutic effects on hundreds of common and frequently occurring diseases in various clinical departments such as internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology. It is not only suitable for some acute diseases and most chronic diseases, but also has significant therapeutic effects.

2. Medicinal liquor can prevent diseases.

Due to the nourishing and health benefits of many medicinal liquors, they can enhance the body's immune function and disease resistance. Some Chinese medicines can play a dual role in regulating organ functions and preventing harm from pathogenic factors, contributing to preventive healthcare.

3. Medicinal liquor can beautify and moisturize the skin.

Some medicinal liquors can promote blood circulation, detoxification, and nourish the internal to benefit the external, which is beneficial to skin health.

4. Medicinal liquor can promote health and longevity.

Many health-preserving medicinal liquors can help maintain robust energy, delay aging, and are particularly suitable for the elderly and the weak. Some traditional customs are indeed beneficial, such as the tradition of drinking chrysanthemum liquor to prevent aging and rejuvenate during the Double Ninth Festival, which is practical and supported by scientific evidence.

5. Medicinal liquor can be used for post-disease conditioning and adjuvant treatment.

Medicinal liquor can assist in the recovery of diseases by boosting the body's positive energy or exerting the effects of the medication. It can not only help in the treatment of diseases but also aid in post-disease conditioning, promoting early recovery.

[Precautions for medicinal liquor]

Medicinal liquor contains medicinal ingredients. It is the combination of alcohol and medicine. Therefore, it must be used appropriately and consumed in moderation to be beneficial. If medicinal liquor is not suitable for individual constitution or consumed excessively, it may be harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the targeted selection of medicinal liquor, use it with moderation, and pay attention to its contraindications. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the contraindications for the use of medicinal liquor.

1. The consumption of medicinal liquor should not be excessive, but rather limited.

When taking medicinal liquor, it should be based on the user's tolerance and should be reasonable and appropriate. Overconsumption should be avoided. Even with tonic health-preserving medicinal liquor, excessive consumption can lead to adverse reactions. For example, excessive consumption of ginseng-containing medicinal liquor can cause bloating, loss of appetite, and consumption of deer antler-containing medicinal liquor can cause fever and restlessness. "Drinking in moderation promotes blood circulation and invigorates the spirit, dispels worries, and relieves boredom. Excessive drinking harms the spirit, depletes blood, damages the stomach, and generates phlegm and fire. Common people who indulge in excessive drinking, taking drunkenness as normal, will suffer from illnesses and decline. This may even lead to the ruin of a country, the destruction of a family, and the loss of life. The harm is indescribable!" (Compendium of Materia Medica)

2. Those who should not drink alcohol can avoid medicinal liquor.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are not suitable for alcohol consumption, so there is no need to force the consumption of medicinal liquor. For the elderly and the weak, due to relatively slower metabolism, the consumption of medicinal liquor should also be reduced and not excessive.

3. Choose medicinal liquor based on the condition.

Each type of medicinal liquor has its scope of application, and it should not be consumed indiscriminately. It is not beneficial to consume medicinal liquor without considering the condition. For conditions such as cold, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, it is not suitable to consume tonic medicinal liquor. Some conditions are not suitable for the use of medicinal liquor, such as chronic nephritis, chronic renal insufficiency, chronic colitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, digestive system ulcers, infiltrating or cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis, epilepsy, heart failure, hypertension, etc., are all contraindications for alcohol consumption, even for medicinal liquor. Patients who are allergic to alcohol or have certain skin diseases should also avoid or use medicinal liquor with caution.

4. Pay attention to the interaction between alcohol and medication.

When consuming medicinal liquor while taking Western medicine, pay attention to whether there is any interaction or impact on the effectiveness of the medication.

5. Medicinal liquor for external use should not be taken internally.

For example, in the past, there was a custom of using realgar liquor to ward off evil spirits during the Dragon Boat Festival and drinking realgar liquor. In fact, realgar liquor is only suitable for external use as an insecticide and should not be ingested. The main component of realgar is arsenic disulfide, which can decompose into arsenic trioxide when heated, which is even more toxic. Drinking realgar liquor can easily cause poisoning, with symptoms ranging from dizziness, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea to severe poisoning and death. Therefore, the practice of drinking realgar liquor should not be continued. Other medicinal liquors designated for external use should also be strictly prohibited from being taken internally.