Xiakucao, a traditional Chinese medicine, has many benefits and is good for the body. So, can we soak Xiakucao in water and drink it? How should we prepare it?
Can Xiakucao be soaked in water and drank?
Yes, Xiakucao can be soaked in water and drank.
Xiakucao has a cold nature, with a bitter and pungent taste. It is non-toxic and has the effects of clearing heat, improving eyesight, dispersing nodules, reducing swelling, clearing the liver, and promoting blood circulation. Therefore, it can be soaked in water and drank.
How to prepare Xiakucao water?
Xiakucao can be directly soaked in boiling water using the flowers or fruits of Xiakucao. It can also be decocted with water.
However, since Xiakucao is bitter and cold in nature, excessive consumption is not good for the body. It should be consumed with hot-natured herbs such as ginseng and atractylodes.
How much Xiakucao water should be consumed in a day?
1. Since Xiakucao has a cold nature, it should not be consumed excessively. To make Xiakucao water, you can use two or three flowers or fruits of Xiakucao, and soak them directly in boiling water.
2. If preparing a decoction, you can use 6 grams to 15 grams of Xiakucao flowers or fruits, boil them in water for fifteen minutes, and then consume.
3. If using Xiakucao as a Chinese medicine, the specific dosage should be determined by a physician based on the prescription.
Is it safe to consume Xiakucao water in the long term?
No, it is not recommended to consume Xiakucao water in the long term.
1. Xiakucao has a cold nature, and excessive or long-term consumption can aggravate the coldness in the spleen and stomach, leading to discomfort. People with weak spleen and stomach should be especially cautious and avoid excessive consumption.
2. Long-term consumption of Xiakucao may cause side effects and increase the burden on the liver and kidneys. Prolonged use may result in accumulation of toxic components of the herb, leading to liver and kidney diseases.
The effects of Xiakucao water
Lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and preventing atherosclerosis
Xiakucao has the ability to lower blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. This is mainly due to the presence of saponins, which can reduce the permeability and fragility of blood vessels, lower liver fat, and inhibit cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
The flavonoids, iridoids, and rutin in Xiakucao have antibacterial effects. Fresh Xiakucao juice can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Water extracts (1:4) also show inhibitory effects on various common pathogenic skin fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum audouinii.
Anti-aging properties
Xiakucao contains flavonoids and vitamin P compounds, which have the ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent aging.
Improving liver function and eyesight
Xiakucao is known in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to clear liver fire and improve eyesight. Therefore, drinking Xiakucao water can help with liver health and eyesight. It works even better when combined with chrysanthemum.
Precautions when drinking Xiakucao water
Not suitable for patients with qi deficiency
Xiakucao has a bitter taste and can cause discomfort in patients with qi deficiency. Therefore, it is not suitable for them.
Not suitable for those with cold spleen and stomach
Xiakucao's cold and bitter nature can further worsen the condition of those with a cold spleen and stomach, leading to discomfort.
Not recommended for long-term consumption
Xiakucao's cold and bitter nature makes it unsuitable for excessive consumption. It may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and further deterioration of the spleen and stomach. Additionally, Xiakucao contains saponins, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea or abdominal pain if consumed for a long time.
Not recommended during menstruation
Consuming Xiakucao during menstruation can reduce menstrual flow and may affect hormone balance. It is advisable to consult a professional doctor before consuming any Chinese herbal medicine during menstruation.
