Danshen is a kind of herbal medicine that many middle-aged and elderly people take for health and wellness. It is usually consumed by soaking it in water. However, some people find Danshen to be quite bitter and unpleasant to taste, so they add honey to the Danshen water for flavor. Can Danshen and honey be consumed together?
Can Danshen and honey be consumed together?
Yes, they can.
Danshen is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a bitter taste and a slightly cool nature. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, clearing the mind, and cooling blood and resolving abscesses. Honey is a common food that contains abundant nutrients and trace elements. It has the effects of nourishing and moisturizing the body, detoxifying, beautifying the skin, and promoting bowel movements. Both Danshen and honey have no significant toxic side effects, and their properties and effects do not conflict with each other. Therefore, Danshen and honey can be consumed together.
The effects and benefits of Danshen and honey
Promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation
Danshen has a bitter taste and a slightly cool nature. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and regulating menstruation. It can promote blood circulation in the body, maintain the smoothness of blood vessels, and provide auxiliary treatment for conditions such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, poor blood circulation, and injuries caused by falls.
Nourishing the heart and calming the mind
In traditional Chinese medicine, Danshen is believed to have the effect of clearing the mind and calming the nerves. Its active ingredients have certain sedative and analgesic effects on the central nervous system, helping to relieve sleep disorders and improve insomnia caused by neurasthenia.
Reducing lipid levels and protecting the liver
The hidden Danshen ketone in Danshen can improve microcirculation and reduce blood viscosity. The components of Danshen such as salvianolic acid and rosmarinic acid have anti-lipid peroxidation effects. Honey can help promote liver cell regeneration and maintain normal liver function. It can also inhibit the formation of fatty liver to a certain extent. Therefore, Danshen and honey can protect the liver and alleviate symptoms of hyperlipidemia.
Moisturizing the intestine and promoting bowel movements
The oligosaccharides in honey can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, maintain the balance of intestinal microbiota, lubricate the intestines, and promote bowel movements. It can help alleviate symptoms of constipation and dry stools.
Protecting the cardiovascular system
Danshen has a strong effect in promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis. It can dilate the blood vessels of the heart and brain, maintain the smoothness of the cardiovascular system, and improve microcirculation and reduce blood viscosity. Honey contains abundant organic acids, proteins, enzymes, and bioactive substances. These components can improve blood composition, promote the function of the heart, brain, and blood vessels, protect the cardiovascular system, nourish the myocardium, improve cardiac function, and help prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, and assist in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
Boosting the immune system
Honey contains vitamins, various sugars, and other nutrients, which can replenish energy, quickly restore physical strength, reduce fatigue, enhance the body's immune function, and improve resistance to diseases.
Beauty and skincare
Danshen has the effects of promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and regulating meridians. It can promote blood circulation in facial skin. Its components such as tanshinone, salvianolic acid, catechin, and protocatechuic aldehyde have antioxidant properties, can remove free radicals, and improve skin texture. Honey contains rich inorganic salts and vitamins, which can accelerate blood circulation, promote cell metabolism, reduce wrinkles and remove spots, and make the skin moisturized and smooth. Therefore, Danshen and honey can help with beauty and skincare.
How to consume Danshen and honey
Danshen and honey tea
Ingredients: 30g Danshen, 20g honey.
Instructions:
1. Wash and slice the Danshen, and put it in a pot.
2. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring it to a boil.
3. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
4. Take out the liquid and let it cool slightly.
5. Add honey and stir well.
6. Drink 1-2 times a day.
Can Danshen and honey water be consumed for a long time?
In general, it is not recommended to consume it for a long time.
Danshen is still a type of herbal medicine, and it is not recommended to take it for a long time unless necessary. On the one hand, its medicinal properties need to be metabolized by the liver and kidneys, and long-term use may increase the burden on the liver and kidneys. On the other hand, Danshen has a strong effect in promoting blood circulation, and long-term use may lead to low blood potassium levels, causing symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the limbs, nausea, and vomiting.
If it is necessary to take it for a long time due to certain medical conditions, it is recommended to consume potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, soybeans, bananas, and peanuts during the period of consumption.
Precautions for consuming Danshen and honey water
1. Do not consume excessive amounts
When drinking Danshen and honey water, the amount of Danshen should not be excessive. The recommended medicinal dosage of Danshen is usually 10-30g. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal bleeding due to the strong blood circulation effect of Danshen. There is generally no strict dosage requirement for honey, so consume it in moderation.
2. Do not consume it with Radix Isatidis
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a saying that "Danshen, Xinsao, and Radix Isatidis are incompatible". Danshen and Radix Isatidis have opposite properties, so they should not be used together as they may cause toxic reactions.
3. Do not consume it with anticoagulants
Danshen has the effect of inhibiting platelet aggregation. When used together with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin, it may enhance the anticoagulant effect and cause bleeding. Therefore, it is not advisable to take anticoagulant drugs while drinking Danshen and honey water.
Contraindications for drinking Danshen and honey water
1. Pregnant women should not consume it
Danshen is a blood circulation-promoting herbal medicine with a certain stimulating effect on uterine blood vessels. It can cause uterine contractions, and drinking Danshen and honey water during pregnancy may cause threatened miscarriage.
2. Diabetic patients should not consume it
Honey contains a large amount of fructose and glucose, which can be easily absorbed by the body. Consumption by diabetic patients may cause an increase in blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and blurred vision.
3. Individuals with dampness and stagnation in the middle jiao should not consume it
If a person has symptoms such as bloating and fullness in the epigastric region, physical heaviness, and a thick and greasy tongue coating, they should not consume honey. Honey is sweet and nourishing, and consuming it may aggravate the discomfort in individuals with dampness and stagnation in the middle jiao.
