Wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis) has a sour and sweet taste, and a warm nature. It has the functions of astringing and consolidating, nourishing Qi and generating fluids, tonifying the kidneys and calming the mind. It can be used to treat symptoms such as chronic cough due to lung deficiency, spontaneous sweating, injury to body fluids with excessive thirst, and insomnia. However, some people say that they have a hot constitution and are not suitable for taking warm-natured herbs like Wuweizi. So, is Wuweizi warm or cold in nature?
Is Wuweizi warm or cold in nature?
Wuweizi is warm in nature.
According to the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia", Wuweizi has a sour and sweet taste, and a warm nature. It belongs to the lung, heart, and kidney meridians. It has the functions of astringing and consolidating, nourishing Qi and generating fluids, and tonifying the kidneys and calming the mind. It is used for the treatment of chronic cough, nocturnal emission, frequent urination, persistent diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, injury to body fluids with excessive thirst, internal heat with excessive thirst, palpitations, and insomnia. Therefore, Wuweizi is classified as a warm-natured herb.
Can individuals with a hot constitution take Wuweizi?
Yes, in moderate amounts.
A hot constitution is a term in traditional Chinese medicine that refers to hot yin deficiency and damp-heat constitution. People with a hot constitution often have the following characteristics: slim body, scanty or yellow urine, dry or hard stools, aversion to heat and preference for cold, restlessness and irritability, and preference for cold drinks.
Although Wuweizi has a warm nature, its main effects are astringing and consolidating, nourishing Qi and generating fluids. Taking Wuweizi in moderate amounts will not aggravate the heat in the body for individuals with a hot constitution. Therefore, it is safe to take Wuweizi in moderate amounts. If the individual's heat symptoms are severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor and use Wuweizi in combination with other herbs that nourish Yin and clear heat under the guidance of the doctor.
How to consume Wuweizi?
Wuweizi and Goji Berry Tea
Ingredients: 6g Wuweizi, 6g Goji berries.
Instructions:
1. Crush the Wuweizi and put it in a cup.
2. Add Goji berries and pour in boiling water.
3. Cover the cup and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
4. During this time, you can add more water 2-3 times and drink it as tea.
Benefits: Tonifies the kidneys, nourishes essence, and improves vision.
Wuweizi and Jujube Porridge
Ingredients: 10g Wuweizi, 10g jujube, 100g glutinous rice, suitable amount of rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Crush the Wuweizi and remove the pits from the jujube.
2. Wash the glutinous rice and put it in a pot with Wuweizi and jujube.
3. Add enough water to cook the porridge.
4. After the porridge is cooked, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Take it once in the morning and once in the evening.
Benefits: Astringes the lungs, stops sweating, tonifies Qi, and strengthens the spleen.
What is the recommended dosage of Wuweizi?
2-6g.
The general recommended dosage of Wuweizi is 2-6g. Since Wuweizi is a Chinese medicinal herb, it should not be taken in excessive amounts. If taken in a single dose of 13-18g or more, it may cause adverse reactions such as a burning sensation in the stomach, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. If Wuweizi is used for the treatment of a specific disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor for detailed dosage guidance and follow the doctor's instructions.
What precautions should be taken when consuming Wuweizi?
1. Prevent allergic reactions
Generally, there are not many people who are allergic to Wuweizi. However, a small number of individuals with a tendency to allergies may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fever, and a burning sensation in the stomach when consuming Wuweizi infused water. If unsure about personal allergies, it is recommended to consume a small amount of Wuweizi first and observe one's own reactions. If there are no adverse effects, continue consumption.
2. For individuals with early-stage cough
Wuweizi has a sour taste and has a strong astringent effect on the lungs. It is good for treating long-term and dry cough caused by deficiency. However, for individuals with early-stage cough due to external pathogens, the treatment should mainly focus on dispersing and expelling pathogens. Taking Wuweizi at this stage may cause the pathogens to be trapped in the body, exacerbating symptoms such as cough and headache.
3. For individuals with early-stage skin rash
During the early stage of a skin rash, it is not advisable to take Wuweizi. This is because the treatment for early-stage skin rash should focus on dispersing and promoting the eruption of the rash. Wuweizi has a consolidating effect, and taking it during the early stage of a skin rash may trap the pathogenic factors in the body, causing the rash symptoms to worsen.
