Wuzizi and suanjiaoren are common Chinese herbal medicines. It is common to see people using wuzizi and suanjiaoren to make herbal tea. So what are the benefits of soaking wuzizi and suanjiaoren in water?
Benefits of Soaking Wuzizi and Suanjiaoren in Water
Promotes Calmness and Sleep
Wuzizi has a sour and sweet taste and a slightly warm nature. It has the effect of nourishing the kidneys and calming the mind. Its active ingredients have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. Suanjiaoren has a sweet and sour taste and a neutral nature. It has the effect of calming the mind and promoting sleep. It is used to treat symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, and dizziness. Soaking wuzizi and suanjiaoren in water can help improve sleep and alleviate insomnia.
Stops Sweating
Wuzizi has the characteristic of astringency and can stop excessive sweating. Suanjiaoren also has a certain astringent effect. Soaking wuzizi and suanjiaoren in water can assist in the treatment of conditions such as excessive sweating and night sweats.
Relieves Cough
Wuzizi enters the lungs, heart, and kidneys meridians. It has the ability to nourish the five organs and constrict lung qi to relieve coughs. It has a certain therapeutic effect on chronic cough, weak cough, and shortness of breath caused by lung and kidney deficiency.
How to Prepare Wuzizi and Suanjiaoren Herbal Tea
Ingredients: 6g wuzizi, 6g suanjiaoren.
1. Crush the wuzizi and suanjiaoren and put them in a teapot.
2. Add boiling water and steep for a while.
3. Cover the teapot and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Then it can be consumed as tea.
4. It is more effective to consume it before bedtime for promoting calmness and sleep.
Can Wuzizi and Suanjiaoren Herbal Tea be Consumed Long-term?
In general, it can be consumed long-term.
Wuzizi and suanjiaoren do not have obvious toxic side effects. If there is no allergy or adverse reaction during the period of use, it can generally be consumed long-term. However, wuzizi and suanjiaoren are still Chinese herbal medicines, and as the saying goes, "All medicine is toxic in high doses." It is recommended to stop consuming wuzizi and suanjiaoren herbal tea after the condition improves.
Precautions for Drinking Wuzizi and Suanjiaoren Herbal Tea
1. Pay attention to the dosage
The recommended dosage of wuzizi is 2-6g, and for suanjiaoren, it is 9-15g. Both are Chinese herbal medicines and should not be consumed in excessive amounts. If the dosage of wuzizi exceeds 13-18g, it may cause discomfort such as burning sensation in the stomach, belching, acid reflux, and nausea. Excessive consumption of suanjiaoren may cause poisoning reactions.
2. Prevent allergies and adverse reactions
Some people may experience allergies or adverse reactions when consuming wuzizi and suanjiaoren herbal tea. Common allergic reactions to wuzizi include hives, fever, headache, and nausea. Common allergic and adverse reactions to suanjiaoren include numbness of limbs, foreign body sensation in the throat, and stiff tongue. To prevent allergies and adverse reactions, it is recommended to consume a small amount of wuzizi and suanjiaoren herbal tea first and observe one's own reaction before continuing to consume it.
Contraindications for Drinking Wuzizi and Suanjiaoren Herbal Tea
Those with initial stage of cough
Although wuzizi has a certain antitussive effect, it only works for cough symptoms caused by lung and kidney deficiency. It cannot treat cough symptoms caused by external pathogens or cough in the initial stage. In such cases, wuzizi may worsen the symptoms due to its astringent effect.
Those with initial stage of rash
The treatment of rash in the initial stage should focus on promoting the eruption. However, wuzizi and suanjiaoren have a constricting effect, so consuming them in the initial stage of rash may aggravate the symptoms.
Those with excessive heat and stagnant fire
Wuzizi and suanjiaoren have a certain astringent effect. They should not be consumed by those with symptoms of excessive heat, such as red face and eyes, dry and cracked lips, bitter taste, dry mouth, ulcers on the tongue, and sore throat. Otherwise, it may exacerbate the discomfort. The "Ben Cao Jing Shu" also notes: "Do not use in cases of excessive heat in the liver, gall bladder, and spleen meridians, as it has astringent properties."
