Jaundice is a common condition that many newborn babies experience, causing concern for parents. Some older family members may suggest bathing the baby with honeysuckle flower to alleviate jaundice. But does honeysuckle really work for jaundice?
Can honeysuckle treat jaundice?
Honeysuckle does not have the ability to treat jaundice.
Jaundice can be divided into neonatal jaundice and adult jaundice.
Neonatal jaundice:
Neonatal jaundice can be classified as physiological or pathological. It is a condition where the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera become yellow due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism and an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood. Physiological jaundice usually resolves on its own within 7-10 days after birth, while pathological jaundice lasts longer and becomes more severe. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes it to the liver and spleen.
Adult jaundice:
Like neonatal jaundice, adult jaundice is caused by impaired bilirubin metabolism, resulting in elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. However, adult jaundice is more commonly associated with liver and biliary diseases such as liver cirrhosis and viral hepatitis. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes jaundice to the invasion of damp-heat pathogenic factors, stagnation of liver and gallbladder qi, and overflow of bile. The treatment focus is on soothing the liver.
Honeysuckle is a Chinese herbal medicine. It has a sweet taste and a cold nature, and it enters the lung, heart, and stomach meridians. It has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving sore throat. However, it does not have the function of soothing the liver and promoting bile secretion, so honeysuckle does not have the ability to treat jaundice.
Can babies with jaundice drink honeysuckle?
It is not recommended.
Jaundice is a common condition in babies. Drinking honeysuckle does not have the ability to alleviate jaundice. It is also not advisable to blindly give honeysuckle to babies with jaundice because honeysuckle has a cold nature and can have a stimulating effect on the intestines and stomach. Babies have weaker gastrointestinal functions compared to adults, so blindly consuming honeysuckle may lead to discomfort such as diarrhea and loose stools. Long-term consumption may even affect the development of the baby's spleen and stomach.
Can babies with jaundice take a honeysuckle bath?
Generally, it is acceptable.
If a baby with jaundice has prickly heat or a rash on their body, they can take a honeysuckle bath. Honeysuckle has a sweet and cold nature and is an effective medicine for clearing heat and detoxifying. It can assist in treating conditions such as eczema and rashes caused by excessive heat. However, it is recommended to use honeysuckle under the guidance of a doctor in terms of dosage and medication compatibility.
The most effective methods to reduce jaundice
Neonatal jaundice
If the baby has physiological jaundice, there is no need to worry too much as it will usually resolve on its own. If it is pathological jaundice, the most commonly used effective method is phototherapy combined with oral medication to reduce bilirubin levels.
Adult jaundice
Adult jaundice refers to a symptom that is often related to liver and biliary diseases. The most effective method to treat jaundice in adults is to conduct detailed examinations of the liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
What should be noted for jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice
1. Assess the degree of jaundice. Observe the baby's skin under natural light. If only the face is yellow, it is mild jaundice; if the trunk is yellow, it is moderate jaundice; if the extremities and palms are yellow, it is severe jaundice.
2. Ensure the passage of meconium. Meconium contains a lot of bilirubin. If the meconium is not completely excreted, bilirubin may be reabsorbed into the bloodstream through the baby's unique liver-intestinal circulation, aggravating jaundice.
3. Provide adequate hydration. When a newborn has jaundice, parents should ensure that the baby receives enough fluids to increase urine output and promote the excretion of bilirubin.
Adult jaundice
1. Consume high-quality protein. It is important for adults with jaundice to consume ample high-quality protein, such as fish, eggs, soy products, and lean meat. Protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining human life and is also beneficial for liver cell regeneration and repair.
2. Avoid oily and greasy foods. The diet of adults with jaundice should be light and avoid oily and greasy foods, as they can increase the burden on the liver and worsen the condition.
3. Maintain a positive mindset. Adults with jaundice should maintain a positive mindset during the treatment period. Anger is believed to harm the liver, and unstable emotions can worsen the condition and hinder the body's recovery.
