Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle) and Ai Cao (mugwort) are commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs. Many people buy Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao to make herbal water. So, what are the uses of Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao herbal water?
Uses of Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao Herbal Water
Bathing
Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao herbal water can be used for baby or adult bathing. Jin Yin Hua has strong effects of clearing heat, detoxification, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ai Cao has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, which is helpful for treating baby rash and adult eczema.
Facial Cleansing
Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao both have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and acne is a common skin inflammation. Using Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao herbal water for facial cleansing can be beneficial for treating acne.
Foot Soaking
Jin Yin Hua and Ai Ye (mugwort leaves) herbal water can also be used for foot soaking. Ai Ye has the function of warming the meridians and dispelling cold, which can help regulate menstruation and relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Adding a suitable amount of ginger or Sichuan pepper can enhance the effect.
Internal Use
Jin Yin Hua has the function of clearing heat and detoxification, and Ai Cao has the effect of relieving asthma and coughing. Both herbs have no obvious toxic side effects and can be used for internal use by brewing in water, providing certain auxiliary therapeutic effects for sore throat, cough, and asthma.
Effects of Ai Ye and Jin Yin Hua Herbal Water
Clearing Heat and Detoxification
Jin Yin Hua has a sweet and cold nature and enters the lung, heart, and stomach meridians. It has strong effects of clearing heat and purging fire, which can clear heat and toxins from the stomach, heart, and lung meridians. It is good at treating various heat-related conditions, such as fever, rashes, abscesses, and sore throat.
Warming Meridians and Dispelling Cold
Ai Cao has a bitter, pungent, and warm nature and enters the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians. It has the effects of regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, and dispelling cold and dampness. It is also commonly used in gynecology. It has certain auxiliary therapeutic effects for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, and uterine bleeding.
Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Jin Yin Hua contains pharmacologically active ingredients such as chlorogenic acid and luteolin glucoside, which have strong inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacteria such as hemolytic streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as pathogenic viruses causing upper respiratory tract infections. Ai Cao also has certain antibacterial and antiviral effects, providing relief for chronic bronchitis with cough and asthma.
Ratio of Ai Ye and Jin Yin Hua Herbal Water
There are no strict ratio requirements.
There are no strict ratio requirements for brewing Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao herbal water. Jin Yin Hua is effective for clearing heat and detoxification, while Ai Cao is effective for warming meridians and dispelling cold. Both herbs have no obvious toxic side effects. The dosage can be adjusted according to individual conditions. However, whether used for internal or external use, it is recommended to consult a doctor and adjust the dosage according to individual conditions.
How to Brew Ai Ye and Jin Yin Hua Herbal Water
Steps:
1. Put a suitable amount of Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao in a cloth bag and tie it tightly.
2. Place the cloth bag in a large pot and pour in water.
3. Boil on high heat, then simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
4. Remove the cloth bag and collect the herbal liquid.
5. Let the herbal liquid cool naturally to about 40 degrees Celsius, then use it for bathing or foot soaking.
Precautions for Ai Ye and Jin Yin Hua Herbal Water
1. Do not boil for too long
When brewing Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao, the recommended brewing time is generally 10-15 minutes. It is not advisable to boil for too long, as Jin Yin Hua is a surface-releasing medicine and its medicinal ingredients are easily extracted. If boiled for too long, the medicinal efficacy may be lost.
2. Do not use iron utensils for brewing
Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao are both Chinese medicinal herbs. It is generally recommended to use pots made of sand or clay for brewing, rather than iron utensils. This is to avoid chemical reactions between the medicinal ingredients and the iron utensils, which can reduce the effectiveness of the herbs and even produce harmful substances to the human body.
3. Do not add cold water
After brewing Jin Yin Hua and Ai Cao herbal water, it is recommended to let it cool naturally or add warm water to cool it down. It is not recommended to add cold water directly to the herbal liquid, as this may affect the medicinal efficacy.
