I have a fairly serious stomach problem, and because the weather has been hot recently, I've been wanting to brew some honeysuckle to cool down. So I wanted to ask if people with stomach problems can consume honeysuckle?
Can People with Stomach Problems Consume Honeysuckle?
It is not recommended for people with stomach problems of the spleen and stomach deficiency-cold type to take honeysuckle.
In traditional Chinese medicine, stomach problems are classified into different types, including liver stagnation and qi stagnation, spleen and stomach qi deficiency, spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, insufficient stomach yin, stagnation of stomach meridians, liver and stomach heat stagnation, and stagnation of food intake. Among them, the symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency-cold type stomach problems include hidden pain in the stomach, vomiting of clear water, preference for warmth and pressure, and cold hands and feet.
Honeysuckle is a traditional Chinese medicine with a cold nature and strong heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. It can be used to treat various heat-related symptoms. However, for patients with stomach problems of the spleen and stomach deficiency-cold type, taking honeysuckle may aggravate the accumulation of cold in the intestines and stomach, increase stimulation to the intestines and stomach, and potentially worsen the existing discomfort. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold to take honeysuckle. Other patients with stomach problems who have symptoms such as body heat, rash, spots, heat toxins, sore throat, etc., can consume honeysuckle in moderate amounts.
How to Consume Honeysuckle for People with Stomach Problems
Honeysuckle Tea
Preparation:
1. Take 10 grams of honeysuckle and put it in a cup.
2. Pour boiling water over it and let it steep.
3. Cover it and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
4. Add honey or rock sugar to taste and drink.
Honeysuckle, Chrysanthemum, and Goji Berry Tea
1. Put 10 grams of honeysuckle, 10 grams of Hangbai chrysanthemum, and 5 grams of goji berries in a tea cup.
2. Pour boiling water over it.
3. Add rock sugar or white sugar and stir.
4. Cover it and let it steep for 5-10 minutes before drinking it as a substitute for tea.
What to Pay Attention to When Consuming Honeysuckle for People with Stomach Problems
1. Pay Attention to the Dosage
Although honeysuckle has no obvious toxic side effects, it should not be taken in excessive amounts. Honeysuckle is a cold natured herb, and excessive intake may stimulate the intestines and stomach, causing gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loose stools. The recommended dosage of honeysuckle is generally 10-30 grams.
2. Avoid Long-term Use
Honeysuckle is, after all, a traditional Chinese medicine with a cold nature and should not be consumed for a long period of time. Prolonged use may stimulate the intestines and stomach due to its cold nature, which is not conducive to the health of the spleen and stomach. It is generally recommended to stop taking honeysuckle once the symptoms improve.
Who Should Avoid Consuming Honeysuckle
1. Women During Menstruation
Honeysuckle tea has a sweet and cold nature. Consuming honeysuckle during menstruation may exacerbate the accumulation of cold in the uterus, resulting in poor menstrual blood flow or worsening dysmenorrhea symptoms.
2. People with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold
Honeysuckle has a cold nature. People with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold already have weak gastrointestinal functions. Taking honeysuckle may further stimulate the intestines and stomach, worsening symptoms such as loose stools, diarrhea, and poor digestion.
What People with Stomach Problems Should Pay Attention to
1. Maintain a Regular Diet
People with stomach problems should have regular meals, eat in moderation, and proactively eat at designated times to avoid overeating. This helps to maintain regular gastrointestinal activity.
2. Chew Food Thoroughly
People with stomach problems should chew their food thoroughly and eat slowly. Chewing food thoroughly can reduce the burden on the stomach to some extent. In addition, the saliva secreted during chewing also has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa.
3. Avoid Stimulating Foods
Such as smoking, chili peppers, alcoholic beverages, etc. The components in cigarettes can cause constriction of blood vessels in the stomach, affecting blood supply to the gastric wall, reducing the resistance of the gastric mucosa, and exacerbating discomfort. In addition, alcoholic beverages and spicy foods should also be consumed in moderation to avoid exacerbating gastrointestinal irritation.
4. Exercise Moderately
People with stomach problems should engage in moderate physical exercise. Moderate exercise can promote gastrointestinal motility and digestive function, to some extent, reducing the burden on the stomach.
