Honeysuckle is a good medicine for clearing heat and detoxification. People often drink honeysuckle tea when they have a fever. However, some people have a question: should honeysuckle be washed before brewing?
Should Honeysuckle Be Washed Before Brewing?
It is recommended to wash it.
Honeysuckle refers to the unopened flowers or newly opened flower buds of the honeysuckle plant. The honeysuckle sold in the market has been dried and processed multiple times. During the drying and transportation process, it is inevitable to be contaminated with some dust or foreign substances. Therefore, before brewing honeysuckle, it can be rinsed with clean water. However, it is important to note that the washing process should be gentle and avoid excessive rubbing to prevent the loss of the medicinal effects of honeysuckle.
How Much Honeysuckle Should Be Brewed at Once?
10-30 grams.
When brewing honeysuckle, it is generally recommended to use about 10-30 grams. It is not recommended to consume a large amount because honeysuckle has a cold nature. Consuming a large amount may stimulate the intestines and stomach, causing discomfort, abdominal pain, loose stools, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions. If you are unsure about the dosage, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor.
What Is the Suitable Water Temperature for Brewing Honeysuckle?
Above 90 degrees Celsius.
Honeysuckle is a fragrant Chinese herbal medicine that requires relatively high temperature water to fully release its aroma and extract the effective ingredients for better therapeutic effects. If the water temperature is too low, honeysuckle cannot be fully brewed, resulting in poor taste and ineffective extraction of medicinal ingredients, which may affect its therapeutic effects. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use hot water above 90 degrees Celsius when brewing honeysuckle.
What Else Should Be Noticed When Brewing Honeysuckle?
1. Not Suitable for Overnight Soaking
It is recommended to drink the brewed honeysuckle tea immediately and not let it sit overnight. Overnight honeysuckle water may breed bacteria, which may cause stomachache, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms after consumption, which is not conducive to gastrointestinal health.
2. Not Recommended to Use Iron Containers
When boiling or brewing honeysuckle, it is not recommended to choose iron containers because the medicinal ingredients in honeysuckle may react with iron and produce harmful substances or reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. It is generally recommended to choose porcelain or purple clay containers.
Specific Steps for Brewing Honeysuckle
Steps:
1. Take about 20 grams of honeysuckle and put it in a cup.
2. Pour boiling water.
3. Cover and steep for about 10 minutes.
4. Drink after it cools down a bit.
5. You can also add some rock sugar or licorice while brewing.
Contraindications for Drinking Honeysuckle
1. Not Suitable for People with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold
Such as: dull stomach pain, cold pain and discomfort, fatigue, unstable hands and feet, loose stools, etc. Honeysuckle has a cold nature and may have a certain stimulating effect on the intestines and stomach. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold may experience aggravated discomfort symptoms or even diarrhea and abdominal pain after taking it.
2. Not Suitable for People with Wind-cold Cold
Honeysuckle has strong heat-clearing and detoxifying effects and can be used to treat various heat-related diseases. However, the treatment of wind-cold cold should focus on warming the lungs and dispelling cold. Taking honeysuckle may aggravate symptoms such as cough, phlegm, runny nose, and sneezing.
