My family loves to drink soup made with Chinese herbal medicine. Today, we made a pot of chicken soup with Huang Jing. However, we have a young child at home and I'm worried about the potential impact on them. Can children consume Huang Jing?
Can children consume Huang Jing?
Yes, they can consume it in moderation.
Huang Jing has a sweet and neutral taste and enters the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. It has various effects such as replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin, invigorating the spleen, moistening the lungs, and benefiting the kidneys. It can be used to treat conditions such as weak spleen and stomach, lack of energy, lung deficiency cough, and low immunity. Huang Jing itself does not have any obvious toxic side effects and is a medicinal ingredient that is considered edible. If necessary, children can consume Huang Jing in moderation. However, as it is still a type of herbal medicine, it is best to take it under the guidance of a doctor.
At what age can children consume Huang Jing?
Children aged 3 and above.
Huang Jing is a medicinal ingredient that is considered edible. There is no strict age requirement for its consumption. It can be taken under the guidance of a doctor if there are corresponding symptoms. However, as Huang Jing is nourishing and has a sticky texture, it may hinder the functioning of the spleen and stomach. Generally, children under the age of 3 have not fully developed their gastrointestinal function, so it is recommended for children aged 3 and above to consume Huang Jing. If it is necessary due to the condition, it is recommended to take it under the guidance of a doctor.
What are the benefits of children consuming Huang Jing?
Strengthening the spleen and benefiting the stomach
Huang Jing enters the spleen meridian and has the effect of replenishing Qi and nourishing Yin, improving the function of the spleen and stomach. When children have weak spleen and stomach or indigestion, they can consume Huang Jing in moderation to enhance their digestive function.
Improving immunity
The polysaccharide extracts in Huang Jing can promote the transformation of lymphocytes in the human body and enhance their activity. This can to some extent improve the body's immune function. Children with low immunity and frequent colds can benefit from consuming Huang Jing.
Nourishing the kidneys and benefiting essence
Huang Jing enters the kidney meridian and has the effect of nourishing the kidneys and benefiting essence. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the strength of bones is related to the abundance of kidney essence. Huang Jing can help strengthen the bones and assist in the treatment of lower limb weakness in children.
Can children with bedwetting consume Huang Jing?
Yes, they can.
Bedwetting, also known as enuresis, refers to the involuntary urination during sleep, which is a common condition in children aged 3-12. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is caused by kidney and bladder deficiency, or spleen and lung Qi deficiency. Huang Jing has good nourishing effects and enters the kidney, lung, and spleen meridians, so it can be helpful in the treatment of bedwetting in children. However, its effects are limited. If systematic treatment is needed, it is recommended to use it in combination with other kidney-tonifying and marrow-filling medications under the guidance of a doctor for better results.
What should be noted when children consume Huang Jing?
1. Pay attention to the dosage
The Huang Jing commonly found in the market is processed Huang Jing. The recommended dosage for adults is 10-30 grams, while the dosage for children is usually half or one-third of the adult dosage. If it is used for the treatment of a specific condition, the specific dosage should be consulted with a doctor and self-dosing should be avoided.
2. Not suitable for those with cold and diarrhea
Huang Jing is a strong nourishing Chinese medicinal herb with a sticky texture. It is not suitable for those with cold and diarrhea, as excessive nourishment may worsen the diarrhea symptoms.
3. Not suitable for those with dampness obstructing the middle jiao
Huang Jing has a nourishing and sticky nature. It may further hinder the digestion and absorption in those with dampness obstructing the middle jiao, leading to worsened symptoms such as sticky stools and heavy limbs.
