Gancao (licorice) is a common medicinal herb in our daily life, and many people like to drink it by steeping it in water. In recent years, black goji berries have also gained attention and recognition for their nutritional value and medicinal effects. So, can gancao and black goji berries be steeped together? What are the benefits of steeping black goji berries and gancao together?
Can gancao and black goji berries be steeped together?
Black goji berries are precious nourishing herbs with the functions of nourishing the kidneys and essence, nourishing the blood, and calming the mind. They are suitable for symptoms such as weak lower back and knees, insufficient liver and kidneys, dizziness, nocturnal emission, and weak cough.
Gancao has a neutral nature and a sweet taste. It has the effects of tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, and harmonizing various herbs. It can be used for symptoms such as weak spleen and stomach, palpitations and shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, and abscesses and sores.
Gancao can alleviate the toxicity and strong properties of drugs and has the effect of harmonizing various herbs. Black goji berries and gancao have similar tastes and properties, and there are no compatibility taboos between them. Steeping them together in water can enhance their efficacy.
The benefits and effects of black goji berries and gancao
Tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi
Gancao has the effects of tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, and relieving pain. It is commonly used for symptoms such as fatigue and palpitations. Gancao contains ammonium glycyrrhizinate, glycyrrhizic acid, and other components, which can inhibit liver cell damage, improve liver function disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis B, and promote liver function recovery in patients with hepatitis C. Black goji berries contain various nutrients and have the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys. Steeping black goji berries and gancao together can tonify the spleen and replenish qi as well as protect and nourish the liver.
Tonifying the kidneys and nourishing the essence
Black goji berries have the effects of tonifying the kidneys and nourishing the essence, and can be used to treat symptoms such as insufficient liver and kidneys, weak lower back and knees, nocturnal emission, and frequent urination. Gancao has the effects of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and enhancing immunity. Black goji berries and gancao tea can tonify the kidneys and nourish the essence, and replenish qi and solidify the exterior, suitable for those who are physically weak and fatigued.
Resolving phlegm and relieving cough
Gancao has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, and relieving pain. It can be used for symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, and epigastric pain. Black goji berries can moisten dryness, quench thirst, and moisten the lungs and relieve cough. They are suitable for cough due to deficiency. Black goji berries and gancao tea have the effect of resolving phlegm and relieving cough, and can be consumed in moderate amounts by those with a cough and phlegm.
Nourishing the blood and calming the mind
Black goji berries have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, nourishing the blood, and calming the mind. Gancao can tonify the middle and replenish qi, and clear heat and detoxify. Steeping black goji berries and gancao together can have the effects of calming the mind, detoxifying, and replenishing qi. Black goji berries contain abundant anthocyanins, which can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reduce damage to brain tissue by harmful substances. Drinking black goji berries and gancao tea before bed can effectively improve sleep quality.
Enhancing immunity
Black goji berries and gancao tea contain abundant nutrients and have the effects of nourishing the blood, calming the mind, tonifying the middle and replenishing qi, and moistening the lungs and relieving cough. Black goji berries contain polysaccharides and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and blood circulation-promoting effects, while gancao has anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects. Therefore, regularly drinking black goji berries and gancao tea can improve immunity.
How to consume black goji berries and gancao together
Black goji berries and gancao tea
Ingredients
5g of black goji berries, 3g of gancao, some honey.
Instructions
1. Rinse the gancao and black goji berries with clean water.
2. Brew the gancao with boiling water and steep for 8 minutes.
3. Add the black goji berries, stir well, and add honey to taste.
Effects: Tonify the kidneys and nourish the essence, nourish the blood and calm the mind, and beautify the skin.
Can black goji berries and gancao be steeped repeatedly?
Yes, they can.
Black goji berries and gancao are usually steeped in water. They contain abundant nutrients and active ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and organic acids. The efficacy of one steeping is not completely absorbed, so black goji berries and gancao tea can be steeped repeatedly. Generally, they can be steeped 2 to 3 times.
Who should not drink black goji berries and gancao tea
1. People with spleen deficiency and diarrhea
Black goji berries contain various nutrients and have the functions of nourishing the blood, calming the mind, and nourishing the body. Gancao has the function of tonifying the middle and replenishing qi. Therefore, people with spleen deficiency and diarrhea should not take it to avoid aggravating the diarrhea symptoms and hindering the body's recovery.
2. People with dampness and distension
People with dampness and distension are caused by poor qi movement in the middle burner and spleen's inability to transform and transport water dampness. Gancao has the function of tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, and black goji berries are nourishing herbs. Taking them may worsen dampness stagnation.
3. People with cold and fever
Black goji berries belong to nourishing herbs with a warm and nourishing nature, and are not suitable for consumption by people with cold and fever to avoid aggravating the condition. Black goji berries are nourishing and warming, and are not suitable for consumption by people with hot constitutions and inflammatory conditions, as it may cause discomfort.
4. People with edema
One of the basic pathogenesis of edema is spleen deficiency leading to fluid transport dysfunction. The main treatment principle is to regulate qi, and gancao can help relieve dampness stagnation. Taking gancao in large doses can cause water and sodium retention, edema, and other symptoms. Therefore, people with edema should not consume it.
5. Pregnant women should use with caution
The active substances in gancao can promote the secretion of prostaglandins, which are used to help pregnant women give birth. Excessive consumption by pregnant women may cause premature delivery, so pregnant women should not consume gancao excessively.
