Can I eat guilinggao (tortoise jelly) if I have a cough?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Cough may be caused by lung heat or by invasion of cold pathogens. Guilinggao (tortoise jelly) has effects of reducing internal heat and irritability, clearing damp-heat, cooling the blood, and detoxifying. If the cough is due to lung heat, consuming Guilinggao may be appropriate. However, if the cough results from cold pathogen invasion, Guilinggao is generally not recommended, as it might worsen the condition and hinder recovery.
Whether or not one can eat guilinggao (tortoise jelly) when experiencing coughing depends on individual circumstances.
Coughing may be caused by lung heat or by invasion of cold pathogens. Guilinggao contains ingredients such as Rehmannia, Smilax glabra, honeysuckle, licorice, and hemp seed, which have effects of reducing internal heat, relieving irritability, clearing damp-heat, cooling the blood, and detoxifying. If the cough is due to lung heat, consuming guilinggao is generally acceptable. However, if the cough results from cold pathogen invasion, eating guilinggao is usually not recommended, as it might worsen the condition and hinder recovery.
During episodes of coughing, attention should typically be paid to dietary habits—spicy and irritating foods should be avoided. Additionally, it's advisable to visit the respiratory medicine department at a hospital to determine the specific cause.
