What are the medicinal benefits of gardenia flowers?
Gardenia is a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family and the genus Gardenia. It is cold in nature and sweet-bitter in taste, entering the lung and liver meridians. It has medicinal effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and eliminating toxins, protecting the liver, relaxing muscles and improving circulation, and relieving phlegm and cough. Specific details are as follows:

1. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Gardenia contains various bioactive components, such as geniposide, which possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat infectious diseases caused by heat-toxin, such as sore throat, fever, and colds.
2. Promoting Diuresis and Eliminating Toxins
Gardenia has a diuretic effect that helps eliminate excess fluid and toxins from the body. This may benefit conditions such as urinary tract infections, edema, and kidney problems.
3. Liver Protection
Gardenia contains certain components, such as geniposide, which are believed to have potential hepatoprotective effects. It can be used in treating hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases.

4. Relaxing Muscles and Improving Circulation
Gardenia helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation, making it useful for relieving joint pain, rheumatic pain, and muscle aches.
5. Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough
Certain components in gardenia benefit the respiratory system and are commonly used to treat cough and excessive phlegm. They help soothe throat discomfort and facilitate the expulsion of phlegm.
It should be noted that although gardenia has the above-mentioned benefits, it should not be taken without medical supervision. Use must be guided by a physician to avoid adverse reactions.