At what age can children start consuming sea horses and Panax notoginseng (Tian Qi)?
Nov 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, "田七" refers to Panax notoginseng (Sanqi). The appropriate age for children to consume seahorse and Sanqi depends on individual circumstances. If a child is in good health, they can usually start consuming seahorse and Sanqi at the age of 6; however, if the child has a weak constitution, it is recommended to wait until they are 12 years old or older. A balanced and nutritious diet should be emphasized in daily meals.
Generally speaking, Tianqi refers to Sanqi. The appropriate age for children to consume seahorse and Sanqi depends on individual circumstances. If a child is in good health, it is usually acceptable for them to begin consuming seahorse and Sanqi at age 6 and above; however, if the child has a weak constitution, it is recommended to wait until the age of 12 before consuming seahorse and Sanqi. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised. A detailed explanation is as follows:
If a 6-year-old child is healthy and has no specific medical conditions, he or she can consume moderate amounts of seahorse and Sanqi under the guidance of a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner. This is because both seahorse and Sanqi have certain nourishing properties. For example, Sanqi can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, stop bleeding, and dissipate nodules, while seahorse is believed to nourish the kidneys, strengthen yang energy, enrich essence, and benefit the marrow. However, the dosage should be strictly controlled to avoid excessive intake, which may cause adverse reactions.
If a child has a weak constitution, it is recommended that they wait until they are older than 12 years of age before consuming seahorse and Sanqi. This is because both seahorse and Sanqi are considered highly nourishing foods, and consumption by children may potentially lead to precocious puberty or excessive internal heat (liver fire), which could negatively affect the child's growth and development. Additionally, younger children or those with specific medical conditions should avoid consuming seahorse and Sanqi to prevent any adverse effects on their health.
It is recommended that seahorse and Sanqi be used properly under the guidance of a physician to ensure the child's health and safety. At the same time, daily meals should focus on balanced nutrition, and one should not overly rely on a single ingredient or herb for health benefits.
