Is it safe to drink water infused with Lycium bark (Di Gu Pi) for an extended period?

Generally speaking, Lycii Cortex (root bark of the wolfberry) should not be consumed long-term by steeping in water. The specific analysis is as follows:

As a traditional Chinese herb, Lycii Cortex is cold in nature and sweet in taste, entering the lung, liver, and kidney meridians. It has multiple functions including cooling the blood, reducing feverish sensations, clearing lung heat, lowering fire, nourishing yin, and promoting body fluid production. Drinking an appropriate amount of Lycii Cortex steeped in water can be beneficial and may be used to treat conditions such as fever due to yin deficiency, night sweats, bone steaming (internal heat), and cough caused by lung heat. However, because Lycii Cortex is cold in nature, long-term consumption may aggravate cold conditions in the body, potentially leading to spleen and stomach coldness and manifesting as cold pain in the stomach area, loose stools, and other symptoms. Furthermore, long-term consumption may also impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, causing abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, and potentially even damage kidney yang, leading to cold limbs, cold intolerance, blood and qi deficiency, dizziness, and blurred vision. When using Lycii Cortex, it should be done under the guidance of a physician, following the principle of appropriate dosage and duration.

When consuming Lycii Cortex water, individuals should adjust the amount based on their own constitution to avoid excessive or prolonged intake that could lead to physical discomfort. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet and paying attention to bodily reactions are important for timely adjustment of consumption habits.