What are the benefits and禁忌 (contraindications) of drinking water infused with wild chrysanthemum flowers?
Generally, the benefits of drinking wild chrysanthemum tea include protecting liver function and eyesight, clearing heat and detoxifying, antioxidant effects, improving sleep, and lowering blood pressure. Contraindications include: not suitable for pregnant women, people with allergic constitutions, those with cold constitutions should use with caution, individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, and patients currently taking certain medications. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Benefits
1. Protect Liver Function and Eyesight
Wild chrysanthemum can dispel wind-heat from the liver meridian and alleviate symptoms such as red, swollen, painful eyes and dizziness caused by excessive liver fire. Drinking chrysanthemum tea helps prevent hyperactivity of liver fire, vision deterioration, and eye fatigue.
2. Clear Heat and Detoxify
Wild chrysanthemum is slightly cold in nature. Its flavonoid compounds and essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. Drinking chrysanthemum tea helps eliminate internal heat toxins and relieve symptoms such as dry mouth and sore throat caused by internal heat.
3. Antioxidant Effects
Wild chrysanthemum is rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which can combat free radical damage and delay cellular aging. Drinking chrysanthemum tea helps improve skin elasticity and luster, and alleviate aging.
4. Improve Sleep
Wild chrysanthemum has a calming effect, helping to relax the body and mind and improve insomnia. Drinking chrysanthemum tea can enhance sleep quality and is suitable for individuals with mild anxiety or high stress levels.
5. Lower Blood Pressure
Wild chrysanthemum contains triterpenoids and flavonoids that help dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Drinking chrysanthemum tea improves blood circulation, reduces the burden on the heart, and serves as an adjunctive treatment for hypertension patients.
II. Contraindications
1. Pregnant Women Should Avoid Use
Consuming wild chrysanthemum tea may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pregnant women, leading to abdominal pain or diarrhea, and may be harmful to the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid consumption.
2. Individuals with Allergic Constitutions Should Avoid Use
If allergic to wild chrysanthemum, drinking chrysanthemum tea may trigger allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, and in severe cases, fainting or shock.
3. Individuals with Cold Constitution Should Use with Caution
People with cold constitution often experience cold intolerance, cold limbs, and difficulty enduring cold weather. Drinking wild chrysanthemum tea may worsen these symptoms and further damage the body's yang energy.
4. Individuals with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold Should Avoid Use
Wild chrysanthemum is cold in nature. Long-term consumption of chrysanthemum tea by individuals with weak spleen and stomach may damage these organs, worsening symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
5. Patients Taking Certain Medications Should Avoid Use
Wild chrysanthemum may interact with certain medications, affecting efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before consuming chrysanthemum tea.
Before consumption, it is recommended to assess your body constitution and health condition to determine suitability and follow the principle of moderate consumption. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's advice.