What are the benefits of drinking water infused with Lycium root?

Jan 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, drinking water infused with Lycium root (Lycii Radicis) generally has functions and benefits such as enhancing immunity, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, lowering blood sugar, nourishing yin and benefiting the kidneys, and clearing heat while detoxifying. Lycium root is cool in nature; therefore, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, those experiencing diarrhea or loose stools, as well as pregnant women should avoid its consumption to prevent exacerbation of symptoms or adverse reactions. It should be consumed in moderation, avoiding long-term or excessive use, to prevent heatiness or other adverse effects.

Generally speaking, soaking Lycium root in water for consumption typically offers benefits such as enhancing immunity, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, lowering blood sugar levels, nourishing yin and benefiting the kidneys, and clearing heat and detoxifying. The specific explanations are as follows:

1. Enhancing Immunity

Active ingredients in Lycium root, such as polysaccharides and flavonoids, can activate the immune system and improve the body's resistance. Soaking Lycium root in water can stimulate the production of white blood cells and enhance the activity of immune cells, thereby improving the body's defense against viruses and bacteria.

2. Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema

Lycium root has a certain diuretic effect, helping to remove excess water and toxins from the body, and can alleviate symptoms such as mild edema and difficulty in urination. Soaking Lycium root in water can improve blood circulation and reduce tissue edema.

3. Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Some active ingredients in Lycium root, such as polysaccharides and flavonoid compounds, have the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Soaking Lycium root in water can promote insulin secretion and improve the efficiency of glucose utilization by cells, thus achieving the effect of lowering blood sugar.

4. Nourishing Yin and Benefiting the Kidneys

Lycium root contains various amino acids, trace elements, and other nutrients that can nourish the yin of the liver and kidneys. It has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees and dizziness with tinnitus caused by kidney yin deficiency. Drinking Lycium root soaked in water in moderation can nourish the kidneys and improve overall health.

5. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

Lycium root is cool in nature and can clear accumulated internal heat, alleviating symptoms such as dry mouth and throat discomfort caused by internal heat. Its polysaccharide components have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to remove free radicals in the body and reduce inflammatory responses.

As Lycium root is cooling in nature, individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold, those suffering from diarrhea or loose stools, as well as pregnant women, should avoid drinking it to prevent exacerbating existing conditions or causing adverse reactions. It should be consumed in moderation without long-term or excessive use to avoid triggering excessive internal heat or other adverse effects.