What are the health benefits of steeping Dendrobium (iron-leaf Dendrobium) and Lycium barbarum (wolfberry) in water?

Jan 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Dendrobium officinale (iron-skinned Dendrobium) and Lycium barbarum (wolfberry) steeped in water typically have functions and benefits such as regulating blood sugar levels, protecting vision, moistening the lungs to relieve coughing, nourishing the kidneys and improving essence, and clearing internal heat while nourishing yin. Individuals with cold body constitution, spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, excessive internal cold, as well as pregnant women, should cautiously consume or avoid consuming Dendrobium and Lycium water. Additionally, consumption should be moderate and excessive intake should be avoided to prevent adverse effects.

Generally, soaking Dendrobium (Iron皮 Stone斛) and Lycium in water typically has various effects and functions such as regulating blood glucose, protecting vision, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, nourishing the kidneys and enriching essence, and nourishing yin to clear heat. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Regulating Blood Glucose

The active ingredients in Dendrobium can regulate insulin secretion, helping control blood glucose levels. Betaine and amino acids contained in Lycium also help stabilize blood sugar. Diabetic patients or individuals with elevated blood glucose levels may benefit from moderate consumption of water infused with Dendrobium and Lycium for blood glucose management.

2. Protecting Vision

The zeaxanthin and beta-carotene in Lycium offer excellent protection for the retina, helping prevent vision deterioration and eye diseases. Dendrobium also has similar effects. Combining the two in infused water can help alleviate eye fatigue caused by prolonged computer or mobile phone use.

3. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough

Both Dendrobium and Lycium have the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough. Dendrobium can alleviate symptoms such as lung heat dry cough and chronic cough due to yin deficiency, while Lycium nourishes the lungs and strengthens lung function. Drinking water infused with Dendrobium and Lycium can effectively relieve symptoms such as coughing and phlegm caused by lung-related issues.

4. Nourishing the Kidneys and Enriching Essence

Dendrobium nourishes kidney yin and can improve symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, impotence, and premature ejaculation caused by kidney yin deficiency. Lycium nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches essence, and improves vision, effectively treating symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and blurred vision caused by liver and kidney deficiency. Therefore, drinking water infused with Dendrobium and Lycium can nourish the kidneys and enrich essence.

5. Nourishing Yin and Clearing Heat

Both Dendrobium and Lycium have the effect of nourishing yin and clearing heat. Dendrobium nourishes yin fluids, clears heat, and moistens dryness, significantly relieving symptoms such as body fluid damage from heat illness, dry mouth, and irritability. Lycium replenishes liver and kidney yin, effectively treating virtual heat caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency.

Individuals with cold constitution, spleen and stomach cold deficiency, internal cold accumulation, as well as pregnant women, should consume Dendrobium and Lycium infused water cautiously or avoid it altogether. Additionally, consumption should be moderate, avoiding excessive intake to prevent adverse effects.