What are the health benefits of steeping dried tangerine peel (chenpi) and red dates (jujubes) in water?
Generally, the effects of steeping tangerine peel and red dates in water include enhancing immunity, promoting saliva production and soothing the throat, nourishing the blood and improving complexion, calming the nerves, and regulating the spleen and stomach. The details are as follows:
1. Enhancing Immunity
Tangerine peel contains components such as hesperidin and vitamin C, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Red dates contain polysaccharides and amino acids that can promote white blood cell production. Drinking water infused with both tangerine peel and red dates can enhance the body's immunity and help prevent colds.
2. Promoting Saliva Production and Soothing the Throat
The polysaccharides and organic acids in red dates help promote moisture in the mouth and throat. When combined with tangerine peel, drinking this infused water can replenish bodily fluids, alleviate thirst and dry mouth, and soothe the throat.
3. Nourishing the Blood and Improving Complexion
Red dates are rich in iron, which promotes hemoglobin synthesis, while tangerine peel contains hesperidin and vitamin C, which have antioxidant effects. Drinking water infused with tangerine peel and red dates can remove free radicals, reduce melanin deposition, and make the skin smooth and delicate.
4. Calming the Nerves
Some components in tangerine peel can relieve symptoms such as liver qi stagnation, while flavonoids in red dates have calming and sedative effects. Drinking this infusion can help regulate nerve function, improve sleep quality, and alleviate insomnia and anxiety.
5. Regulating the Spleen and Stomach
Tangerine peel can regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, and transform phlegm. Red dates can replenish the middle jiao, nourish the blood, and calm the nerves. Drinking water infused with both ingredients can effectively regulate the spleen and stomach, promote secretion of digestive fluids, enhance gastrointestinal motility, and improve spleen and stomach weakness.
However, individuals with a hot body constitution should use tangerine peel cautiously, as it may exacerbate internal heat. Diabetic patients should also control the quantity of red dates consumed to avoid increasing blood sugar levels.