What are the benefits and side effects of drinking water infused with fat sea (a type of herb)?

Generally, the benefits of drinking puffed seed (Sterculia lychnophora) soaked in water include clearing heat and soothing the throat, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, promoting bowel movement, detoxifying the intestines, and lowering blood pressure. The potential side effects include spleen and stomach cold deficiency, allergic reactions, effects on blood glucose, inducing dehydration, and disruption of the endocrine system. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Benefits of Drinking Puffed Seed Soaked in Water

1. Clearing Heat and Soothing the Throat

Puffed seed is cool in nature and can clear heat toxins from the throat, alleviating symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain in the throat area. It provides effective relief for sore throat caused by lung heat or wind-heat, making it suitable for people who frequently use their voice.

2. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough

Puffed seed has the effect of moistening the lungs, helping to soothe lung dryness and relieve symptoms such as coughing and phlegm caused by lung heat. It is particularly helpful for dry cough with little or no phlegm, and can alleviate internal lung dryness and heat.

3. Promoting Bowel Movement

Puffed seed contains abundant dietary fiber. Upon entering the intestines, it increases intestinal moisture, stimulates peristalsis, softens stools, and thus promotes smoother bowel movements. It can help relieve constipation, especially effective for constipation caused by excessive internal heat.

4. Detoxifying the Intestines

Puffed seed helps eliminate heat toxins and accumulated waste in the intestines, promotes intestinal metabolism, reduces the retention time of harmful substances in the intestines, and contributes to maintaining intestinal health and improving the intestinal environment.

5. Lowering Blood Pressure

Certain components in puffed seed have a certain blood pressure-regulating effect. For patients with mild hypertension, moderate consumption of puffed seed water may help stabilize blood pressure and maintain it within a relatively normal range.

II. Side Effects of Drinking Puffed Seed Soaked in Water

1. Spleen and Stomach Cold Deficiency

Puffed seed is cold in nature. Long-term or excessive consumption may damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms of spleen and stomach cold deficiency such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. Individuals with inherently weak spleen and stomach function are more prone to these issues.

2. Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be allergic to puffed seed. Symptoms after consumption may include skin itching, rash, hives, and in severe cases, symptoms such as difficulty breathing and cyanosis of the lips indicative of anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.

3. Effects on Blood Glucose

Puffed seed naturally contains certain amounts of sugar. Excessive consumption by diabetic patients may lead to elevated blood glucose levels, which is detrimental to glycemic control and may worsen the condition. Therefore, diabetic patients should consume it with caution.

4. Inducing Dehydration

Excessive laxative effects of puffed seed may lead to frequent diarrhea, which in turn can cause dehydration, resulting in symptoms such as dry mouth, dry eyes, and dry skin. Severe dehydration may affect normal metabolic and physiological functions.

5. Disruption of the Endocrine System

Long-term and excessive consumption of puffed seed water may interfere with the body's endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalance and symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, insomnia, and irritability, which can affect overall health.

When consuming puffed seed water, individuals should adjust the amount consumed according to their own physical condition. If any discomfort occurs during consumption, it should be stopped immediately and medical advice should be sought promptly.