What are the benefits, effects, and side effects of drinking water infused with Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii)?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
In general, the benefits and effects of drinking Luo Han Guo (monk fruit) infused water include clearing the lungs, soothing the throat, resolving phlegm, relieving cough, moistening the intestines to promote bowel movements, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, and antioxidant effects. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, exacerbation of cold symptoms, effects on menstruation, and abnormal blood sugar fluctuations. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold can add some warming ingredients, such as slices of ginger, to neutralize the fruit's cooling properties when consuming Luo Han Guo water.
Generally, the benefits and effects of drinking Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) infused water include clearing the lungs and soothing the throat, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, and providing antioxidant effects. Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, exacerbation of wind-cold symptoms, menstrual disturbances, and abnormal blood sugar fluctuations. Details are as follows:
I. Benefits and Effects of Drinking Luo Han Guo Infused Water
1. Clearing the Lungs and Soothing the Throat
Luo Han Guo is cold in nature and acts on the lung meridian. It helps clear excessive heat from the lungs, effectively relieving symptoms such as sore throat and hoarseness caused by lung heat, and alleviating throat inflammation and discomfort.
2. Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough
Luo Han Guo helps resolve phlegm, thin mucus secretions, and promote expectoration, while also alleviating cough symptoms. It is beneficial for both cough caused by wind-heat and cough due to lung dryness.
3. Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movements
Luo Han Guo contains abundant dietary fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility, increases stool bulk, and facilitates smoother bowel movements, helping to improve constipation and maintain intestinal health.
4. Promoting Saliva Production and Relieving Thirst
It moisturizes the mouth and throat, promotes saliva secretion, and alleviates thirst. It is particularly effective in relieving dry mouth and throat caused by internal heat or yin deficiency.
5. Antioxidant Effects
Luo Han Guo is rich in various antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce cellular damage, delay aging, and support overall health.
II. Side Effects of Drinking Luo Han Guo Infused Water
1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Due to its cold nature, excessive or long-term consumption of Luo Han Guo may impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms of spleen and stomach cold deficiency such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion.
2. Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may be allergic to Luo Han Guo, experiencing allergic symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, red spots, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or wheezing due to respiratory tract reactions.
3. Exacerbation of Wind-Cold Symptoms
For symptoms caused by a wind-cold type of common cold, such as coughing and throat discomfort, drinking Luo Han Guo infused water may worsen the condition. Its cold nature can further stagnate the wind-cold pathogen, intensifying symptoms.
4. Menstrual Disturbances
During menstruation, women's bodies are relatively weak. Excessive consumption of Luo Han Guo infused water may cause blood stagnation due to its cold nature, leading to dysmenorrhea, reduced menstrual flow, or other menstrual irregularities.
5. Abnormal Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Although Luo Han Guo has a blood sugar-lowering effect, excessive consumption by individuals with already low blood sugar may cause it to drop excessively, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, and other adverse effects on health.
Individuals with spleen and stomach cold deficiency can add some warming ingredients such as ginger slices to Luo Han Guo infused water to neutralize its cold nature. Consumption should also be moderated to no more than two cups per day, and it should not be consumed on an empty stomach.
