Does drinking water infused with black goji berries cause internal heat?
Apr 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Drinking black goji berry-infused water does not typically cause heatiness (excess internal heat according to traditional Chinese medicine). However, excessive consumption or individual body constitutions may lead to symptoms of heatiness. Each person's body constitution is different, and reactions to food can vary. For individuals who are naturally prone to heatiness or have a Yin deficiency with excessive internal heat, drinking black goji berry water may cause discomfort such as feeling hot, dry mouth, or other related symptoms. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to reduce the amount consumed or discontinue use temporarily.
Generally speaking, drinking black goji berry-infused water does not cause excessive internal heat ("fire") in the body. However, excessive consumption or individual body constitutions may lead to symptoms of internal heat. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Black goji berry, also known as black fruit goji berry, is a precious traditional Chinese herb. It has a sweet taste and neutral property, acting on the liver and kidney meridians. Drinking black goji berry-infused water offers multiple health benefits, such as nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys, clearing the liver and improving vision, enhancing immunity, antioxidant effects, and improving sleep. Due to its mild nature without significant warming or heating properties, moderate consumption generally does not cause excessive internal heat. However, excessive consumption may burden the body and cause discomfort.
Individual body constitutions vary, and responses to food may differ. For some individuals prone to excessive internal heat or those with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, drinking black goji berry-infused water may result in symptoms like heatiness, dry mouth, or other discomforts. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to reduce the intake or stop consumption temporarily. Black goji berries can be steeped alone or combined with other ingredients that have heat-clearing properties, such as chrysanthemum or honeysuckle. Additionally, the water temperature used for steeping should not be too high to avoid damaging the nutritional components in the black goji berries.
Pregnant women, children, and individuals with weak constitutions are advised to consult a physician before choosing supplements, including black goji berries. Furthermore, individuals experiencing colds with fever, excessive internal heat, or weak spleen and stomach functions should avoid excessive consumption of black goji berries.
