Can Wu Zhi Mao Tao be steeped in water for drinking?

Apr 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Finger-leafed fig (Ficus simplicissima) can be consumed as a tea, but it should be taken in moderation. It has a sweet taste and neutral property, and is associated with the spleen and lung meridians. It can help strengthen the spleen and nourish the lungs, alleviating symptoms such as poor appetite, weakness, spleen deficiency with edema, and cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis. Finger-leafed fig is also known as "Tu Huang Qi" and has functions of promoting qi circulation and removing dampness. It can serve as an adjunctive treatment for conditions such as night sweats, absence of breast milk after childbirth, and rheumatic pain.

Generally speaking, Fingers fig (Ficus hirta) can be steeped in water for consumption, but it should be taken in moderation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Ficus hirta has a sweet taste and neutral property, entering the spleen and lung meridians. It functions to strengthen the spleen and nourish the lungs, helping alleviate symptoms such as poor appetite, weakness, spleen deficiency edema, and cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis. Ficus hirta, also known as "Tu Huang Qi," can regulate qi circulation and eliminate dampness, providing auxiliary therapeutic effects for conditions like night sweats, insufficient lactation after childbirth, and rheumatic pain. Drinking Ficus hirta water also helps relax the meridians and improve qi and blood stagnation, edema, and ascites.

Ficus hirta contains abundant polysaccharides that can stimulate immune cells and enhance immune function. It benefits the stomach and spleen, commonly used to treat symptoms such as indigestion and poor appetite. It promotes gastric secretion and enhances gastrointestinal motility, thus improving digestion. Although drinking Ficus hirta water offers various benefits, excessive consumption should be avoided. Overconsumption may lead to symptoms like qi deficiency and yin deficiency, which are detrimental to health.

For patients with chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers, Ficus hirta has a certain warming effect on the middle jiao. However, if there is excessive stomach fire or excessive gastric acid secretion, taking Ficus hirta may irritate the gastric mucosa and worsen gastrointestinal discomfort. If any adverse reactions occur during consumption, discontinue use immediately and consult a physician. In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive intake of a single herb is important for maintaining good health.

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Can Chuanxiong be steeped in water for consumption?

Under normal circumstances, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii) can be consumed as an infusion, but it should be taken in moderation. When drinking Chuanxiong water, it is important to control the dosage—typically 3–5 grams per use is sufficient. Excessive consumption may cause discomfort such as dry mouth and heatiness. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, as well as pregnant women, are strictly prohibited from consuming it; the former may experience increased internal heat, while the latter may be affected due to its blood-activating properties, potentially impacting fetal stability.