Can Morinda root (Ba Ji Tian) be steeped in water for consumption?
Apr 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, Radix Morindae officinalis can be consumed as a tea infusion. It has a pungent and sweet taste, with a slightly warm nature, and acts on the kidney and liver meridians. It has multiple therapeutic effects, including nourishing kidney-yang, strengthening tendons and bones, and dispelling wind-damp. After slicing or cutting Radix Morindae officinalis into segments, soaking it in hot water for a period allows its active ingredients to dissolve gradually into the water, making it convenient for consumption and enabling the body to absorb its medicinal properties.
Generally, Morinda root (Ba Ji Tian) can be steeped in water and consumed, but it should be taken in appropriate amounts under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Morinda root is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It has a pungent and sweet taste and a mildly warm nature, acting on the kidney and liver meridians. It has multiple therapeutic effects, including nourishing the kidneys to invigorate yang, strengthening tendons and bones, and dispelling wind-damp. Slicing or cutting Morinda root into segments and soaking it in hot water for a period allows its active components to gradually dissolve into the water, making it convenient for consumption and absorption of its medicinal properties.
However, due to Morinda root's strong warming properties, individuals with a naturally hot constitution or those prone to excessive internal heat, as well as during the hot summer months, may experience excessive internal heat accumulation if consuming excessive amounts of Morinda root tea. This may lead to symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, sore throat, and gum bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended to determine the appropriate dosage under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Additionally, special populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children are more sensitive to medications. Thus, TCM practitioners should adjust the dosage according to individual conditions to avoid drug accumulation and potential adverse effects on health.
In daily life, it is advisable to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise, which can help maintain overall health.
