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Can Gardenia be steeped in water for drinking?

Apr 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Gardenia (Huang Zhi Zi) can be steeped in water for consumption, but it should be taken in moderation. Gardenia is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb with a bitter and cold property, known for clearing heat and detoxifying the body, relieving summerheat, reducing internal heat, cooling the blood to relieve pain, clearing heat while promoting diuresis, and benefiting the gallbladder to alleviate jaundice. Drinking moderate amounts of Gardenia-infused water can assist in treating heat-related conditions in the body, such as excessive liver fire, sore throat, and dry eyes.

Generally speaking, Gardenia (Huang Zhi Zi) can be steeped in water and consumed, but it should be taken in moderation. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Gardenia is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb. It has a bitter and cold nature and is known for clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving summerheat, reducing internal heat, cooling the blood to relieve pain, clearing heat while promoting diuresis, and promoting bile secretion to alleviate jaundice. Drinking water infused with an appropriate amount of Gardenia can assist in treating heat-related illnesses in the body, such as excessive liver fire, sore throat, dry eyes, and mouth ulcers. Additionally, Gardenia-infused water may help alleviate discomfort caused by heat, promote blood circulation, and enhance immune function.

However, it should be consumed in moderation. Due to its cold nature, long-term or excessive consumption of Gardenia might lead to an overaccumulation of coldness in the body, which may negatively affect health. Individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach should consume it cautiously to avoid worsening symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Moreover, pregnant women, women during menstruation, and individuals with a cold body constitution should also avoid drinking Gardenia-infused water.

When consuming Gardenia-infused water, it is recommended to adjust the quantity according to your personal constitution and health condition. You can also combine Gardenia with other herbs such as honeysuckle and chrysanthemum to enhance its effects in clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as reducing internal heat. In daily life, maintaining healthy dietary habits, consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoiding excessive intake of spicy and irritating foods can help maintain overall health.

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