Can mulberry leaves be steeped in water for drinking?
Apr 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, mulberry leaves can be steeped in water for consumption, but it is important to drink them in moderation. Mulberry leaves are cold in nature, with a sweet and bitter taste, and they are associated with the lung and liver meridians. They have the function of dispersing wind-heat. For symptoms such as fever, headache, and cough caused by wind-heat感冒 or the early stages of warm diseases, moderate consumption of mulberry leaf tea may help alleviate these symptoms. Mulberry leaves can clear heat from the lungs and moisten lung dryness, thus being beneficial for cough resulting from lung heat or dry heat damaging the lungs.
Generally speaking, mulberry leaves can be steeped in water and consumed, but it is important to drink them in moderation. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Mulberry leaves are cold in nature, with a sweet and bitter taste, and they are associated with the lung and liver meridians. They have the function of dispersing wind-heat. For symptoms such as fever, headache, and cough caused by wind-heat感冒 or the early stages of warm diseases, moderate consumption of mulberry leaf tea can provide relief. Mulberry leaves can clear heat from the lungs and moisten lung dryness, making them effective in treating symptoms such as coughing, minimal phlegm that is yellow and viscous, dry cough with little phlegm, and throat itching caused by lung heat or dry heat damaging the lungs.
Drinking mulberry leaf tea can also clear liver fire and improve vision. It helps alleviate symptoms such as red, painful eyes, sensitivity to light, tearing, dry mouth, and bitter taste caused by excessive liver fire rising upwards. Mulberry leaves contain flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, organic acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and various other essential trace elements that actively improve and regulate skin metabolism and inhibit pigmentation.
However, it is important to consume mulberry leaf tea in moderation. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since mulberry leaves are cold in nature, excessive consumption may worsen cold symptoms in individuals with a cold constitution, potentially leading to symptoms such as cold hands and feet and pale complexion. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming mulberry leaf tea to ensure safety. If currently taking other medications, it is also necessary to consult a doctor before drinking mulberry leaf tea to avoid potential interactions between the tea and the medications.
