Can I take Sedum sarmentosum in winter?

Jun 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Sedum sarmentosum is cool in nature and has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and relieving jaundice. If symptoms such as damp-heat jaundice or abscesses with swelling and toxicity occur in winter due to internal accumulation of dietary heat or external contraction of warm pathogens, administration of Sedum sarmentosum under a doctor's guidance may help eliminate heat pathogens from the body and alleviate discomfort. Additionally, appropriate combination with warming herbs can balance its cold nature, reducing irritation to the stomach and spleen.

Winter is an appropriate time to take Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) only if medically indicated and under medical supervision. It is not recommended when there's no medical need or when one's constitution is unsuitable. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Sedum sarmentosum is cool in nature and has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving dampness, and reducing jaundice. If during winter, heat accumulation from diet or infection with heat pathogens causes symptoms such as damp-heat jaundice or abscesses, after diagnosis by a physician and under their guidance, taking Sedum sarmentosum may help eliminate internal heat pathogens and relieve discomfort. Additionally, appropriately combining it with warming herbs can balance its cold nature, reducing gastrointestinal irritation.

However, during winter the body's yang energy is internally stored and digestive function tends to be relatively weak. If an individual does not have heat-related conditions or has a cold-deficient constitution, taking Sedum sarmentosum without caution may damage the stomach's yang energy, leading to symptoms such as cold sensitivity, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Moreover, due to the cold and dry winter climate, the body often exhibits excessive yin and deficient yang; unless there are special circumstances, using Sedum sarmentosum blindly may disrupt the body's yin-yang balance and affect health.

Whether to take Sedum sarmentosum during winter should be determined based on one's individual constitution and symptoms, under the guidance of a qualified physician. It should not be taken arbitrarily. If discomfort occurs during use, discontinue immediately and seek medical attention.

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Can Sedum sarmentosum be eaten raw?

Whether *Sedum sarmentosum* (垂盆草) can be eaten raw depends on whether it is thoroughly washed and the individual's physical condition. If the *Sedum sarmentosum* is sourced safely and reliably and the individual’s constitution is suitable, it can generally be consumed. However, if there is a risk of contamination or the individual's constitution is unsuitable, it is generally not recommended. To avoid unnecessary harm to the body, it is advised to consume *Sedum sarmentosum* under the guidance of a qualified physician, especially consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or nutritionist before consuming it raw.