Home
Articles
Q&A

Which herbs can be combined with food to promote saliva production and relieve thirst?

Aug 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) is slightly cold in nature and can be cooked with foods such as pears and white fungus. Its property of moistening the lungs and promoting body fluid production, combined with the nourishing texture of these ingredients, effectively alleviates dry throat and reduces thirst, making it suitable for consumption during autumn and winter seasons. Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu) is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, often stewed together with pork ribs, Chinese yam, and other ingredients. This not only adds a refreshing sweetness to the soup but also enhances its function of nourishing yin and promoting body fluid production.

    Commonly used herbs that can be combined with food to promote saliva production and relieve thirst include Ophiopogon Root (McDoor), Polygonatum (Yu Zhu), Adenophora Root (Sha Shen), Lily Bulb (Bai He), and Dendrobium (Shi Hu). The details are as follows:

    1. Ophiopogon Root (McDoor): Slightly cold in nature, it can be cooked with foods such as snow pear and white fungus. Its property of moistening the lungs and promoting saliva production, combined with the nourishing texture of these ingredients, effectively alleviates dry throat and reduces thirst. It is suitable for consumption during autumn and winter seasons.

    2. Polygonatum (Yu Zhu): Neutral in nature with a sweet taste, it is often stewed with ingredients such as pork ribs and Chinese yam. This enhances the soup's sweet flavor while leveraging Yu Zhu's ability to nourish yin and produce body fluids, helping to relieve thirst caused by internal heat. It is suitable for most people.

    3. Adenophora Root (Sha Shen): Known for nourishing yin and clearing the lungs, it is commonly simmered with winter melon and duck meat. The resulting soup is refreshing and non-greasy. The saliva-producing effect of Sha Shen complements the hydrating properties of these ingredients, improving symptoms of dry mouth and thirst.

    4. Lily Bulb (Bai He): Slightly cold in nature, it can be cooked with lotus seeds, mung beans, and other ingredients to make porridge or soup. Its properties of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, and alleviating dryness, when combined with heat-clearing ingredients, effectively relieve thirst caused by internal heat. It is especially suitable for consumption during summer.

    5. Dendrobium (Shi Hu): Also slightly cold in nature, it is often stewed with lean meat and figs. Shi Hu's significant effect of nourishing yin and promoting body fluid production, when combined with these ingredients, not only enhances the nutritional value of the soup but also helps relieve thirst caused by insufficient body fluids.

    When using these herbs in combination with food, attention should be paid to moderate dosages to avoid physical discomfort due to excessive use. Those with weak and cold spleen and stomach functions should cautiously use cold-natured herbs. If discomfort occurs after consumption, it is recommended to promptly consult a healthcare professional.

Related Articles

View All
Which time period is more effective for consuming fruits to promote saliva production and relieve thirst?
When the body is in a state of thirst, eating water-rich fruits such as watermelon and pear can quickly relieve dryness in the mouth and throat, directly producing a saliva-stimulating and thirst-quenching effect. Eating fruit half an hour before meals can stimulate saliva secretion, prepare the body for subsequent food intake, and replenish fluids in advance to avoid reduced appetite caused by dryness during meals.
avatar
Dr. Shen Yonghua
View Full Answer
Which fruit juices can relieve thirst and stimulate saliva production?
Watermelon has a very high water content. When juiced, it has a fresh and sweet taste, and drinking it can quickly replenish body fluids. Additionally, the various vitamins it contains can stimulate saliva secretion, relieving dry mouth and thirst by promoting the production of saliva. Pears are cool in nature and rich in water content. The juice extracted from pears has a refreshing texture and, when consumed, can moisturize the throat and oral mucous membranes, reducing the sensation of dryness.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can dried mulberries relieve thirst and stimulate saliva production?
Under normal circumstances, dried mulberries can help to relieve thirst and stimulate saliva production, but excessive consumption is not recommended. Intake should be controlled, as overconsumption may increase the digestive burden due to high sugar content; patients with diabetes should consume them cautiously to avoid affecting blood sugar stability; it is recommended to choose natural dried mulberries without additives, and soaking them in warm water before consumption can better enhance their effectiveness.
avatar
Dr. Yang Ziqi
View Full Answer
Can soaking Lycium barbarum (goji berries) in water promote saliva production and relieve thirst?
Under normal circumstances, soaking goji berries in water may have a certain auxiliary effect in promoting saliva production and relieving thirst, but the effect is limited, and attention should be paid to the method of consumption. The goji berry water should not be too concentrated, to avoid discomfort caused by excessive sugar intake. In daily life, for better relief of thirst and dry mouth, goji berries can be soaked together with chrysanthemum, ophiopogon, and other ingredients. At the same time, ensure adequate water intake daily and eat more fruits with high water content, such as pears and watermelons.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can Tremella soup help to relieve thirst and promote saliva production?
Under normal circumstances, Tremella soup can help promote saliva production and relieve thirst, with a relatively mild effect. However, attention should be paid to the amount consumed and the preparation method. When preparing Tremella soup, it is recommended to use little or no sugar, and to combine it with ingredients such as pears and lilies to enhance the saliva-stimulating effect. The Tremella should be fully soaked and cooked until soft to aid digestion and absorption. In daily life, Tremella soup can be consumed in moderation as a regular beverage.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can honey water promote saliva production and relieve thirst?
Under normal circumstances, honey water may have a certain auxiliary effect in promoting saliva production and relieving thirst, but its effectiveness is limited. Attention should also be paid to its concentration and method of consumption. When preparing honey water, it is recommended to dilute it with warm water to avoid excessive concentration. Additionally, it should not be consumed in large quantities on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. In daily life, saliva production and thirst relief should primarily rely on drinking plain boiled water, while honey water can be consumed in moderation as a flavored beverage.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What foods can promote saliva production and relieve thirst?
Under normal circumstances, foods that help to relieve thirst and stimulate saliva production generally include pears, watermelon, kiwifruit, grapes, sugarcane, and others. Pears are cool in nature and sweet in taste, containing abundant water and fructose. They can moisten the throat and oral cavity. During dry weather or when experiencing mild thirst, consuming pears can help replenish fluids and alleviate discomfort. They can be eaten raw or used to prepare pear juice. Individuals with cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach should consume them in moderation.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
Can Lily Seed Soup with Lotus Seeds Promote Salivation and Relieve Thirst?
Under normal circumstances, lily seed soup can help relieve thirst and promote saliva production, but it should be consumed in moderation. Its effect in promoting saliva and relieving thirst mainly targets mild symptoms of thirst. If severe thirst persists along with symptoms such as excessive drinking, frequent urination, or weight loss, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and prompt medical attention is advised. Additionally, lilies are slightly cold in nature; therefore, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.