What are the functions and benefits of Dong Han Cai (Winter Cold Vegetable)?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Winter hancai generally refers to Malva verticillata L. Under normal circumstances, the effects and benefits of Malva verticillata L. mainly include clearing heat and promoting urination, lubricating the intestines and relieving constipation, promoting lactation, clearing heat and detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin. Due to its cold nature, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or diarrhea should avoid excessive consumption to prevent worsening gastrointestinal discomfort. As a food therapy ingredient, it cannot replace medication for disease treatment.
Winter hollyhock generally refers to Malva verticillata. Generally, the effects and functions of Malva verticillata mainly include clearing heat and promoting urination, lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation, promoting lactation, clearing heat and detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Clearing heat and promoting urination
Malva verticillata is cold in nature and sweet in taste, capable of promoting urinary flow, facilitating the excretion of urine, and alleviating symptoms such as short red urine and painful urination caused by heat-induced urinary tract infections. When urinary discomfort is caused by downward invasion of damp-heat, consumption of Malva verticillata can help clear damp-heat and maintain urinary tract通畅 (smooth flow).
2. Lubricating the intestines and relieving constipation
Malva verticillata contains abundant dietary fiber and mucilage, which can lubricate the intestines, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, and improve symptoms such as dryness-induced constipation and difficult defecation. When intestinal dryness causes poor bowel movement, its consumption can promote the excretion of feces and maintain normal intestinal function.
3. Promoting lactation and unblocking breast ducts
Malva verticillata can unblock mammary ducts and promote milk secretion, alleviating postpartum symptoms such as insufficient milk supply and poor milk flow. Consumption during postpartum breast blockage and insufficient milk production can help unblock the mammary ducts, increase milk volume, and support breastfeeding.
4. Clearing heat and detoxifying
Malva verticillata can eliminate internal heat toxins, alleviate heat syndromes such as sore throat and mouth ulcers, and when applied externally, it can assist in relieving abscesses and toxic swellings. When discomfort caused by excessive internal heat toxins occurs, internal consumption or external application can reduce redness and pain and alleviate symptoms.
5. Moisturizing the skin
Malva verticillata contains various vitamins and minerals that can nourish the skin and improve dryness and roughness. Regular consumption can supply nutrients needed by the skin, maintaining a moist and tender skin condition.
Malva verticillata is cold in nature; individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold or diarrhea should not consume excessive amounts to avoid worsening gastrointestinal discomfort. As a dietary therapy ingredient, it cannot replace medication for treating diseases; if symptoms are severe, timely medical attention is required. Special populations such as pregnant women and lactating mothers should consult professionals before consumption.
