What Are the Five Major Taboos of Drinking Water Infused with Ophiopogon japonicus (Lilyturf Root)?

Generally, drinking water infused with Ophiopogon (McDoor) has the following contraindications: individuals with a cold constitution should avoid excessive consumption; those with cough due to wind-cold should avoid consumption; those with excessive phlegm-dampness should avoid consumption; those with spleen-stomach deficiency cold and diarrhea should avoid consumption; and those in the early stages of external contraction should avoid consumption. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Individuals with a cold constitution should avoid excessive consumption

People with a cold constitution often experience symptoms such as cold hands and feet and sensitivity to cold. Ophiopogon is slightly cold in nature, so excessive consumption of its infused water may increase internal coldness, potentially causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and worsening sensitivity to cold. Therefore, individuals with a cold constitution must strictly control their intake, or even avoid it altogether.

2. Avoid consumption for cough due to wind-cold

Cough caused by wind-cold is often triggered by exposure to cold, with symptoms commonly presenting as clear, thin phlegm, sensitivity to cold, and absence of sweating. Treatment should primarily focus on warming the body and dispersing wind-cold. As Ophiopogon is slightly cold in nature and has nourishing and moisturizing properties, its use in cases of wind-cold cough may exacerbate internal coldness, prolong cough symptoms, and hinder recovery. Therefore, individuals with wind-cold cough should avoid consuming it.

3. Avoid consumption for excessive internal phlegm-dampness

Individuals with excessive internal phlegm-dampness often exhibit symptoms such as thick, greasy tongue coating, bodily heaviness, and viscous, abundant phlegm. These individuals typically have excessive internal dampness. Ophiopogon has certain greasy properties; drinking its infused water may worsen the accumulation of phlegm-dampness in the body, leading to an even thicker tongue coating and increased bodily heaviness, which is detrimental to the elimination of phlegm-dampness. Therefore, individuals with excessive phlegm-dampness should avoid consuming it.

4. Avoid consumption for diarrhea caused by spleen-stomach deficiency cold

Individuals with diarrhea caused by spleen-stomach deficiency cold inherently have weak spleen and stomach function, and may experience symptoms such as loose stools, abdominal distension, and poor appetite. Ophiopogon is slightly cold in nature and can irritate the spleen and stomach. Drinking its infused water may exacerbate the condition of spleen-stomach deficiency cold, leading to increased frequency of diarrhea and more severe abdominal distension, affecting the recovery of spleen-stomach function. Therefore, individuals with diarrhea caused by spleen-stomach deficiency cold should avoid consuming it.

5. Avoid consumption during the early stage of external contraction

In the early stage of external contraction, the body needs to expel external pathogens through self-regulation or medication, and treatment should primarily focus on releasing the exterior and dispersing pathogens. Ophiopogon has nourishing properties and is relatively greasy in nature. Consuming its infused water during the early stage of external contraction may trap the pathogen within the body, prolong the illness, and hinder the elimination of external pathogens. Therefore, individuals in the early stage of external contraction should avoid consuming it.

In addition, when drinking Ophiopogon-infused water, it is important to avoid consuming large amounts of cold-natured ingredients simultaneously, such as crab and bitter melon. In daily life, individuals should clearly understand their own body constitution before consumption, and if uncertain, should consult a professional. If any discomfort occurs after consumption, discontinue immediately and monitor symptom changes, seeking medical attention if necessary.