How often should you drink herbal tea?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

It is recommended to drink herbal iced tea once or twice a week. Individuals with a deficient-cold constitution already have insufficient yang energy; excessive consumption may impair the spleen and stomach yang, worsening symptoms such as sensitivity to cold and loose stools. Such individuals should limit intake to once every one or two weeks, or opt for milder formulations containing tangerine peel and ginger. Healthy individuals do not need to consume it regularly and should only drink it occasionally when signs of internal heat appear.

Generally, it is recommended to drink cooling herbal tea 1–2 times per week. Individuals with a hotter constitution may increase the frequency as appropriate, while those with a cold and deficient constitution should reduce intake. If in doubt, it's advisable to consume according to individual body constitution. Detailed analysis is as follows:

For individuals with a heat-prone constitution who frequently experience symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, or throat discomfort, drinking cooling tea about twice a week can help clear internal heat and relieve feelings of bodily heat. Such individuals may choose mild formulations containing ingredients like honeysuckle or chrysanthemum, avoiding excessive consumption that could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

People with a cold-deficient (deficient yang) constitution already have insufficient vital energy; excessive consumption of cooling tea may impair spleen and stomach yang, worsening symptoms such as sensitivity to cold and loose stools. It is recommended they drink only once every 1–2 weeks, or opt for milder recipes containing tangerine peel or ginger. Healthy individuals do not need to drink cooling tea regularly and should only consume it occasionally when signs of internal heat appear.

Cooling teas should be prepared using reputable, well-balanced formulas, avoiding indiscriminate combinations of cold-natured ingredients. They should not be consumed on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. If symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea occur after drinking, discontinue use immediately and adjust accordingly. For long-term consumption, frequency should be adjusted based on changes in body constitution to ensure no undue burden is placed on the body.

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Is it better to drink cold water or hot water in the morning?

In general, it is more suitable to drink warm water in the morning, and cold water is not recommended. Warm water aligns better with the body's state upon waking and helps activate bodily functions, whereas cold water may irritate the stomach and intestines, causing discomfort. When drinking water upon waking, it is advisable to keep the water temperature around 30–40°C and limit intake to 200–300 ml to avoid consuming too much water at once. Plain boiled water is the preferred choice.

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Are green onions considered a "trigger food"?

In general, scallions are considered a type of "trigger food," but their consumption should be determined according to individual body constitution. Attention should also be paid to cooking methods when eating scallions. Raw scallions are highly irritating and more likely to cause physical discomfort, while cooked scallions have reduced pungency and milder effects on the body. Additionally, intake should be moderated to avoid consuming large amounts at once.