Can pregnant women drink water infused with *Camellia chrysantha* (golden camellia) to treat diabetes?

May 07, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Pregnant women can drink honeysuckle (Jinyinhua) infusion during pregnancy. If heatiness or sore throat occurs during pregnancy, honeysuckle infusion may be used to help alleviate these symptoms. However, honeysuckle has a relatively cold and cooling nature, so excessive consumption should be avoided, as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. For pregnant women with diabetes, the primary management strategies are dietary control, regular physical activity, and maintaining a consistent routine.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) possesses heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, effectively alleviating “excess internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept). Individuals experiencing symptoms such as sore throat or pharyngeal swelling often choose to drink honeysuckle infusion to relieve these conditions. Then, can pregnant women consume honeysuckle tea to treat gestational diabetes?

Can pregnant women drink honeysuckle tea to manage diabetes?

Pregnant women may safely consume moderate amounts of honeysuckle infusion during pregnancy—particularly to alleviate symptoms of “excess internal heat” or sore throat. However, honeysuckle is relatively cold in nature; excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and should therefore be avoided.

For pregnant women with diabetes, the primary management strategies are diet, physical activity, and routine. 1. Diet: Adopt a scientifically balanced eating pattern—divide daily food intake into five, six, or even seven smaller meals instead of the conventional three. 2. Physical activity: Rest for 30 minutes after each meal, then engage in brisk walking for approximately 30 minutes. Aim to walk for 30 minutes after breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 3. Routine: Maintain consistent daily schedules—including fixed mealtimes, regular physical activity, controlled total caloric intake, and consistent sleep–wake cycles. Such stability helps maintain overall physiological equilibrium and ensures steady blood glucose levels.

It is recommended that pregnant women incorporate more fruits into their daily diet or occasionally drink stewed pear juice with rock sugar to help clear internal heat. Spicy foods should be minimized, and emotional well-being should be actively maintained. Importantly, pregnancy is a unique and sensitive period; thus, any medication or herbal remedy should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. We hope this article provides helpful information for you.