The Benefits, Effects, and Side Effects of Drinking Mulberry Leaf Infusion
Disease description:
I tend to catch a cold every time the season changes. Recently, I think I have a wind-heat type of cold, and my throat has been uncomfortable. At home, they gave me mulberry leaf steeped in water, which helped quite a bit. I'd like to know what benefits and side effects this might have.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
In traditional Chinese medicine, drinking water infused with mulberry leaves is believed to offer certain health benefits, primarily reflected in the following aspects:
1. **Clearing liver heat and improving vision**: Mulberry leaves are rich in various amino acids and bioactive components, which help relieve eye fatigue and contribute to protecting eyesight.
2. **Lowering blood glucose**: Mulberry leaves contain bioactive substances such as 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) that can inhibit α-glucosidase, helping to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. This makes them suitable for people with diabetes as an adjunctive therapy.
3. **Antioxidant effects**: The polyphenols and flavonoids in mulberry leaves have strong antioxidant properties, capable of scavenging free radicals in the body and helping delay aging.
4. **Moistening the lungs and relieving cough**: According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, mulberry leaves have the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough and wheezing, offering some relief for coughs caused by dryness in the lungs.
Despite these benefits, the following side effects and precautions should be noted:
1. **Allergic reactions**: Some individuals may be allergic to mulberry leaves. It's recommended to start with a small dose when first using it; discontinue immediately if any adverse reaction occurs.
2. **Drug interactions**: Mulberry leaves may affect the efficacy of medications used for blood glucose control. Individuals taking antidiabetic drugs should consume mulberry leaf tea only under medical supervision.
3. **Use with caution during pregnancy**: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming large amounts, as the effects on them are not yet fully understood.
4. **Individual constitution differences**: People have different body constitutions, so responses may vary. It's best to consume under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
5. **Avoid excessive consumption**: Long-term and excessive intake of mulberry leaf tea may lead to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold; therefore, moderate consumption is recommended.
