Why shouldn't chrysanthemum tea be consumed continuously for five days?

Generally speaking, chrysanthemum tea should not be consumed continuously for five days because it may lead to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, damage yang qi, affect liver and kidney function, cause blood pressure fluctuations, and trigger allergic reactions. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold

Chrysanthemum tea is slightly cold in nature, and prolonged continuous consumption can easily lead to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. This may result in symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, affecting the health of the digestive system. Under medical guidance, warming herbs that dispel cold, such as ginger, red dates, and astragalus, may be used, or traditional Chinese patent medicines like Fuzi Lizhong Pills may be taken.

2. Damage to Yang Qi

For certain individuals, especially those with a cold constitution or yang deficiency, long-term consumption of chrysanthemum tea may impair the body's yang qi, leading to kidney yang deficiency and poor circulation of qi and blood. This could further affect physiological functions and overall health. It is advisable to consume more foods that warm and tonify yang, such as lamb, leeks, and walnuts. Under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, yang-warming and kidney-tonifying herbal formulas such as Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, You Gui Wan, or Si Shen Wan may be used.

3. Impaired Liver and Kidney Function

Long-term and excessive consumption of chrysanthemum tea may also harm liver and kidney function. Clinically, this might manifest as elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, or pain in the flanks. Consumption of chrysanthemum tea should be stopped immediately to prevent further organ damage. Eating more foods rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals can aid in the recovery of liver and kidney function.

4. Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Chrysanthemum tea has hypotensive effects. Continuous and excessive intake may cause overly rapid drops in blood pressure. For patients with hypertension, this could lead to unstable blood pressure levels, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. If blood pressure remains persistently high or fluctuates significantly, antihypertensive medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, metoprolol tablets, or nifedipine sustained-release tablets should be used under medical supervision.

5. Allergic Reactions

Substances in chrysanthemum tea, such as pollen and flavonoids, may act as allergens. In individuals with allergic tendencies, continuous consumption may trigger an overreaction of the immune system, leading to symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Antiallergic medications such as loratadine tablets, chlorpheniramine tablets, or promethazine hydrochloride tablets should be used under medical guidance.

When drinking chrysanthemum tea, it can be combined with warm- or neutral-natured ingredients or herbs, such as goji berries, to mitigate its cooling properties. This approach preserves the beneficial effects of chrysanthemum tea while reducing potential adverse effects on the body.