What are the functions and benefits of rock sugar?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, rock sugar is a crystallized reprocessed product of granulated sugar, and its functions and effects include moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing heat and reducing internal heat, regulating the middle jiao and harmonizing the stomach, promoting saliva production and relieving thirst, and supplying energy. Excessive consumption of rock sugar may lead to problems such as elevated blood sugar levels and dental caries. Therefore, it is necessary to control intake when consuming rock sugar, especially for individuals with conditions such as diabetes and hyperglycemia, who should be particularly cautious in its consumption.
Generally speaking, rock sugar is a crystallized reprocessed product of granulated sugar, and its functions and effects include moistening the lungs to relieve cough, clearing heat and reducing internal heat, regulating the spleen and stomach, promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, and supplying energy. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Moisturizing the Lungs and Relieving Cough
Rock sugar enters the spleen and lung meridians, exerting effects of moistening the lungs and relieving cough. It can be combined with different Chinese herbs to treat symptoms such as dry cough and blood-tinged sputum, helping alleviate inflammation of the throat, reducing local itching sensations, and thus interrupting the cough reflex. At the same time, rock sugar can dilute the viscosity of respiratory tract inflammation and secretions, making them easier to expel, thereby achieving a phlegm-resolving effect. Moreover, rock sugar is rich in vitamin A, which helps protect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract epithelium, enhance immunoglobulin function, and prevent respiratory infections.
2. Clearing Heat and Reducing Internal Fire
Rock sugar has the effects of nourishing yin and promoting body fluid production, clearing heart fire, reducing internal heat, and alleviating irritability. It helps eliminate heat toxins in the blood and supports the body's detoxification processes. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, rock sugar can clear lung heat and is suitable for consumption during seasons like autumn when cough and lung heat are more common.
3. Regulating the Spleen and Stomach
Rock sugar has a sweet taste and neutral nature, capable of strengthening and harmonizing the stomach. It can improve symptoms of spleen and stomach qi deficiency. Consuming an appropriate amount of rock sugar can supply the body with necessary carbohydrates, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and other substances, helping replenish energy. Additionally, rock sugar can promote gastrointestinal motility, aid digestion, and alleviate constipation.
4. Promoting Saliva Production and Relieving Thirst
Rock sugar moisturizes the throat, alleviates dryness, promotes saliva production, and relieves thirst, effectively easing symptoms such as dry mouth and a dry throat.
5. Supplying Energy
Rock sugar contains a high amount of sugar, capable of rapidly replenishing the body's water and sugar levels, providing energy. It is beneficial to consume an appropriate amount of rock sugar during periods of high physical exertion or when quick energy replenishment is needed.
Excessive consumption of rock sugar may lead to elevated blood sugar levels and dental caries. Therefore, intake should be controlled when consuming rock sugar, especially for individuals with diabetes, hyperglycemia, or related conditions, who should consume it with particular caution.
