The Benefits of Drinking American Ginseng, Goji Berries, and Chrysanthemum Tea
Jan 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
American ginseng can clear heat, promote body fluid production, replenish qi, and nourish yin. Lycium barbarum (goji berry) nourishes yin and benefits the liver and kidneys, effectively supplementing yin deficiency in these organs. Chrysanthemum, slightly cold in nature, clears liver heat and disperses wind-heat. When used together in combination, these three ingredients can nourish yin and clear internal heat through multiple mechanisms, effectively alleviating symptoms such as five-center烦heat (palms, soles, and chest), tidal fever, and night sweats caused by yin deficiency with internal heat. Lycium barbarum also strengthens the liver and kidneys; sufficient liver blood ensures proper nourishment of the eyes.
American ginseng, wolfberry, and chrysanthemum are all both medicinal and edible. Drinking a decoction made from these three ingredients generally has effects such as nourishing yin and clearing heat, nourishing the liver and improving vision, replenishing qi and promoting body fluid production, improving sleep, and enhancing immunity.
1. Nourishing Yin and Clearing Heat
American ginseng can clear heat, promote body fluid production, replenish qi, and nourish yin. Wolfberry nourishes the yin of the liver and kidney, thereby supplementing yin deficiency in these organs. Chrysanthemum, being slightly cold in nature, clears liver heat and disperses wind-heat. When used together in a decoction, these three ingredients synergistically nourish yin and clear heat, effectively alleviating symptoms such as irritability and heat in the palms, soles, and chest, night sweats, and潮热 caused by excessive internal heat due to yin deficiency.
2. Nourishing the Liver and Improving Vision
Wolfberry nourishes the liver and kidneys. When liver blood is sufficient, the eyes receive adequate nourishment, thereby relieving symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred vision. Chrysanthemum clears liver fire and benefits the eyes. American ginseng also helps replenish qi and body fluids to some extent. The combined action of these three ingredients helps protect the liver, supports vision, and improves various eye discomforts.
3. Replenishing Qi and Promoting Body Fluid Production
American ginseng is an excellent herb for replenishing qi, as it can both nourish yin and support qi. Wolfberry nourishes the yin of the liver and kidney, and sufficient yin fluids also help promote the generation and circulation of qi. Although chrysanthemum primarily functions to clear heat, when combined with American ginseng and wolfberry in a decoction, it not only clears heat but also prevents excessive internal heat, thus enhancing the effects of replenishing qi and promoting body fluid production, effectively supplementing the body's qi and yin.
4. Promoting Sleep
Both American ginseng and wolfberry have certain calming and soothing effects, which can help improve sleep quality. The volatile oil components in chrysanthemum also aid in relaxing the body and mind. Drinking an appropriate decoction of these three ingredients can help individuals enter a deeper sleep state, thereby improving sleep efficiency.
5. Enhancing Immunity
Components in American ginseng can enhance the body's immune function. Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in wolfberry regulate the activity of immune cells, while flavonoids and other substances in chrysanthemum also have certain immune-regulating effects. When consumed together in a decoction, these three ingredients can regulate and enhance the human immune system from different angles, improving the body's disease resistance.
It is recommended to drink this American ginseng, wolfberry, and chrysanthemum infusion in moderation and not to consume it in excess. A light diet should generally be maintained, and spicy and irritating foods such as garlic, spicy hot pot, and mustard should be avoided.
