During a health talk, I met Auntie Li, a middle-aged and elderly lady who is passionate about natural remedies. Her case made me acutely aware of an issue that is often overlooked. Every day, Aunt Li will brew a cup of fragrant chrysanthemum tea, or honeysuckle tea, believing that this is the only way to maintain health. However, what is surprising is that her "fire" symptoms have not only not been relieved, but have become more and more serious. Why is that?
Chrysanthemum tea and honeysuckle tea, with their refreshing taste and heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, have become a part of the healthy life of many middle-aged and elderly people. They are widely regarded as nature's "antidox", but they are not a panacea for everyone. As Auntie Li's example shows, for people with certain constitutions, these teas may not only be unhelpful, but may even exacerbate health problems.
"Revealing the secret of chrysanthemums and honeysuckle: not only fresh, but also a health artifact"
Benefits of chrysanthemum tea
Chrysanthemum has long been praised as an herb with a variety of health benefits. First of all, it has a significant effect on reducing eye fatigue and dryness, especially for middle-aged and elderly people who use electronic devices for a long time. Secondly, chrysanthemums are rich in antioxidants, which can effectively reduce free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, it helps to stabilize blood pressure, which is very beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Benefits of honeysuckle tea
Honeysuckle is not only a beautiful ornamental plant, but also a medicinal herb with great medical value. Honeysuckle contains natural compounds that have powerful antiviral and antibacterial effects and are particularly effective in preventing and relieving respiratory diseases such as colds and pharyngitis. It also boosts immunity, which is essential for improving the body's ability to fight disease. In addition, honeysuckle is also effective in improving skin health, such as relieving skin inflammation and promoting skin healing.
Dig deeper
The benefits of these two teas are not limited to the traditional "clear fire" effect. For example, the antioxidants in chrysanthemum tea are significantly helpful in fighting senile diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and abnormal glucose metabolism. Similarly, the antiviral components in honeysuckle have shown unique advantages in preventing respiratory infections.
Two kinds of physiques that are not suitable for drinking Qinghuo tea
Yin deficiency constitution: when "clear fire" becomes "add fire"
People with yin deficiency constitution often manifest as internal heat, such as dry mouth, irritability, insomnia and other symptoms. People with this constitution should have alleviated the above symptoms after drinking Qinghuo tea, but it often backfires. For example, chrysanthemum tea and honeysuckle tea have certain cold properties, and they may further deplete the body's yin fluids and exacerbate symptoms such as dry mouth. For this group of people, it may be more appropriate to drink tea drinks with yin-nourishing effects, such as wolfberry and rose tea.
Cold constitution: Warm is better than cool
People with a cold constitution usually feel cold intolerance, unwarm hands and feet, and weak digestion. People with this type of constitution drink Qinghuo tea with strong cold nature, such as chrysanthemum and honeysuckle tea, which may cause cold invagination, resulting in abdominal discomfort and decreased digestive function. For this type of constitution, it is recommended to choose a mild tea that can enhance the body's yang energy, such as black tea or ginger tea, to help the body maintain a suitable temperature balance.
Reveal Your Physique Code: A Guide to Self-Identification
In TCM theory, understanding one's constitution is essential to choosing the right food and drink. This is especially important for middle-aged and older people. But how do you identify your constitution in your daily life? Here are some simple and effective ways to help you judge yourself.
1. Monitor how you feel on a daily basis
Yin deficiency constitution: If you often feel dry mouth, poor sleep quality at night, and have many dreams or wake up easily, this may be a sign of yin deficiency.
Cold constitution: Frequent cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold, and not easy to sweat even in summer, may be a sign of cold constitution.
2. Observe how your body reacts
Yin deficiency: Prone to symptoms such as dry skin, hair loss, or blurred vision.
Cold constitution: The digestive system may be weak, manifesting as loss of appetite, diarrhea, or an upset stomach.
3. Pay attention to mood changes
Yin deficiency constitution: may be accompanied by anxiety, irritability and other emotions.
Cold constitution: Tends to feel tired and lacks energy.
4. Personalized physical fitness test
Through a simple online test or consulting a professional TCM practitioner, you can judge your constitution more accurately.