Disclaimer and Warning:
The information provided in this article is meant for informational purposes only.Traditional herbal medicine is often based on historical practices and cultural beliefs. Some benefits of traditional herbal medicine are based on centuries-old practices, but not all claims have been extensively studied using modern scientific methods.It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before making any changes to your healthcare routine.
The medicinal value of Tai Ju (baby chrysanthemum)
Chrysanthemum possesses significant medicinal value and is widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Baby chrysanthemum is commonly consumed as an herbal tea in China. So, what are the medicinal benefits associated with baby chrysanthemum herbal tea?
Tai Ju (baby chrysanthemum) is great for cooling down your body when you're feeling a bit "heated." So, if you're experiencing discomfort due to dryness and excessive heat, like acne, throat inflammation, a cold with fever, headaches, or mouth ulcers, this chamomile can help ease those symptoms. Even if you don't feel particularly "heated" normally, you can still enjoy a cup of Tai Ju tea to soothe tired eyes. Drinking three to four cups of this tea daily can even help improve your eyesight, which is especially handy for people with nearsightedness or those who strain their eyes a lot. Also, Tai Ju has a calming effect, making it perfect for those who work long hours or stay up late. It helps relieve both physical and mental fatigue, promoting overall well-being.
Tai Ju Plantation
And these benefits weren't just discovered recently; people found out about the medicinal value of baby chrysanthemum thousands of years ago. It's been mentioned multiple times in many ancient Chinese medical books for its rich medicinal and health-promoting effects. For example, in the book "New Compilation of Materia Medica," it's considered a medicinal herb that can be used as a tea, for brewing alcohol, and even as a pillow stuffing. Compendium of Materia Medica" and "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" record that bud chrysanthemum can help reduce dizziness, ease swelling and pain, improve the skin, and promote longevity.
Modern research has found that the medicinal properties of (baby) chrysanthemum come from its flower, which contains essential oils, flavonoids, amino acids, and trace elements. Therefore, chrysanthemum is often used to treat various conditions, especially cardiovascular issues. Studies have shown that chrysanthemum preparations can increase the coronary blood flow in rabbit hearts and enhance the body's ability to tolerate hypoxia (oxygen deficiency). In simple terms, chrysanthemum can dilate the coronary arteries, increase arterial blood flow, which is why it is widely used in antihypertensive medications. Moreover, it has antimicrobial properties, and research has found that chrysanthemum can inhibit certain gram-positive bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
It's important to note that traditional Chinese medicine is built upon different principles than modern medicine. When applying traditional Chinese medicine theories, it's best to consult with a professional Chinese medicine doctor to get accurate diagnosis and treatment advice.
Who should avoid consuming baby chrysanthemum tea?
Tai Ju (baby chrysanthemum), has some remarkable medicinal effects and has made significant contributions throughout history. However, like all medications, it's not without its side effects.It can be toxic if not used in the right dosage. So, it's essential to follow the advice of a professional doctor to ensure safe and effective usage.
Tai Ju Herbal Teabag
People with weak digestive function
Tai Ju is considered "mildly cold" in traditional Chinese medicine, so it's not suitable for people with weak digestive systems or those with a deficiency. If they consume it, they might experience stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or even vomiting. These individuals tend to be sensitive to cold, have weak bodies, poor digestion, and a weaker immune system. They might even feel cold in the summertime. Moreover, while Tai Ju can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, elderly people with weakened digestion and a deficiency should be cautious as drinking it regularly might cause gastrointestinal problems. For them, it's best to consume Tai Ju tea in moderation, particularly during the summer.
Children
Children with an abundance of "Yang" energy should also avoid drinking Tai Ju tea as it has a cooling effect, which might weaken their "Yang energy." And if someone has a cold with symptoms like pharyngitis, it's not suitable for them either. Drinking Tai Ju tea may stimulate stomach acid secretion and worsen throat inflammation. So, if you're in this situation, drinking Tai Ju tea could slow down your recovery and lower the quality of healing. It's better to avoid it, just to be safe.
Close-Up Of Chrysanthemum Flower Buds
Pregnant woman
Many people believe that Tai Ju is excellent, so they might drink it without restraint. Even pregnant mothers might consider it as a safe health drink due to a lack of understanding of its properties. While Tai Ju is indeed precious and beneficial for health, it has a cooling nature and might not be favorable for pregnant women. Long-term consumption can negatively affect their body's spleen, stomach, and Yang energy, possibly impacting the baby's health. Common symptoms could include digestive discomfort and loose stools. In severe cases, excessive cold might stimulate the uterus, leading to premature birth or abortion issues. So, pregnant moms should avoid it for their and their baby's well-being.
Is it safe to drink Fetal Chrysanthemum tea that has been left overnight?
Another thing to keep in mind is not to drink leftover overnight Tai Ju tea! The chlorogenic acid in it will react with air, causing the tea to turn green. Once the tea turns green, it means the Tai Ju tea has gone bad, and harmful substances might be present. Drinking it when it's no longer fresh is not beneficial for your body. Even though Tai Ju tea is precious, you should avoid drinking it if it's been left overnight and opt for freshly brewed tea.
How can one distinguish between genuine and counterfeit baby Chrysanthemum?
Tai Ju is indeed a precious herb, and some dishonest merchants may sell fake ones to make a quick buck. But don't worry, there are ways to tell the real deal from the fakes, even though there are many counterfeits in the market.
Brew Tai Ju Herbal Tea
Genuine Tai Ju has a pure, creamy yellow color after the drying process, looking neat and clean with no bugs, ants, or crushed petals. On the other hand, fake Tai Ju comes in various sizes and shapes, feeling rough to the touch, and the color tends to be more towards white. These fake ones are often treated with sulfur, which is like how peeled lotus seeds turn yellow due to oxidation but then become white again after sulfur treatment. The same principle applies to fake Tai Ju.
When you brew Tai Ju herabl tea, you'll notice differences between the real and fake ones. Genuine Tai Ju will partially open up its petals in hot water, giving a lively appearance, but the tea color remains unchanged. However, fake Tai Ju is often dyed, so it won't open up in water, looking "lifeless," and the tea color may turn yellow.
Indeed, Tai Ju is highly valuable and can be easily confused. If you want to buy the real thing, understand your needs, observe its characteristics, use the identification methods to differentiate the genuine from the fake, and pick out the real Tai Ju to experience its true medicinal effects.
To sum it up, Tai Ju is indeed an excellent medicinal herb, but when drinking Tai Ju tea, consider your body's condition and decide whether and how much to drink accordingly. Especially do not drink inferior or fake Tai Ju.If your body isn't suitable for it, no matter how good it is, avoid drinking it. Caring for your body is the most important thing.
REFERENCE
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "fire (火)" is an essential concept used to describe a pathological condition inside the body. It's not about literal flames but a symbolic representation of disturbances or excessive activity in certain physiological processes.
In TCM theory, "fire" can manifest as internal heat, often accompanied by inflammation, fever, dry mouth, sore throat, and constipation. Various factors, such as poor diet habits, emotional fluctuations, and environmental influences, can cause "fire" in the body. It can also be caused by other pathological factors.
TCM treatment usually focuses on regulating and balancing the body's yin and yang, as well as qi and blood, to alleviate the "fire" inside. This includes using herbs with cooling and detoxifying properties, promoting bowel movements, adjusting the diet, and managing emotions.
The concept of "cold nature (性寒)" is crucial in Chinese herbal medicine. It describes the characteristics and effects of medicinal herbs. When a herb is categorized as "cold," it means it has cooling properties.
Herbs with a "cold nature" typically have the following characteristics:
Heat-clearing: They can reduce the body's heat, clear heat toxins, and effectively treat heat-related conditions like fever, thirst, and sore throat.
Blood-cooling: These herbs have astringent properties and can stop bleeding, making them useful for treating symptoms like nosebleeds and bloody stools.
Diuretic and reducing swelling: "Cold" herbs can promote urination and help eliminate excess dampness and edema from the body.
Anti-inflammatory: They can alleviate inflammatory reactions and provide relief from symptoms like pain and swelling caused by inflammation.
"Yin-Yang" theory
"Yin-Yang" theory is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and culture, particularly in Taoism. The
concept is used to describe how opposite forces or elements are interconnected and interdependent in the natural
world, creating a state of balance and harmony. The concept of Yang Qi, along with Yin and other related
concepts, is central to traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, feng shui, and various other aspects of
Chinese philosophy and culture.
In TCM, "yang qi" (also spelled "Yang Chi" 阳气) is a vital concept used to describe the physiological vitality or energy within the human body. It is part of the yin-yang theory in TCM, which emphasizes the balance and harmony of yin and yang within the body for overall health. It warms the body, regulates body temperature, and sustains metabolism, keeping the body energetic.
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