1. Ejiao Jujubes. Both Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) and red jujubes have the effects of nourishing yin, nourishing blood, and replenishing blood, making them very popular among women. Ejiao jujubes do have a tonic effect and can be beneficial for people with qi deficiency or blood deficiency, improving symptoms such as pale complexion, general fatigue, and frequent drowsiness. However, Ejiao jujubes are warming in nature and are not suitable for those with internal damp-heat. If you have a thick, greasy, yellow tongue coating, dry stools, or are prone to "heatiness," you should eat fewer Ejiao jujubes.
2. Guilinggao (Turtle Jelly). Its traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients are turtle shell and Smilax glabra. Due to its health benefits of clearing heat, detoxifying, and removing dampness, combined with its smooth and slippery texture, it is very popular. However, turtle shell is cooling in nature. People with weak spleen and stomach, or women with menstrual pain, should consume it in moderation. Pregnant women should use it with caution. Additionally, do not drink tea immediately after eating Guilinggao.
3. Liangcha (Herbal Tea for "Cooling Down"). Modern urbanites face significant psychological stress, coupled with dietary habits of rich food and a love for spicy dishes, which has made herbal drinks marketed for "reducing internal heat" very popular. The Chinese medicinal ingredients added to these drinks, such as chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, Prunella vulgaris, and licorice, generally have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying. Liangcha is very suitable for people with high blood pressure or dry eyes; however, those with a weak gastrointestinal tract, poor appetite, or loose stools should avoid it, as it will only worsen their symptoms.
4. Ginger Candy. Originally a southern snack, it has gradually been accepted by northerners as a snack in recent years. The medicinal value of ginger is highly regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its effect of warming the stomach and dispelling cold. For those suffering from a wind-cold cold or are prone to motion sickness, keeping some ginger candy on hand can provide significant relief. Health experts point out that precisely because ginger is very warming in nature, it is not suitable for people with a sore throat, dry eyes, dry stools, or who are prone to "heatiness." This principle also applies to Ginseng Candy. Although ginseng is effective for replenishing qi, its warming nature makes it unsuitable for people with a "hot" constitution or excessive internal "fire."
5. Fuling Pian (Poria Biscuits) and Mint Candy. The medicinal nature of Poria is mild and generally suitable for all body types, so it can be consumed with confidence. As for mint candy, since it contains very little mint and people typically only suck on a few pieces to moisten their throat, it does not produce a significant medicinal effect.
Poria has the effect of promoting urination and has certain dietary therapeutic value for symptoms such as limb swelling and difficult urination. However, some Fuling Pian contain ingredients like honey and white sugar, resulting in a high sugar content. Therefore, people with high blood sugar should try to eat less or none, and those with poor digestion should not eat too much.
6. Chenpi (Dried Tangerine Peel). Chenpi has the effects of aiding digestion, promoting qi flow, resolving phlegm, and regulating the spleen. The flavonoids in Chenpi have a certain protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Chenpi can also promote saliva secretion. Some patients may experience dry mouth during medication, and eating some Chenpi can effectively relieve this, promoting the production of body fluids to quench thirst.
Processed preserved Chenpi, especially "nine-times processed Chenpi," has a high salt content due to its processing methods. Patients with kidney disease and high blood pressure should be mindful and avoid excessive consumption to prevent excessive sodium intake. Pharmacists recommend that the daily consumption of Chenpi should not exceed 30g. Unprocessed medicinal Chenpi is more effective when used to make tea.