In spring, it's easy for people to experience "heatiness" (上火). Many families have leftover tonics from winter, such as deer antler, donkey-hide gelatin, Cordyceps, and herbal pastes. Continuing to take them may cause heatiness, but storing them risks spoilage. So, what should be done? The solution lies in your diet!
Cordyceps: Suitable for All Seasons
The main functions of Cordyceps are to enhance human immunity, nourish the lungs and kidneys, and replenish vital energy. Its nature is slightly warming, so it can generally be taken in all four seasons. However, as the weather warms, the dosage for healthy individuals can be slightly reduced.
Boiling Cordyceps in water is highly nutritious. You can place 3-6 Cordyceps in water and simmer them over low heat. You can drink it once it comes to a boil. Stop drinking when the Cordyceps water becomes pale or even turns white, and then you can eat the Cordyceps.
The key to Cordyceps is to prevent moth infestation. For storage, it's best to separate them, seal them in plastic bags, and place them in the refrigerator's fresh or freezer compartment. As long as they are not stored for too many years, they generally will not spoil.
Donkey-hide Gelatin: Not Recommended in Early Spring
Tonics that are greasy or rich, like donkey-hide gelatin, are not advisable for consumption in spring. The principle of supplementation in spring is to focus on gentle nourishment and avoid highly warming tonics. In spring, the body's "spleen energy" is weaker, meaning gastrointestinal digestion is poor. At this time, one should eat lighter foods. Among tonics, besides Cordyceps and bird's nest, most others have a heavy flavor. Blindly taking them may cause digestive issues like bloating.
However, many donkey-hide gelatins today are made into sheets with sesame and nuts added, which neutralizes the gelatin's natural greasiness. It can be taken in early spring, but after the second lunar month, it's best to stop.
Ginseng: Consumption Depends on the Individual
Ginseng is "hot" in nature. People with symptoms like mouth ulcers, frequent dry mouth and throat, or hot palms and soles should not take it. Whether one can take ginseng after spring begins depends on the individual. Those with a "deficient and cold" constitution can take it, but the dosage should be appropriately reduced, with a daily intake not exceeding 6 grams.
There are many ways to take ginseng: direct oral consumption or chewing is most effective, followed by stewing in soups, and also making tea or soaking in wine. These methods are still applicable after spring. But no matter which type of ginseng you take or how you take it, never exceed the dosage. Even those with "Qi deficiency" can experience heatiness from taking too much. Additionally, if you plan to combine ginseng with other herbs or supplements, it's advisable to consult a doctor first. Do not mix them randomly, as this can easily cause adverse reactions.
It's worth noting that respiratory diseases are currently at their peak. If you catch an infectious illness like a cold, it's not suitable to take tonics like ginseng. Similarly, if you are in an acute phase of a chronic illness, you should not blindly take supplements.
When storing leftover ginseng, place it in a sealed bag and put it in a refrigerator at 0°C to 2°C. It can be continued to be taken the following winter.
Herbal Pastes: You Can Add American Ginseng
The traditional view is that herbal pastes are for tonification. However, modern concepts of supplementation should shift to "regulating and tonifying," especially for herbal pastes, which emphasize a personalized formula, varying from person to person and by season. Even in summer, you can take a paste suitable for the season.
Once spring begins, you can pause the winter-type nourishing pastes. If you still want to take pastes in spring, consider adding cooling ingredients like American Ginseng. Herbal pastes should be stored in the refrigerator. If stored for a long time and small mold spots appear on the surface, you can cut away the moldy parts, re-cook the remaining paste, and prepare a clean container to hold the reheated liquid. After it cools, seal it for storage.
Furthermore, items like deer antler and deer penis are "warming kidney and strengthening yang" herbs that contain more hormones. They are not suitable for consumption unless one has a severe deficiency of kidney yang.