Cilantro is a commonly consumed aromatic vegetable with functions such as stimulating appetite and aiding digestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that cilantro expels all pathogenic qi and has the effect of warming the middle and strengthening the stomach. Individuals with a cold constitution can appropriately consume cilantro to alleviate symptoms such as stomach cold pain, indigestion, and incomplete rash eruption.
However, individuals who are prone to catching colds should avoid consuming cilantro. This is because these people often have varying degrees of qi deficiency. Cilantro's pungent nature can disperse qi, and excessive or long-term consumption can deplete qi and damage the spirit, thereby triggering or worsening qi deficiency and leading to more frequent colds. In addition to recurrent colds, those with qi deficiency often experience symptoms such as excessive sweating, fatigue, and lethargy. Individuals with obvious signs of qi deficiency should consume cilantro sparingly or not at all. Postpartum individuals and patients in the early stages of recovery from an illness often have a certain degree of qi deficiency, and therefore should also "keep their distance" from cilantro.