Many people often use Chinese herbs to make tea, believing that it is harmless to understand Chinese medicine. In fact, regular consumption of Chinese herb tea can be harmful to the body, especially the following types.
Scrophularia is a pure Chinese medicine, suitable only for hoarseness caused by wind-heat pathogen attacking the throat. It is ineffective for hoarseness caused by vocal cord nodules, incomplete vocal cord closure, or excessive smoking and drinking. Moreover, drinking Scrophularia can cause side effects such as loose stools and chest tightness. Elderly people who suddenly lose their voice and those with spleen deficiency should use it with caution.
Cassia seed has the effect of lowering blood lipids, but it can also cause diarrhea, and long-term consumption is detrimental to health.
Long-term use of licorice can lead to elevated blood pressure. Although licorice has effects such as tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, long-term use can cause edema and high blood pressure.
Ginkgo biloba leaves contain toxic components. Using them to make tea can cause paroxysmal spasms, neuropathy, allergies, and other side effects. Ginkgo biloba leaves are toxic and should not be used to make tea.
Drinking tea with dried flowers is not absolutely safe. For example, after drinking chrysanthemum tea, many people experience adverse digestive reactions such as stomach discomfort, poor appetite, bowel sounds, and loose stools. It is not suitable for people with a weak spleen and stomach or pregnant women. TCM experts point out that dried flowers and Chinese herbs should not be consumed as supplements. Furthermore, excessive dosage or long-term use can lead to toxic side effects. Patients taking Western medicine should be especially cautious when drinking Chinese herb tea, as improper combination with Western medicine can cause harm to the body.