Winter is a high-incidence season for respiratory diseases, and the smog in many cities also harms people's respiratory tracts. Here are several recommended herbal teas to protect the lungs, which everyone can choose according to their needs.
Luo Han Guo Tea
Luo Han Guo is sweet and cool, capable of clearing the lungs, stopping coughs, moistening the intestines, and promoting bowel movements. Take 5-8 grams of Luo Han Guo, remove the shell and break it into pieces, steep it in boiling water, let it cool, and then drink. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, transforming phlegm and stopping coughs, and moisturizing the throat and lungs. It should be noted that Luo Han Guo is cold in nature, so people with poor gastrointestinal function should not use it excessively.
Si Bao Tea
This is a tea made by steeping 10 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus, 6 grams of Platycodon grandiflorus, 10 grams of Honeysuckle, and 3 grams of Oroxylum indicum in water. It can clear the lungs and moisten the throat, promote fluid production and benefit the pharynx. This type of tea is relatively mild and has no significant side effects, and there are no absolute contraindications for any group of people. However, if significant allergic symptoms are observed, it should be discontinued immediately.
Dendrobium Water Decoction
It is used to nourish yin and clear heat, and has a protective effect on the lungs. If you often feel dry mouth and sore throat, you can also use Dendrobium to make tea to relieve the symptoms. Dendrobium officinale is a more precious type of Dendrobium. You can take 10 grams daily to make tea. Those with the condition are advised to decoct it and then drink the water to better exert its medicinal effects. People with heavy phlegm-dampness (thick and greasy tongue coating) and those with a weak and cold spleen and stomach (diarrhea) should take it under the guidance of a doctor. Regardless of which herbal tea you choose, you should eat less spicy, fried, and dry puffed food. In addition to drinking herbal tea, it is also recommended to eat more moistening fruits and foods in winter. Pears are the top choice for nourishing the lungs, moistening dryness, promoting bowel movements, and preventing coughs. In addition, kumquats also have a good cough-relieving effect; you can eat 3 times a day, 5-6 pieces each time. More importantly, pay attention to keep warm and avoid catching colds and fevers.
Almonds are the top choice for lung nourishment in winter
Radish, almond, dried ginger, and pear, a cure for cough that doesn't require a doctor. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the seasons correspond to the organs, and autumn belongs to the lung. After the Start of Autumn (Liqiu) is the best time to nourish, supplement, or treat lung diseases. Foods that nourish the lungs include tremella, lily, pig's lung, dried persimmon, loquat, and water chestnut. Among them, the best in-season choice is none other than almonds. Almonds are divided into two types: sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Sweet almonds have a stronger effect of moistening and nourishing the lungs.
The "Compendium of Materia Medica" lists three major effects of almonds: moistening the lungs, clearing food stagnation, and dispelling stagnation. Almonds are rich in protein, trace elements, and vitamins. They have effects such as moistening the lungs, stopping coughs, and lubricating the intestines, and can provide some relief for symptoms such as dry cough without phlegm and chronic cough due to lung deficiency.
It is best to cook almonds with coix seed in a 1:5 ratio to make a congee and drink it while warm; stewing them with pig's lung also has a nourishing and soothing effect. Of course, roasted almonds eaten as a snack can also be consumed in moderation. Sweet almonds and roasted large almonds can be bought in supermarkets and farmers' markets, while bitter almonds are generally sold in Chinese medicine shops and should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.