What are Barbarea and Ligustrum Berries?
Barbarea, also known as ink barbarea or wild ink plant, is a common traditional Chinese medicine named for its resemblance to a lotus flower. It often grows in fields and has high medicinal value. Barbarea has a sweet and slightly sour Taste, with a cool nature, and is primarily used for cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, nourishing yin, and tonifying the kidneys. Ligustrum berries are the fruits of the Ligustrum tree and have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They have a sweet and slightly bitter taste, with a cool nature, and are effective for tonifying the kidneys, nourishing yin, clearing liver heat, and improving vision.
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Benefits of Barbarea and Ligustrum Berry Tea
1. Tonic for Kidneys and Nourishes Yin
Both barbarea and ligustrum berries are excellent for tonifying the kidneys. With the stress of modern life, many people experience symptoms of kidney deficiency, such as back pain, tinnitus, and insomnia. Regular consumption of barbarea and ligustrum berry tea can effectively alleviate these symptoms and help nourish yin and strengthen the kidneys.
2. Clears Liver Heat and Improves Vision
Prolonged use of electronic devices or high work pressure can easily lead to eye fatigue and decreased vision. Ligustrum berries have an effect on clearing liver heat and improving vision. When combined with barbarea to make tea, they not only relieve eye fatigue but also protect vision and make the eyes brighter.
3. Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding
Barbarea has the effect of cooling the blood and stopping bleeding. For women, it is particularly suitable to drink before and after menstruation to alleviate issues like irregular periods and excessive menstrual bleeding. It also helps relieve symptoms like skin itching and bleeding.
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4. Boosts Immunity
With a fast-paced modern lifestyle, people are prone to catching colds and illnesses. Barbarea and ligustrum berries contain rich vitamins and minerals that can enhance physical fitness and boost immunity, reducing the likelihood of getting sick.
How to Prepare Barbarea and Ligustrum Berry Tea
Ingredients
– Barbarea: 5 grams
– Ligustrum berries: 5 grams
– Water: 500 milliliters
Preparation Steps
- Clean the Ingredients: Rinse the barbarea and ligustrum berries with water to remove dust and impurities from their surfaces.
- Soak the Ingredients: Place the cleaned barbarea and ligustrum berries in a bowl and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to fully soften them.
- Boil Water: Pour water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
- Brew the Tea: Add the softened barbarea and ligustrum berries to the boiling water and continue boiling for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain: Strain the brewed tea to remove any residue and it is ready to drink.
Precautions
- Moderate Consumption: Although barbarea and ligustrum berries offer many benefits, they should not be consumed excessively. Drinking one to two cups per day is sufficient to avoid discomfort caused by overconsumption.
- Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh barbarea and ligustrum berries whenever possible, as this will produce better-tasting tea with enhanced effects.
- Individual Differences: Everyone's constitution is different; if discomfort occurs after drinking the tea, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Tips for Making Barbarea and Ligustrum Berry Tea
1. Enhance Flavor
If you find the flavor of barbarea and ligustrum berry tea to be monotonous, you can add honey or wolfberries, which not only enhances the taste but also improves Health benefits. Honey has a laxative effect, while wolfberries can tonify the kidneys, nourish essence, and improve liver function and vision. Combining them provides a more comprehensive health benefit.
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2. Combine with Other Herbs
Depending on your constitution and needs, you can combine other herbs to make tea, such as chrysanthemum, yam, and jujube. Chrysanthemum clears heat and toxins, improves vision, and soothes the liver; yam tonifies the spleen and stomach and nourishes the lungs; jujube tonifies qi, nourishes blood, calms the mind, and aids sleep. A combination of multiple herbs enhances health preservation effects.
3. Seasonal Consumption
Barbarea and ligustrum berries have a cool nature and are suitable for summer consumption or when the body is overheated, helping to clear heat and detoxify. During winter or when the body is cold, reduce consumption frequency or combine with warming herbs to achieve balance.
Summary
Barbarea and ligustrum berry tea is a simple yet effective method of health preservation suitable for modern lifestyles. It can tonify the kidneys, nourish yin, clear liver heat, improve vision, cool the blood, stop bleeding, and boost immunity. By brewing correctly and consuming in moderation, you can enjoy this naturally healthy tea in daily life. Whether you're a busy office worker or a health-conscious elder, give it a try to find peace and health amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
Brew a cup of barbarea and ligustrum berry tea and enjoy a moment of tranquility, allowing both body and mind to relax and be nourished. Life requires a sense of ritual, and this cup of tea is the best gift you can give yourself.