In spring, delicate lips are prone to damage. Many people experience dry mouth and even cracked, peeling lips, which are both unsightly and uncomfortable.
On one hand, the dry weather and lack of moisture in the air cause the body to lose water, leading to yin-blood deficiency and depletion of body fluids. On the other hand, during cold seasons, people tend to consume greasy, spicy foods, resulting in internal heat accumulation in the spleen and stomach, further causing insufficient body fluids and dry lips.
Dr. Chen Hongtao, Chief Physician of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, reminds us that to alleviate these symptoms, it is important to drink plenty of water, maintain humidity in the environment, and use lip balm. Additionally, brewing a cup of 'Double Winter Tea' can help. Take 10 grams each of Ophiopogon japonicus (麦冬) and Asparagus cochinchinensis (天冬), add a little sugar, place them in a cup, and steep in about 300ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
The benefits of Ophiopogon japonicus are summarized in four sentences: 'Ophiopogon japonicus is sweet and cold, relieves thirst and irritability, nourishes the heart and clears the lungs, and alleviates deficiency heat.' It not only nourishes the fluids of the lungs, relieving symptoms like dry throat and cough, but also replenishes stomach fluids, helps calm the mind, and lubricates the intestines, making it a versatile remedy. Asparagus cochinchinensis has similar effects to Ophiopogon japonicus, clearing lung heat, nourishing yin, and moistening dryness, while also tonifying kidney yin. It is suitable for symptoms like yin deficiency heat, lack of body fluids, and thirst. The combination of these two herbs complements each other, making them excellent partners for health in autumn and winter. However, it should be noted that both herbs are cold in nature and are not suitable for those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold symptoms, such as diarrhea, white and greasy tongue coating, poor digestion, or those suffering from wind-cold感冒咳嗽.