Herbal tea itself is not toxic, but when it is not suitable for you, it becomes poisonous.
Drinking Cassia Seeds with Boat-fruited Sterculia Seed Causes Diarrhea
Although both Cassia seeds and Boat-fruited Sterculia Seed have health care effects such as lowering blood pressure, they also have a laxative effect. Both herbs are cold in nature, making them particularly unsuitable for people with deficient cold spleen and stomach or spleen deficiency diarrhea. The elderly should be especially cautious.
Drinking Roses with Goji Berries Causes Oral Ulcers
The combination of warm-natured roses and neutral-natured Goji berries is not problematic in itself. However, if you have a Yin deficiency and internal heat constitution, you should clear heat and detoxify rather than add fuel to the fire. Otherwise, it can easily lead to oral ulcers.
Drinking Wild Chrysanthemum with Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum Causes Stomach Pain
A colleague mentioned specially asking a friend to bring Hangzhou white chrysanthemum from Hangzhou and mixing it with wild chrysanthemum to make tea. Then, they began to experience frequent stomach pain. Only later did they realize it was caused by this seemingly harmless chrysanthemum tea. The doctor explained that no matter the type, chrysanthemum is cold in nature. Therefore, people who are usually afraid of cold (Yang-deficient constitution) and those with weak, deficient cold spleen and stomach must be cautious when drinking it.
"因时" refers to time and season, "因地" refers to the characteristics of different regions, and "因人" refers to a person's constitution, "Professor Hong said, "For example, tonifying in summer and clearing heat in winter; for instance, people with heavy damp-heat might experience excessive internal heat if they consume a large amount of Astragalus; for example, slightly overweight individuals might gain more weight by eating Goji berries, dates, and honey. It's not that these things themselves are harmful, but that you are not using them appropriately."
"Like other traditional Chinese medicines, different herbal teas suit different groups of people, and selection requires caution. Unless you have a very clear understanding of your own constitution and also understand the principles of mutual promotion and restraint among the nature, flavor, and efficacy in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is best to consult a doctor before deciding to consume them long-term." Professor Hong also stated that the various herbal tea formulas found online should not be taken at face value, and even formulas used by friends should not be copied directly.
