5 types of leaves that help detoxify and are good for the respiratory system.
With the sweltering heat easily causing the body to accumulate heat and produce toxins, traditional Chinese medicine experts suggest 5 familiar leaves that help clear heat and detoxify, providing good support for the respiratory system during the summer.
According to Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang, Department of Traditional Medicine, Central Military Hospital 108, some types of leaves found around the house can be used to make refreshing and healthy drinks during the summer.
Green tea leaves
Fresh green tea leaves contain many powerful antioxidants such as catechins, which, in addition to their cooling and detoxifying effects, also help prevent cancer, are good for the skeletal system and joints, and improve skin health.
"However, you shouldn't drink green tea that's too strong, as it can easily stimulate the nervous system and cause difficulty sleeping. People with stomach problems should be cautious and avoid drinking green tea on an empty stomach."Doctor Trang noted.
Voi leaves
One of the most popular types of leaves used to make a summer drink is the vối leaf. According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang, vối leaves have a slightly bitter taste, a cooling effect, and are beneficial for digestion, antibacterial properties, and diuretic effects.
Drinking water infused with the leaves of the Vối plant (Syzygium jambos) not only helps cool the body but also aids digestion, reduces blood uric acid levels, and is beneficial for gout patients. This is especially helpful for those who frequently consume high-protein or fatty foods. Each day, you can use about 20-30g of fresh Vối leaves or 15g of dried Vối leaves, boiled with 1-1.5 liters of water, and drink it like tea.
Plantain leaves
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, plantain leaves are classified as an herb with diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming just 10-15g of dried plantain leaves boiled in 1 liter of water daily is sufficient to meet the body's needs during the summer.
Plantain leaves are particularly effective in supporting the treatment of urinary tract infections, urinary stones, and gallbladder inflammation. They help reduce mild edema caused by water retention and are particularly beneficial during the summer months when low temperatures prevail.
Centella leaves
Centella asiatica is also a familiar name in many folk remedies. It has a slightly bitter taste and a cooling nature, helping to clear heat, cool the blood, and promote smooth skin during the hot season.
The juice can be extracted and drunk directly, or it can be diluted and used to make a refreshing drink. Although pennywort is cooling, it should not be overused as it can easily cause stomach chills or bloating, especially in people with a cold constitution.
Mulberry leaves
Mulberry leaves are an often overlooked ingredient but have many benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine. With a sweet taste and cooling properties, mulberry leaves are used to clear the lungs and nourish yin, often in remedies for coughs caused by heat and insomnia due to liver heat. They can be dried and brewed into a tea to drink daily.
MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thu Trang notes:"Although the aforementioned leaves all have liver-cleansing and heat-reducing properties, their use should be appropriate for each individual's physical condition. It's not advisable to combine too many types in one day, and attention should be paid to digestive issues, blood pressure, and underlying medical history before regular use."
Returning to natural herbal remedies is not only a traditional habit but also a green living trend, helping the body regulate better in harsh weather conditions.
The sweltering summer heat not only causes external discomfort but also affects internal organs, especially the liver. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine experts, optimal results can only be achieved by combining this with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest.