Is drinking a lot of herbal liqueur really beneficial?

Families often use herbal liqueurs with the hope of treating illnesses or boosting vitality. Due to limited knowledge and misconceptions about herbal liqueurs and their consumption, many people have suffered unforeseen consequences.

Every day, the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital receives cases of alcohol poisoning, mainly from provinces and cities in the North. According to doctors at the Poison Control Center in the North, the number of alcohol poisoning cases due to drinking alcohol infused with animal or insect extracts is more common than the number of cases from drinking homemade, handcrafted alcohol. Correspondingly, the risk of death from poisoning is higher because most cases are self-made by people with limited knowledge about alcohol, so not all types of alcohol produce the desired effects.

Improperly preparing herbal wine can also affect health, even threatening life. Due to a lack of knowledge about preparing herbal wine, many people think that the more ingredients they mix together, the more effective it will be.

This is a serious mistake because some of the ingredients used in herbal tinctures may be incompatible, potentially producing toxins that harm health. Even ingredients proven beneficial can have serious consequences if infused incorrectly. For example, when infusing geckos, the eyes, organs containing toxins, and internal organs must be removed, then the gecko cleaned, lightly roasted, and then infused. However, due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the dangers of geckos, infusing them whole is extremely dangerous.

Speaking to the press, Dr. Pham Due, Director of the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, warned that herbal-infused liquors are also medicines and therefore must be consumed in moderation and have contraindications for each individual.

In reality, many people, influenced by rumors, have arbitrarily soaked various roots and tubers of unknown origin in alcohol. This has led to numerous cases of poisoning and even death, because although these are tonics, they must be taken in specific doses to be effective. One should not assume that any amount of tonic can be used, and the use of herbal tinctures for health benefits must be tailored to each individual's constitution, as what works for one person may not work for another.

Due to excessive consumption of herbal tonics, hundreds of cases of poisoning occur annually. Mild cases manifest as vomiting and behavioral disturbances, while more severe cases result in deep coma and circulatory collapse. Even after treatment, patients may suffer serious long-term consequences.

On the other hand, because animal blood is often contaminated with parasites such as worm eggs, and the blood collection process is not hygienic, it can become contaminated with bacteria and larvae. Furthermore, improper preparation of the alcohol means that when consumed, parasites can easily enter the body and cause illness.

Furthermore, many people make their own homemade herbal liqueurs to ensure greater safety and health benefits, but this is not entirely accurate. For example, using roots, herbs, or animal parts to make liqueurs without knowing their ingredients or uses can be toxic to the body. Drinking too much of these liqueurs can lead not only to poisoning from the ingredients but also to alcohol addiction and other harmful effects similar to regular alcoholic beverages.

To properly prepare a bottle of herbal wine, the person doing the infusion must ensure that the wine and ingredients are of clear origin. The wine must have a high alcohol content, around 45-55%, especially when infusing animal parts, as infusing animal parts with low-alcohol wine can easily lead to spoilage, decomposition, and the production of harmful substances. The infusion process must follow the correct recipe and flavor profile. Absolutely do not rely on rumors and buy unfamiliar ingredients for infusion. When consuming the wine, adhere to the correct dosage, as excessive consumption can cause adverse reactions, especially in those with stomach or liver problems. Ideally, consume only 1-2 small glasses every other day or as directed by a doctor. In addition, a balanced diet and appropriate exercise regimen are necessary to maintain good health.

According to experts, when using herbal-infused wines, it is advisable to purchase herbs from legally registered traditional medicine establishments and seek advice from traditional medicine practitioners. Under no circumstances should you independently collect roots and plants for making wine, as it's easy to mistakenly select plants with toxic properties. Furthermore, excessive consumption of alcohol should be avoided, as large amounts can negatively impact health, even when used as a tonic.

According to PLO