Video: Regulating Pharyngitis and Weight Loss with Hedyotis Diffusa
Hebei TV “Housekeeping Queen” aired in 2015
Friends who enjoy gardening may have seen Hedyotis diffusa, which is a common weed. It can grow in gardens and pots, whether in the south or north.
Commonly known as “E’er Chang” (goose intestine), farmers use it to feed chickens, ducks, and geese. However, Hedyotis diffusa is not only a wild vegetable but also a traditional Chinese medicine.
Hedyotis diffusa has two main functions:
1. Clearing heat and reducing inflammation
2. Lowering lipids and aiding weight loss.
Hedyotis diffusa enters the liver, lung, and large intestine meridians, and it can play a role in purulent infections related to these three meridians. For example:
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Liver meridian related: Mastitis
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Lung meridian related: Pharyngitis, pneumonia, purulent acne (for internal use and external application)
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Large intestine meridian related: Appendicitis
This is Hedyotis diffusa that grew in my begonia pot.
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How to Eat Hedyotis Diffusa for Weight Loss
Hedyotis diffusa is known for its strong fat-reducing properties and can also eliminate toxins from the intestines.
A friend who grew up in the countryside told me that when he was young, he helped his family gather pig feed. At first, he didn’t recognize Hedyotis diffusa and was happy to see a dense patch of grass, so he filled a basket with it. His parents laughed and scolded him, calling him a “fool” because feeding pigs Hedyotis diffusa not only wouldn’t fatten them up but would make them lose weight.
Ancient medical texts listed Hedyotis diffusa under vegetables, but our previous generation did not eat it. The reason was that people back then were not well-fed and dared not eat it.
People today are different; they have too much fat. Friends with high blood lipids who want to lower their lipids and lose weight can consume Hedyotis diffusa.
Hedyotis diffusa is especially suitable for damp-heat type obesity, as it not only reduces fat but also clears damp-heat.
Click to read and test which type of obesity you belong to.
Various Ways to Eat Hedyotis Diffusa
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Blanch in water, then mix with cold dishes, or use as a side dish for noodles.
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Stir-fry: Cook for just a few seconds until done
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Cook in soup or porridge: Add Hedyotis diffusa just before serving.
The taste of Hedyotis diffusa is mild, not bitter or astringent, and has a pleasant aroma. Its preparation is similar to pea shoots.
I also like to cook porridge with Hedyotis diffusa (adding a little oil and salt).
Note:
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Hedyotis diffusa should not be eaten raw, as it can cause diarrhea. It must be cooked.
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Pregnant women should not eat Hedyotis diffusa, as it has labor-inducing effects.
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Postpartum women with mastitis can eat a little Hedyotis diffusa to help reduce inflammation and promote lactation. After the inflammation is resolved, it should not be consumed anymore, as Hedyotis diffusa aids in weight loss, which is not suitable for breastfeeding mothers.
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Regulating Chronic Pharyngitis: Hedyotis Diffusa Honey Water
My mother often uses Hedyotis diffusa to regulate chronic pharyngitis, and it works quite well.
Method:
1. Take a handful of fresh Hedyotis diffusa, crush it in a bowl, and pour in boiling water.
2. Strain the juice (discard the residue) and add honey.
3. Drink a cup each morning and evening; long-term consumption will yield results.
Note:
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Be sure to use boiling water; do not boil it in a pot, as that will negate the effects.
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Only drink the water, do not eat the leaves (Hedyotis diffusa should not be eaten raw). Honey can be added to taste. Sip slowly, allowing the Hedyotis diffusa honey water to linger in the throat for a while.
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Chronic pharyngitis is stubborn and difficult to cure. Regardless of the method used, it requires a long period of regulation.
Hedyotis diffusa honey water is suitable for the deficiency-heat type of chronic pharyngitis.
Deficiency-heat type chronic pharyngitis: Dry and painful throat, possibly with a burning sensation, and a dry mouth with a desire to drink. This is more common among smokers.
Deficiency-cold type chronic pharyngitis: Itchy throat with excessive phlegm. (Can be regulated with Chinese toon seeds; refer to the section on Chinese toon in “The Wisdom of Eating at Home”).
There is a herb that looks very similar to Hedyotis diffusa, which is Hedyotis corymbosa. Hedyotis diffusa is commonly known as “E’er Chang,” while Hedyotis corymbosa is known as “E’er Chang Cao.” Some medical texts even confuse the two. We must be careful to distinguish between them.
If fresh Hedyotis diffusa is not available, dried products can be purchased at pharmacies to brew and drink, though the effects will be less and require longer persistence.
Wild Hedyotis diffusa from the mountains
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