Three types of people should not eat Ophiopogon japonicus with dry cough and no phlegm

Although Ophiopogon japonicus is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing yin and moistening lungs, it is not suitable for people with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, wind cold cough, and dampness excess and fullness without phlegm symptoms. Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature and has the effects of nourishing yin, generating fluids, moistening the lungs, and clearing the heart. It is suitable for symptoms such as dry cough and cough caused by yin deficiency, but it needs to be used according to syndrome differentiation.

1. Patients with spleen and stomach deficiency cold

have mild coldness in Ophiopogon japonicus, and taking it may worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. This group of people often exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, loose stools, and cold limbs. It is recommended to use Codonopsis pilosula and atractylodes macrocephala as warm and nourishing herbs for the spleen and stomach. If Ophiopogon japonicus is misused, it may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is recommended to first regulate the spleen and stomach before considering nourishing yin and moistening the lungs.

2. For those with wind cold cough [SEP], if dry cough without phlegm is caused by external wind cold, it may manifest as heavy coughing sound, nasal congestion, and clear nasal discharge. Ophiopogon japonicus may suppress pathogenic factors and hinder the surface. In the early stage of wind cold cough, it is recommended to use warm and detoxifying herbs such as perilla leaves and almonds. Misuse of nourishing yin herbs may prolong the course of the disease. It is necessary to identify the type of cough through signs such as thin white tongue coating and tight pulse.

3. For those with dampness and fullness in the middle [SEP], taking Ophiopogon japonicus may help promote dampness and phlegm production in cases of abdominal distension and thick tongue coating caused by stagnant dampness in the body. Even if this group of people experience dry cough symptoms, they should mainly use dampness dispelling drugs such as Huoxiang and Cangzhu, and consider moistening dryness after the dampness is eliminated. Using Ophiopogon japonicus before clearing dampness may worsen discomfort such as chest tightness and phlegm viscosity.

Patients with dry cough and no phlegm should clarify the syndrome type before using Ophiopogon japonicus. It can be combined with Panax ginseng and Polygonatum sibiricum to enhance the nourishing effect of yin, or with Platycodon grandiflorum and licorice to relieve throat and cough. Snow pear, tremella and other dry ingredients can be eaten daily to avoid spicy and stimulating food. If coughing persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever and hemoptysis, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to rule out diseases such as tuberculosis and bronchiectasis. It is recommended to undergo physical conditioning under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and avoid long-term self consumption of single herbs.