Medicinal and edible plant beverage and combined beverage and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a medicinal and edible plant beverage, a combined beverage and a preparation method. The medicinal and edible plant beverage comprises the following raw materials: corn stigma essence, semen cassiae essence and chrysanthemum essence. The medicinal and edible plant beverage prepared by the method enriches the varieties of medicinal and edible plant beverages in the market, and ensures the activity of nutritional ingredients and drinking convenience through unique formula and packaging design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food processing, and in particular to a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a combination beverage and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Through modern scientific research, we can verify the active ingredients of medicinal and edible plants and their potential benefits to human health, thereby increasing the credibility and appeal of medicinal and edible plants.

[0003] Plant-based beverages with both medicinal and edible properties refer to beverages based on traditional medical theory, made from plant ingredients that can be used as both food and medicine. These plants are believed in Traditional Chinese Medicine to have health-regulating, disease-preventing, and health-promoting properties, and they are also common ingredients in daily life. Despite the vast variety of plants with both medicinal and edible properties, relatively few have actually been developed into beverages. People with different physical conditions have different health needs, and some consumers hope to be able to choose a plant-based beverage tailored to their individual constitutions, achieving personalized health and wellness.

[0004] Marketed medicinal and edible plant beverages often experience precipitation after dissolution of plant powders. These plant materials typically contain a variety of bioactive ingredients, including cellulose, protein, and other ingredients. Some of these ingredients are insoluble in water, and their solubility varies significantly. Some plant ingredients may form colloids or suspensions in water, which settle over time, leading to stratification and shortening the shelf life of these medicinal and edible plant beverages.

[0005] Therefore, a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a preparation method are proposed, which can effectively solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a combination beverage and a preparation method, enrich the types of medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market, and ensure the activity of the nutritional components of the medicinal and edible plant beverages and the convenience of drinking.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a medicinal and edible plant beverage is provided, wherein the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include: 2 to 4 parts by weight of the corn silk essence, 4 to 6 parts by weight of the cassia seed essence, and 5 to 7 parts by weight of the chrysanthemum essence.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the medicinal and edible plant beverage further comprises: 1 to 3 parts by weight of a sweetener,

[0010] The sweetener comprises one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, honeysuckle, inulin and steviol glycoside.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the medicinal and edible plant beverage is in the form of a solid powder or a concentrated liquid.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicinal and edible plant combination beverage, comprising the medicinal and edible plant combination beverage according to any one of the above claims and a beverage container, wherein:

[0013] Beverage containers are used to hold mineral water;

[0014] The beverage container comprises a sealed storage compartment, and the sealed storage compartment is used for containing the medicinal and edible plant beverage.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage, comprising:

[0016] Extract corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence respectively;

[0017] The corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle;

[0018] Prepare mineral water, and put the mineral water into a beverage bottle;

[0019] The medicinal and edible plant beverage is packaged on an aseptic production line.

[0020] According to some embodiments,

[0021] The weight percentage of the mineral water is 450-550;

[0022] The weight portion of the corn silk essence is 2 to 4;

[0023] The weight portion of the cassia seed essence is 4 to 6;

[0024] The weight portion of the chrysanthemum essence is 5 to 7.

[0025] According to some embodiments, extracting the Cassia seed essence comprises:

[0026] Remove dust and impurities from Cassia seeds and dry them;

[0027] Put the pretreated Cassia seeds into an extraction tank, add 70% ethanol solution in an amount of 8 to 10 times the weight of the Cassia seeds, and heat and reflux to extract, extracting in 2 to 4 times, each extraction time is 1 to 2 hours;

[0028] Ethanol is reduced to an alcohol-free state by distillation;

[0029] The cassia seed extract is recovered, and water is concentrated and evaporated to obtain a cassia seed essence concentrate; and the cassia seed essence concentrate is spray-dried using a spray drying tower.

[0030] According to some embodiments, extracting the corn silk essence comprises:

[0031] Select fresh or dried corn silk and wash the corn silk;

[0032] Extracting the corn silk with water at 80° C. to 100° C. for 30 to 60 minutes, performing two to three extractions;

[0033] collecting the corn silk solution after each extraction, and removing impurities in the corn silk solution;

[0034] The corn silk solution is evaporated and concentrated to obtain a corn silk essence concentrated solution, and the corn silk essence concentrated solution is freeze-dried or spray-dried.

[0035] According to some embodiments, extracting the chrysanthemum essence comprises:

[0036] The dried chrysanthemum is crushed;

[0037] Extracting chrysanthemum essence from chrysanthemum by microwave extraction or ultrasonic extraction;

[0038] Using filter paper to remove solid residue to obtain an extract containing chrysanthemum, and concentrating the extract to obtain a chrysanthemum essence concentrate;

[0039] The chrysanthemum essence concentrated liquid is freeze-dried or spray-dried.

[0040] The medicinal and edible plant beverage of this example embodiment uses corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum as the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage. Corn silk helps to promote the discharge of excess water in the body, and the two act together on the liver and eyes to better maintain the health of these two organs. Cassia seed has the effects of clearing the liver and improving eyesight, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, and is suitable for symptoms such as dry eyes and blurred vision caused by excessive liver fire, and helps to protect eyesight; the ingredients such as emodin contained in cassia seed can effectively improve constipation problems and promote intestinal health. Chrysanthemum has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, calming the liver and improving eyesight, helps to relieve inflammatory reactions, and can be used to relieve eye fatigue. Combining these three ingredients together can bring into play the synergistic effect between them and provide more comprehensive health benefits.

[0041] According to some embodiments, corn silk extract, cassia seed extract, and chrysanthemum extract are mixed in a proportionate manner and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle. When ready to drink, the extract is mixed immediately, releasing the essence from the sealed storage compartment and mixing with the mineral water in the bottle. This not only effectively solves the problem of precipitation after dissolution and long-term storage, which is a common problem with traditional herbal beverages, but also provides users with a convenient and fresh drinking experience.

[0042] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0044] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be embodied in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like or similar parts, and thus repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps, etc. may be adopted. In other cases, known methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring various aspects of the present invention.

[0047] The blocks shown in the drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically separate entities.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, the first component discussed below could be referred to as the second component without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are merely schematic diagrams of example embodiments, and the modules or processes in the drawings are not necessarily necessary for implementing the present invention, and therefore cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] Food-and-medicine botanical beverages are drinks based on traditional medical theory, made from botanical ingredients that can be used as both food and medicine. These plants are believed in Traditional Chinese Medicine to have health-enhancing effects, prevent disease, or promote well-being. They are also common ingredients in daily life. These food-and-medicine botanical beverages not only quench the thirst of regular beverages but also offer health benefits.

[0051] With the improvement of living standards, people are paying more and more attention to healthy diets and tend to choose foods and beverages that are beneficial to their health. Food-drug beverages contain a variety of beneficial ingredients for the human body, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which help to enhance immunity and improve physical fitness. Combining the properties of traditional food-drug plants, for example, corn silk, cassia seeds, and chrysanthemums have anti-inflammatory effects. The present invention combines the essences of these plants with mineral water through extraction technology to provide a more easily absorbed and convenient beverage with choleretic effects.

[0052] Considering that most of the medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market are stored by pre-mixing all the ingredients and then filling them into bottles, however, this method has a short shelf life. After long-term storage, the plant powder of the medicinal and edible plant beverages will precipitate after dissolution.

[0053] To this end, the present invention proposes a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a combination beverage and a preparation method, which can provide a convenient and healthy medicinal and edible plant beverage, and solve the problem that medicinal and edible plant beverages in the existing market are of single variety and difficult to store.

[0054] Through innovative packaging, such as small, portable packages or sports bottles, consumers can carry it with them to meet their drinking needs in different scenarios. The fast pace of modern life has made people more inclined to purchase instant products, which are convenient for drinking anytime, anywhere, such as at work, school, and travel, to quickly replenish nutrition and water.

[0055] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0056] According to the exemplary embodiment, the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage are corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum, which enriches the types of medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market.

[0057] According to some embodiments, corn silk, the filamentous part of corn ears, is readily available and contains flavonoids with various biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The polysaccharides in corn silk help enhance immune system function. The electrolytes contained in corn silk, such as potassium, help maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance and promote the excretion of excess water. It is often used as an adjunctive treatment for edema and hypertension. Its diuretic effect can help reduce the burden on the kidneys, promote the excretion of toxins, and contribute to kidney health.

[0058] Cassia seeds, derived from the dried, mature seeds of the leguminous plant Cassia or Cassia obtusifolia, are a crucial component of traditional Chinese medicine and are considered both a medicinal and edible ingredient. They can also be consumed as food, offering both health-promoting and therapeutic benefits. Cassia seeds have the ability to clear the liver and improve eyesight, and are often used to improve blurred vision and dry eyes. The active ingredients in Cassia seeds exhibit certain anti-inflammatory activity and can be used as an adjunct treatment for inflammatory diseases. Cassia seeds are rich in ingredients such as emodin, which help promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation. Modern research has shown that Cassia seeds can also lower blood cholesterol and fat, providing a beneficial adjunct treatment for obesity.

[0059] Chrysanthemum has long been used as a medicinal and edible ingredient to promote health and treat illness. It clears heat and detoxifies, and is effective for treating symptoms such as fever and sore throat. Chrysanthemum calms the liver and improves eyesight, making it a common treatment for eye fatigue, blurred vision, and red, swollen, and painful eyes caused by liver fire. The flavonoids in chrysanthemum help protect the retina from free radical damage. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help slow the aging process and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Moderate consumption of chrysanthemum can help boost immunity and improve physical fitness.

[0060] The medicinal and edible plant beverage raw materials selected by the present invention combine corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum to exert the synergistic effect of the three, especially showing comprehensive advantages in clearing away heat, promoting bile secretion, and reducing inflammation and removing stones.

[0061] Corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum are typically used to boil water for drinking or medicinal purposes. Due to their unique fibrous texture, these ingredients can feel rough when eaten directly. Specific extraction processes (such as ethanol reflux extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction) can more efficiently extract active ingredients from these raw materials, resulting in higher concentrations of active substances and more beneficial ingredients within the same volume or weight of product.

[0062] Therefore, in order to make the nutrients in corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum more easily absorbed by the human body, corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence are extracted respectively.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the process of extracting corn silk essence includes selecting fresh or dried corn silk, washing it, extracting the corn silk using water at 80°C to 100°C for 30 to 60 minutes, performing two to three extractions, collecting the corn silk filtrate after each extraction, removing impurities in the corn silk filtrate, and concentrating the corn silk filtrate to obtain a corn silk essence concentrate, at which point the corn silk essence is in a liquid state, and freeze-drying or spray-drying the liquid corn silk essence concentrate to obtain a solid powder state of corn silk essence.

[0064] The process of extracting cassia seed essence first requires pre-treating the cassia seeds to remove dust and impurities and dry them. The pre-treated cassia seeds are placed in an extraction tank, and a 70% ethanol solution is added in an amount 8 to 10 times the weight of the cassia seeds. Extraction is performed by heating and refluxing, with 2 to 4 extractions, each lasting 1 to 2 hours. The ethanol is then distilled to a non-alcoholic state, and the cassia seed extract is recovered and concentrated to evaporate the water to obtain a cassia seed essence concentrate.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the liquid Cassia seed essence concentrate may be spray-dried using a spray drying tower to obtain the Cassia seed essence in a solid powder state.

[0066] Chrysanthemum essence can be extracted from chrysanthemums using microwave extraction or ultrasonic extraction. The dried chrysanthemums are pulverized to increase the surface area in contact with the solvent. Extraction is performed using ultrasonic-assisted extraction or microwave-assisted extraction. Solid residue is removed using a filter medium such as filter paper to obtain an extract containing the active ingredients of the chrysanthemum. The extract can then be concentrated using decompression to reduce the solvent content and increase the concentration of the active ingredients, thereby forming a concentrated chrysanthemum essence solution.

[0067] Furthermore, the chrysanthemum extract concentrate is spray-dried, rapidly dried into a fine powder by spraying it into hot air through a sprayer. Alternatively, freeze-drying is used, first freezing the liquid chrysanthemum extract and then sublimating the ice directly into water vapor under vacuum conditions, removing the moisture without destroying the chrysanthemum extract structure. This process effectively extracts extracts from corn silk, cassia seeds, and chrysanthemums for subsequent use as active ingredients in teas. This extraction method not only helps preserve the active ingredients in the plants but also significantly extends the product's shelf life.

[0068] Since the three ingredients of corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum are all derived from natural plants, it is considered that there may be interactions between them that affect the stability and taste of the product. The ratio of the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage is designed to be 2 to 4 parts by weight of the corn silk essence, 4 to 6 parts by weight of the cassia seed essence, and 5 to 7 parts by weight of the chrysanthemum essence. Each raw material of corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum contains different active ingredients. For example, corn silk has the effects of diuresis, detumescence, lowering blood pressure and assisting in improving gallstone problems. Cassia seed has the effects of clearing the liver and improving eyesight, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, and lowering blood lipids, while chrysanthemum is known for clearing heat and detoxifying, calming the liver and improving eyesight. Different plant extracts may have different flavors, and the best taste experience can be achieved by reasonably blending the ratios. For example, chrysanthemum usually has a certain fragrance that can neutralize the unpleasant taste that may be brought by other ingredients.

[0069] Taking into account the differences in needs among different groups of people, the formula may need to be personalized in actual production to meet specific health needs.

[0070] For example, corn silk extract is 3 parts by weight, cassia seed extract is 5 parts by weight, and chrysanthemum extract is 6 parts by weight. Leveraging synergistic effects, corn silk's diuretic and swelling-reducing properties, as well as its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, can help eliminate excess water and toxins from the body. Combined with the heat-clearing and detoxifying properties of chrysanthemum, this enhances the body's detoxification capacity and is particularly effective in improving edema and boosting metabolism. Chrysanthemum also protects eyesight and improves eye health, while cassia seed clears the liver and improves eyesight, making it suitable for those who spend extended periods in front of computer screens, helping to alleviate eye fatigue. For eye discomfort caused by excessive liver fire, the combination of cassia seed and chrysanthemum provides enhanced eye health support. Cassia seed also regulates blood lipids and aids digestion, helping to lower blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular disease. Its laxative properties help maintain intestinal health. Combined with corn silk's choleretic properties, it helps promote normal digestive function.

[0071] The mixture of corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum extract in this embodiment can not only bring out the best effects of each, but also improve the overall health benefits through synergistic effects, optimize the taste of the beverage and enhance market acceptance.

[0072] According to actual applications and to adapt to diverse needs, this ratio can be flexibly adjusted, such as increasing or decreasing the proportion of a certain ingredient to meet the needs of a specific consumer group.

[0073] Because different plant materials have distinct flavors and aromas, a balanced blend can help harmonize these flavors, ensuring the finished product retains their distinct characteristics while maintaining a harmonious balance, thereby increasing consumer acceptance. Corn silk has a light, slightly sweet flavor. Cassia seed is often described as slightly bitter, sweet, and slightly sour, with a mild aroma. However, when consumed directly, bitterness is a prominent characteristic. This bitterness comes from anthraquinone compounds such as emodin found in Cassia seed. Despite its bitterness, its properties are mild, and it is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear the liver, improve eyesight, and promote bowel movements. Chrysanthemum has a unique, refreshing aroma and mild flavor, often described as having a light sweetness and a mild bitterness, refreshing without being irritating. To counteract the slightly bitter taste of these three ingredients, sweeteners are added to enhance the taste.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the sweetener can optionally be one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, honeysuckle, inulin, and steviol glycoside, and the weight proportion of the sweetener is 1 to 3. Appropriate adjustment of the proportion of each ingredient helps to optimize the taste of the final beverage.

[0075] Medicinal and edible botanical beverages can be prepared as solid powders or concentrated liquids. If the corn silk extract, cassia seed extract, and chrysanthemum extract in the medicinal and edible botanical beverage are in liquid form, honey can be used as a sweetener. Honey has good solubility and its paste-like flowability is compatible with the liquid state of the medicinal and edible botanical beverage ingredients. Natural honey not only provides a natural sweetness but also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which contribute to the overall nutritional value of the beverage. Furthermore, honey has a unique aroma that adds a rich flavor to the beverage.

[0076] If the corn silk extract, cassia seed extract, and chrysanthemum extract in a herbal beverage with medicinal and edible properties are in powdered form, the sweetener may be one or more of rock sugar powder, trehalose, honeysuckle, inulin, or steviol glycosides. Rock sugar powder provides a natural, pure sweetness that moistens the lungs and relieves coughs, making it suitable for those who dislike artificial sweeteners. Trehalose, with its low sweetness, heat and acid resistance, and high stability, has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, is less likely to cause tooth decay, and helps maintain stability. Inulin, with its mild sweetness, also acts as a prebiotic and is rich in dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health and helping control blood sugar levels. Steviol glycosides are natural sweeteners extracted from the stevia plant that do not spike blood sugar, making them suitable for diabetics or those who need to reduce their sugar intake. Honeysuckle has a light, refreshing aroma. Combining honeysuckle extract with the powdered extract from the herbal beverage with medicinal and edible properties can enhance the flavor of the beverage, reduce bitterness, and make the tea smoother and easier to drink, creating a richer and more diverse taste experience.

[0077] The aforementioned sweeteners can be mixed and used in appropriate proportions based on the target consumer's taste preferences and health needs. For example, a small amount of rock sugar powder provides a base sweetness, while a moderate amount of steviol glycosides enhances sweetness without increasing calories, and inulin improves nutritional value and smoothness. By rationally selecting and combining these sweeteners, not only can the taste of beverages based on corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum, which are both medicinal and edible plants, be effectively enhanced, but health considerations can also be taken into account, creating a beverage option that is both delicious and healthy.

[0078] The ratio of the present invention is fine-tuned based on the research on the homology of medicine and food and the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine as well as actual testing to achieve the established functional goals without losing a good taste, ensuring that the overall balance will not be destroyed while meeting specific needs.

[0079] From the perspective of medicine and food being of the same origin, corn silk has the effects of diuresis, detumescence, clearing away heat and detoxification, and is often used as an auxiliary treatment for diseases such as nephritis and hypertension. Corn silk is rich in flavonoids, polysaccharides, minerals (such as potassium), etc., which help promote water metabolism in the body and improve edema symptoms. Cassia seed has the effects of regulating adrenal hormone secretion, clearing away heat and detoxification. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to help clear the "heat toxins" in the body and has a certain effect on relieving symptoms such as fever and sore throat. Cassia seed is not only an important Chinese medicinal material, but is also widely used in daily diet. It is known for clearing the liver and improving eyesight, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It can improve vision problems, relieve constipation, and regulate blood lipid levels, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.

[0080] Chrysanthemum is both a medicinal herb and a common food ingredient. It is famous for its properties of clearing heat and detoxifying, calming the liver and improving eyesight. It can be used to relieve symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and eye fatigue. It is also an ideal source of natural antioxidants.

[0081] In summary, by rationally combining the strengths of these three ingredients, the drink maintains its essential nutritional value while also highlighting its specific health benefits. This combination embodies the concept of medicine and food sharing their origins, which leverages natural ingredients in our daily diet to prevent and treat disease. The three ingredients work together to enhance their respective benefits, providing stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, as well as improved digestive support, ultimately achieving overall conditioning and optimization of human function.

[0082] Following the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Five Elements theory, which refers to wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, these elements correspond to the five internal organs of the human body (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys), influencing each other's function through mutual generation and mutual restraint. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the kidneys are responsible for managing water balance and excretion in the body. The kidneys belong to the Kan hexagram, symbolizing water, and represent deep energy reserves and inner tranquility.

[0083] According to historical records, corn silk, due to its diuretic and swelling-reducing properties, is associated with the water element, corresponding to the kidneys and bladder. Corn silk helps regulate fluid metabolism and plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance. Furthermore, as water generates wood, moderate corn silk consumption can also benefit liver health, promoting blood purification and toxin elimination. Cassia seed belongs to the wood element, primarily affecting the liver system. Wood symbolizes growth and development, and the liver is considered a key organ for regulating mood and promoting blood circulation. Cassia seed can clear the liver, improve eyesight, and relieve liver depression, effectively treating various symptoms caused by excessive liver fire.

[0084] Chrysanthemum also belongs to the Wood element in the Five Elements. Its calming, liver-tonifying, and eye-clearing properties can help alleviate eye discomfort and other symptoms associated with hyperactive Liver Yang. Its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties make it ideal for combating inflammation in the body while also supporting overall immunity.

[0085] According to the Five Elements principle of mutual generation, the combination of corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum addresses the key functional areas of the "water" and "wood" elements, effectively promoting metabolism while also regulating mood and improving vision. While "wood" generates "fire," under certain conditions, "wood" can also aid the flow of "water" through its dredging effect. This is particularly true when addressing issues caused by excessive dampness, where its dredging properties can help remove excess water and alleviate symptoms of edema. The use of two wood plants, cassia seed and chrysanthemum, can enhance the fluidity and efficiency of "water" through their dredging properties, thereby helping to improve various issues caused by renal insufficiency or poor water metabolism. This practice aligns with the Five Elements theory's concept of dynamic balance, which aims to restore overall harmony in the body by adjusting the relationships between the different elements.

[0086] In line with the Five Elements theory, the combination of corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum creates an inherent harmony between these ingredients, complementing each other and synergistically benefiting different internal organs. This healthy beverage formula, designed based on the concept of the homology of medicine and food and adhering to Traditional Chinese Medicine's Five Elements theory, not only considers the unique characteristics of each ingredient but also emphasizes their synergy, providing comprehensive and balanced health support.

[0087] According to some embodiments, a herbal beverage containing both medicinal and edible properties can also be added with mineral water to produce a herbal beverage containing both medicinal and edible properties. The herbal beverage contains the herbal beverage and a beverage container, wherein the beverage container is used to hold the mineral water; the beverage container includes a sealed storage compartment for holding the herbal beverage. By using mineral water as a base, the nutritional content of the beverage can be naturally increased without the addition of additional chemically synthesized substances.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the medicinal and edible plant beverage includes 450 to 550 parts by weight of mineral water, and the mineral water may also be mountain spring water.

[0089] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0090] See also Figure 1 In S101, corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence are extracted respectively.

[0091] According to some embodiments, corn silk extract, cassia seed extract, and chrysanthemum extract are extracted separately.

[0092] The process of extracting corn silk essence involves first selecting fresh or dried corn silk, washing it, cutting it into small pieces, and extracting it with water at 80°C to 100°C for 30 to 60 minutes, performing two to three extractions. The filtrate after each extraction is collected, impurities in the filtrate are removed, and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain the corn silk essence. The liquid corn silk essence is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain a solid powder of corn silk essence.

[0093] The process of extracting cassia seed essence first requires pre-treatment of the cassia seeds, removal of dust and impurities from the cassia seeds, and drying. The pre-treated cassia seeds are placed in an extraction tank, and a 70% ethanol solution in an amount 8 to 10 times the weight of the cassia seeds is added for heating and reflux extraction. The extraction is divided into 2 to 4 times, and each extraction time is 1 to 2 hours. The ethanol is reduced to an alcohol-free state by distillation, the cassia seed extract is recovered, and the water is concentrated and evaporated to obtain a cassia seed essence concentrate. Furthermore, the liquid cassia seed essence concentrate is spray-dried using a spray drying tower to obtain a solid powder cassia seed essence.

[0094] Chrysanthemum essence is extracted from chrysanthemums using microwave extraction or ultrasonic extraction. The dried chrysanthemums are pulverized to increase the surface area in contact with the solvent. Extraction is performed using ultrasonic-assisted extraction or microwave-assisted extraction. Filter paper or other filter media is used to remove solid residues to obtain an extract containing the active ingredients of the chrysanthemums. The extract is then concentrated under reduced pressure to reduce the solvent content and increase the concentration of the active ingredients, forming a chrysanthemum essence concentrate. The liquid chrysanthemum essence concentrate is spray-dried to obtain a solid powder of chrysanthemum essence. The powder is then rapidly dried into a fine powder by spraying it into hot air using a sprayer. Alternatively, freeze-drying is used to freeze the liquid chrysanthemum essence, and then the ice is directly sublimated into water vapor under vacuum conditions, thereby removing moisture without destroying the chrysanthemum essence structure.

[0095] According to a predetermined ratio, 2 to 4 parts by weight of corn silk essence, 4 to 6 parts by weight of cassia seed essence and 5 to 7 parts by weight of chrysanthemum essence constitute the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage.

[0096] In S103, the corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle. The sealed storage compartment can store solid powder essences or liquid essences.

[0098] The beverage container for the medicinal and edible botanical beverage of the present invention has a unique bottle cap structure. A separate, small space is provided at the mouth of the beverage container as a sealed storage compartment for storing the mixed essence. To ensure the freshness of the essence and protect the active ingredients, the storage compartment has excellent sealing properties. A fixed amount of essence is filled into the sealed storage compartment of each bottle and immediately sealed.

[0099] The sealed storage compartment design allows consumers to release the essence into mineral water before drinking. This ensures the quality of the essence is not affected while also making it easy for consumers to use. This approach not only improves product convenience and user experience, but also maximizes the preservation of the active ingredients of the plant essence, providing consumers with a novel and healthy beverage option.

[0100] In S105 , mineral water is prepared and filled into a beverage bottle.

[0101] According to some embodiments, mineral water is prepared, wherein the weight ratio of the mineral water is 450 to 550. Purified mineral water is selected, which contains trace elements beneficial to the human body and can enhance the overall nutritional value of the beverage. The filtered and sterilized mineral water is filled into a beverage bottle.

[0102] In S107, the medicinal and edible plant beverage is packaged on an aseptic production line.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the essence and the mineral water are packaged on an aseptic production line, and the filling bottles and bottle caps are thoroughly sterilized by hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light to ensure that the sanitary conditions of the packaging materials meet food safety standards.

[0104] After sealing, necessary quality tests are carried out, including checks on microbiological indicators, physical and chemical properties, to ensure that each batch of products meets the specified quality standards. "Shake well before drinking" is indicated on the product label to inform consumers.

[0105] The preparation method of the edible and medicinal plant beverage of this example embodiment combines the production process of high-efficiency filtration and purification, precise proportioning and mixing, and aseptic filling technology, which not only ensures the safety and nutritional value of the edible and medicinal plant beverage, but also retains its health benefits to the greatest extent, meeting the needs of modern consumers for natural and healthy drinks.

[0106] The packaging design of the edible and medicinal herbal beverage in this exemplary embodiment separates the essence and mineral water during storage. Unscrewing the bottle cap and shaking the bottle allows the essence in the sealed compartment to mix with the mineral water in the bottle. This design not only provides a convenient and fast drinking experience for the edible and medicinal herbal beverage, but also ensures the stable quality of the beverage throughout its shelf life. The unique packaging design and rotary opening mechanism release the essence in the sealed compartment and dissolve it in the mineral water in the bottle, making it easy to drink and ensuring that the essence and spring water mix during consumption, preserving the activity of the nutrients.

[0107] To ensure the quality and safety of edible and medicinal plant beverages, strict quality control points should be followed. The following tests should be conducted during the preparation of edible and medicinal plant beverages:

[0108] When testing raw materials for medicinal and edible plant beverages, mountain spring water should comply with the requirements of GB 8537 "National Food Safety Standard for Drinking Natural Mineral Water", including requirements for water source protection, pollutant limits, microbial indicators, etc.

[0109] Process monitoring for the preparation of herbal beverages with medicinal and edible properties: We select fresh, pollution-free, pest-free ingredients, including visual inspection, pesticide residue testing, and heavy metal content testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The entire packaging process should be conducted on a sterile production line to prevent microbial contamination. Automated filling equipment is used to ensure the exact amount of essence and mineral water in each bottle. The sealing performance of the bottle cap and body is tested online to prevent leakage and external contamination.

[0110] The medicinal and edible botanical beverage prepared by the method of this exemplary embodiment is not only rich in minerals from mountain spring water and nutrients from corn silk, cassia seeds, and chrysanthemums, but also undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure product safety, stability, and effectiveness. Such a beverage is suitable for daily consumption by people pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

[0111] This exemplary embodiment implements the above-mentioned quality control measures on the medicinal and edible plant beverage, which can effectively ensure the safety, stability and effectiveness of the medicinal and edible plant beverage, meet the expectations of consumers and comply with the requirements of laws and regulations.

[0112] The concept of food and medicine having the same origin means that some ingredients can be used as part of daily diet and also have certain medicinal value and can be used to prevent and treat diseases.

[0113] According to some embodiments, each bottle of the medicinal and edible botanical beverage contains 500 ml of mineral water, 3 parts by weight of corn silk extract, 5 parts by weight of cassia seed extract, 6 parts by weight of chrysanthemum extract, and 1 part by weight of a sweetener. The sweetener can be selected from one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin, and steviol glycosides, depending on the actual target audience.

[0114] By designing a reasonable ratio and combining it with the diuretic effect of corn silk, Cassia seed is believed to regulate the secretion of adrenal hormones, which has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. Adrenal hormones play an important role in regulating the body's stress response and metabolism. Chrysanthemum has the effects of promoting blood circulation, clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting dampness and reducing swelling, helping to relieve edema and inflammation. The present invention has developed a more balanced healthy drink suitable for more people to drink, which not only provides rich nutritional value but also has a good taste experience, suitable for long-term consumption to achieve the purpose of health care.

[0115] According to some embodiments, a population evaluation of a medicinal and edible plant beverage is conducted in combination with the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with the aim of evaluating the potential benefits of a medicinal and edible plant beverage composed of corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum on human health.

[0116] The age range of participants was 18 to 65 years old, with a total of 60 participants.

[0117] An experimental group (drinking a medicinal and edible plant beverage made from corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum) and a control group (not drinking the beverage or drinking a placebo) were set up, with 30 people in each group across all age groups.

[0118] Experimental period: 4 to 8 weeks, considering that it may take some time for the body's response to dietary changes to appear, and longer observation time helps to more accurately assess the long-term effects.

[0119] Before the experiment begins, baseline data will be collected from all participants, including but not limited to self-reported scores on mental state, sleep quality, skin condition, digestive function, and other aspects. Throughout the experiment, questionnaires or other forms of data collection will be conducted every week or two to understand changes in participants' feelings and health improvements. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted after the experiment concludes, comparing the differences in various indicators between the experimental and control groups.

[0120] According to the characteristics of corn silk, cassia seed and chrysanthemum and the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the experimental group showed the following improvements after regularly consuming the medicinal and edible plant beverage of this embodiment:

[0121] Feedback indicates that participants in the experimental group experienced less edema after drinking the drink compared to the control group, an effect attributed to the diuretic effect of corn silk. Some participants also found that constipation was alleviated, digestion became smoother, and bloating was reduced, attributed to the laxative effect of cassia seed. Some participants reported improved vision and reduced eye fatigue. Cassia seed and chrysanthemum are both known for clearing the liver and improving eyesight. Long-term consumption of this drink may help relieve symptoms such as eye fatigue and dryness, especially for those who use computers or other electronic screens for extended periods, thereby ensuring eye health. Some participants reported feeling more energetic, happier, and calmer. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the "wood" element is closely related to emotional regulation, and cassia seed and chrysanthemum both help calm the liver and relieve depression. Therefore, participants in the experimental group may report a more relaxed mood and reduced anxiety.

[0122] Because these ingredients possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, long-term consumption of this beverage may enhance the body's immune system, leading to feelings of energy and improved resistance. These plants contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that may help strengthen the immune system. They are rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants that effectively combat free radical damage, thereby slowing the aging process and potentially reducing chronic inflammation.

[0123] Using a controlled experimental design can help scientifically verify the actual effects of corn silk, cassia seed, and chrysanthemum on the medicinal and edible plant beverage, providing strong data support for the promotion of medicinal and edible plant beverages. By comparing the results of the experimental and control groups, people who drank the medicinal and edible plant beverage rated it as suitable for most people.

[0124] This example uses a botanical beverage made from all-natural ingredients, combining extracted corn silk extract, cassia seed extract, and chrysanthemum extract with mineral water in a unique packaging design for easy portability and storage. This ready-to-drink beverage is prepared by dissolving the extract in mineral water and shaking it well. This botanical beverage is suitable for busy modern lifestyles, and long-term consumption can help promote kidney health.

[0125] It should be noted that for the aforementioned method embodiments, for simplicity of description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that the present invention is not limited to the order of the actions described. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in this specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required for the present invention.

[0126] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0127] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0128] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the detailed structure, configuration or implementation described herein; on the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended clauses.

Claims

1. A medicinal and edible plant beverage, characterized in that: The raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence.

2. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include: 2 to 4 parts by weight of the corn silk essence, 4 to 6 parts by weight of the cassia seed essence, and 5 to 7 parts by weight of the chrysanthemum essence.

3. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage also include: The sweetener comprises 1 to 3 parts by weight, wherein the sweetener comprises one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, honeysuckle, inulin and steviol glycoside.

4. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medicinal and edible plant beverage is in the form of solid powder or concentrated liquid.

5. A medicinal and edible plant combination beverage, comprising the medicinal and edible plant beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a beverage container, wherein: Beverage containers are used to hold mineral water; The beverage container comprises a sealed storage compartment, and the sealed storage compartment is used for containing the medicinal and edible plant beverage.

6. A method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage, characterized in that: include: Extract corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence respectively; The corn silk essence, cassia seed essence and chrysanthemum essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle; Prepare mineral water, and put the mineral water into a beverage bottle; The medicinal and edible plant beverage is packaged on an aseptic production line.

7. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that The weight percentage of the mineral water is 450-550; The weight portion of the corn silk essence is 2 to 4; The weight portion of the cassia seed essence is 4 to 6; The weight portion of the chrysanthemum essence is 5 to 7.

8. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that Extraction of the cassia seed essence includes: Remove dust and impurities from Cassia seeds and dry them; Put the pretreated Cassia seeds into an extraction tank, add 70% ethanol solution in an amount of 8 to 10 times the weight of the Cassia seeds, and heat and reflux to extract, extracting in 2 to 4 times, each extraction time is 1 to 2 hours; Ethanol is reduced to an alcohol-free state by distillation; Recovering the Cassia seed extract, concentrating and evaporating the water to obtain the Cassia seed essence concentrate; The Cassia seed essence concentrated liquid is spray-dried using a spray drying tower.

9. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that Extracting the corn silk essence includes: Select fresh or dried corn silk and wash the corn silk; Extracting the corn silk with water at 80° C. to 100° C. for 30 to 60 minutes, performing two to three extractions; collecting the corn silk solution after each extraction, and removing impurities in the corn silk solution; The corn silk solution is evaporated and concentrated to obtain a corn silk essence concentrated solution, and the corn silk essence concentrated solution is freeze-dried or spray-dried.

10. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that Extracting the chrysanthemum essence includes: The dried chrysanthemum is crushed; Extracting chrysanthemum essence from chrysanthemum by microwave extraction or ultrasonic extraction; Using filter paper to remove solid residue to obtain an extract containing chrysanthemum, and concentrating the extract to obtain a chrysanthemum essence concentrate; The chrysanthemum essence concentrated liquid is freeze-dried or spray-dried.

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