Medicinal and edible plant beverage and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a preparation method thereof. The medicinal and edible plant beverage comprises the following raw materials: lily and dogwood. The medicinal and edible plant beverage prepared by the method provided by the invention enriches the varieties of medicinal and edible plant beverages in the market, and can maintain the heart through dietary therapy.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The existing beverage market encompasses a wide range of categories, from carbonated drinks, juice drinks, tea drinks, to functional beverages. Many popular beverages contain large amounts of added sugar, and long-term consumption can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Some functional beverages claim to have specific benefits, such as boosting immunity and improving sleep, but these claims may lack sufficient scientific research to support them.

[0003] As people's health awareness increases, consumers' demand for functional beverages is growing. Green plants are widely used in food and medicine due to their rich nutrients and health functions.

[0004] Therefore, a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a preparation method are proposed, which can effectively solve the above conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application aims to provide a plant beverage with medicinal and edible properties and a preparation method, enrich the types of beverages on the market, and provide a healthy beverage option that can maintain the heart through diet therapy.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, a plant beverage with both medicinal and edible properties is provided, wherein the raw materials of the plant beverage with both medicinal and edible properties include lily and cornus officinalis.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the raw materials of the edible and medicinal plant beverage include 3 to 5 parts by weight of the lily and 3 to 5 parts by weight of the cornus officinalis.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the edible and medicinal plant beverage further comprises 300 to 400 parts by weight of mineral water.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the mineral water comprises mountain spring water.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the edible and medicinal plant beverage further comprises a sweetener, wherein the sweetener comprises one or more of honey, inulin, and steviol glycoside.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present application, a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage is provided, the method comprising:

[0012] Prepare mineral water;

[0013] After washing the lily and cornus officinalis, add them into boiling water and extract for 30 minutes to 1 hour to obtain a mixed solution;

[0014] Filtering the mixed solution to remove solid residues to obtain an extract containing lily and cornus officinalis essences;

[0015] The extract is evaporated and concentrated to obtain a lily and cornus officinalis essence solution;

[0016] The lily and cornus officinalis essence solution is added to the mineral water, and ultrasonic homogenization is performed to prepare a medicinal and edible plant beverage.

[0017] According to some embodiments, filtering the mixed solution to remove solid residue includes a primary coarse filtration and a secondary fine filtration.

[0018] According to some embodiments,

[0019] The weight portion of the mineral water is 300 to 400;

[0020] The weight portion of the lily is 3 to 5;

[0021] The weight proportion of the Cornus officinalis is 3 to 5 parts.

[0022] According to some embodiments, one or more of honey, inulin, and steviol glycosides are added before ultrasonic homogenization.

[0023] According to some embodiments, aseptically filling the homogenized medicinal and edible plant beverage comprises:

[0024] Aseptic cold filling is used;

[0025] Treating bottles and caps with hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light;

[0026] Filling temperature ≤30℃ to reduce the loss of heat-sensitive ingredients;

[0027] Seal immediately after filling.

[0028] The medicinal and edible plant beverage of this exemplary embodiment introduces raw materials such as lily and cornus officinalis. Lily contains a variety of alkaloids, saponins and other ingredients, which have a certain sedative effect, can help relieve stress and anxiety, and have certain indirect benefits to heart health. Cornus officinalis is rich in ingredients such as iridoid ether terpenoid glycosides and triterpenes, has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, can regulate blood pressure and blood lipids, and help maintain cardiovascular health. Using lily and cornus officinalis as the main raw materials for medicinal and edible plant beverages can not only bring actual health benefits to consumers, but also fill the gap in the existing beverage market for medicinal and edible plant beverages that are beneficial to the heart through unique formula design, and meet the growing demand for natural and functional foods.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0031] 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

[0032] 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 repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] In addition, described feature, structure or characteristic can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.In the following description, many specific details are provided so as to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the technical scheme of the present application can be put into practice without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps etc. can be adopted. In other cases, known methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring the various aspects of the application.

[0034] The blocks shown in the drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically separate entities.

[0035] 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 invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] 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 application, and therefore cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0037] Food-and-medicine botanical beverages are drinks based on traditional Chinese medical theory, made from botanical ingredients that can be used as both food and medicine. These plants are believed in TCM to regulate the body, prevent disease, or promote health, and they are also common ingredients in daily life. These food-and-medicine botanical beverages not only offer the thirst-quenching and enjoyable benefits of regular beverages, but also possess certain health benefits.

[0038] Lily and Cornus officinalis are both traditional Chinese medicinal materials included in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" and have been listed in the catalog of "both food and medicine", making them suitable for daily consumption.

[0039] To this end, the present invention proposes a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a preparation method, which can provide a safe and healthy medicinal and edible plant beverage, solving the problems that ordinary beverages in the existing market are unhealthy and functional beverages lack sufficient scientific research support.

[0040] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, some terms or concepts involved in the embodiments of the present invention are explained.

[0041] Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a family of small peptide hormones that play a key role in the human renin-angiotensin system (RAS), mainly responsible for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

[0042] The exemplary embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the embodiments and drawings.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, the raw materials of the edible and medicinal plant beverage are lily and cornus officinalis. By introducing raw materials such as lily and cornus officinalis, the types of edible and medicinal plant beverages on the market can be enriched.

[0044] Among them, lily contains a variety of alkaloids, saponins and other ingredients. Lily has the effect of clearing the mind and calming the nerves. It can be used to improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and help relieve stress. The polysaccharide components in lily are believed to be able to enhance the body's immune function.

[0045] Cornus officinalis is rich in iridoid glycosides, triterpenes and other ingredients, and has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It plays a role in regulating blood pressure and blood lipids, and helps maintain cardiovascular health.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the potential mechanism of action of Cornus officinalis on the cardiovascular system is that some components in Cornus officinalis may have effects similar to those of ACE inhibitors, helping to relax vascular smooth muscle and improve blood circulation. They regulate the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for converting angiotensin I into angiotensin II in the body, a potent vasoconstrictor. By inhibiting the activity of ACE, the production of angiotensin II can be reduced, thereby helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the burden on the heart. In addition to directly acting on the heart, Cornus officinalis can also promote the dilation of peripheral blood vessels, which helps reduce systemic vascular resistance, reduce the workload of the heart, and improve tissue perfusion. It can improve myocardial contractility and also significantly regulate the dilation of peripheral blood vessels, enhancing the efficiency of the heart.

[0047] This embodiment selects lily and cornus officinalis as raw materials for the medicinal and edible plant beverage, which not only brings practical health benefits to consumers, but also increases the diversity of the medicinal and edible plant beverage, providing consumers with more choices.

[0048] According to some embodiments, lily and cornus officinalis are used as raw materials for a plant beverage that is both medicinal and edible, and 3 to 5 parts by weight of lily, 3 to 5 parts by weight of cornus officinalis, and 300 to 400 parts by weight of mineral water are selected. This ratio is determined so that the lily and cornus officinalis contain sufficient active ingredients in the beverage to exert their health-care effects. Compared to using a higher ratio of lily and cornus officinalis, this ratio can prevent the beverage from being too strong or bitter, making the overall taste softer and easier to accept. Since the proportion of medicinal materials is relatively low, it is suitable for daily drinking by more people of different ages and health conditions, reducing the possibility of adverse reactions due to individual differences.

[0049] According to some embodiments, mineral water contains a variety of minerals and trace elements beneficial to the human body, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These components are crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions. By using mineral water as a base, the nutritional content of the beverage can be naturally increased without the addition of chemically synthesized substances. Mineral water can be selected from mountain spring water. 300-400 parts of mineral water not only provides adequate hydration but also helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body.

[0050] The present invention determines the proportion of the medicinal and edible plant beverage, which not only utilizes the benefits of lily and cornus officinalis on the cardiovascular system, ensures the core function of the product, but also takes into account the consumer's drinking experience, cost-effectiveness and safety, and is a relatively ideal design scheme.

[0051] The medicinal and edible plant beverage of the present invention is not just a simple hydration tool, but a functional beverage with multiple added values ​​such as regulating cardiovascular health and relieving stress.

[0052] If you need to further improve the taste, you can easily add natural sweeteners such as honey, inulin, and one or more steviol glycosides without affecting the main efficacy.

[0053] According to some embodiments, one or more of honey, inulin, and steviol glycosides can be added to the beverage made from plants of both medicinal and edible origin. Honey has a unique sweet taste and rich flavor, which can significantly improve the taste of the beverage, making it smoother and easier to eat. It is rich in vitamins (such as B vitamins), minerals (such as calcium, iron, zinc) and antioxidants. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and helps to enhance immunity. However, honey contains a high level of natural sugars, so if you consider it for people who control their sugar intake, you should avoid choosing it as a sweetener. Adjust the amount of addition according to the needs of different sweetness. Generally, you can add 3 to 5 parts by weight of honey per liter of beverage.

[0054] Inulin is a naturally occurring dietary fiber found in various plants. It has a slightly sweet taste and is calorie-free. It adds thickness and smoothness to beverages, helping to mask the flavors of other ingredients and enhance the mouthfeel. Inulin is a water-soluble dietary fiber with a slightly sweet taste, but not as overpowering as regular sucrose. It adds thickness and texture to beverages, providing a smooth mouthfeel. As a prebiotic, inulin also promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, supporting digestive health. It can also help lower cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health.

[0055] Stevioside is a natural sweetener extracted from the stevia leaf. It is virtually calorie-free and can be used to adjust the sweetness of beverages, replacing traditional sugar. It does not cause blood sugar fluctuations, making it ideal for diabetics and those who need to manage their weight. Compared to artificial sweeteners, steviol glycoside is considered safer and more natural. Because steviol glycoside is approximately 200 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose, only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness. Typically, adding 0.01 to 0.05 parts by weight of steviol glycoside per liter of beverage improves taste.

[0056] In actual formulations, honey can be chosen for natural sweetness and added nutritional value. For beverages focused on intestinal health, inulin can be used. For sugar-free or low-sugar formulations, steviol glycosides can be used. Alternatively, a combination of honey and inulin can provide a good taste while promoting intestinal health. The natural aroma of honey can mask the slight off-flavor that inulin may introduce. The combination of honey and steviol glycosides leverages the flavor of honey to balance the potential bitterness of steviol glycosides, while reducing the amount of honey used to control overall calorie intake. The combination of inulin and steviol glycosides is suitable for developing low-calorie, high-fiber functional beverages, particularly for consumers who want sweetness without consuming excessive sugar.

[0057] By rationally selecting and combining these natural sweeteners, not only can the taste of plant-based beverages be effectively improved, but their nutritional value can also be further enhanced to meet the health needs of different consumers.

[0058] The preparation of plant-based beverages that are both medicinal and edible requires the extraction of lily and cornus officinalis essences. On the one hand, the effective ingredients can be efficiently extracted from lily and cornus officinalis while maintaining the activity and stability of these ingredients. On the other hand, the extracted lily and cornus officinalis essences can be better integrated with mineral water.

[0059] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0060] See also Figure 1 , in S101 , mineral water is prepared.

[0061] According to some embodiments, mineral water not only provides basic hydration but also enhances the overall nutritional value of the beverage. When preparing mineral water, ensure that the mineral water used meets drinking water standards and contains appropriate amounts of minerals beneficial to the human body, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

[0062] Mountain spring water can be used as the mineral water. Mountain spring water is favored by consumers for its rich mineral content. However, as a natural resource, improperly treated mountain spring water can pose safety risks, including harmful microorganisms, parasites, and heavy metal contamination. Therefore, before using mountain spring water as a beverage, it must undergo effective purification and treatment steps.

[0063] The spring water is filtered and treated using a multi-stage filtration process: sand filtration, activated carbon filtration, and precision filtration to remove impurities, organic matter, and possible microorganisms. The sand filtration uses quartz sand of varying particle sizes or multi-media filter media to remove particulate matter, soil, and suspended solids from the spring water. The initial filtration process effectively intercepts large impurities.

[0064] After the sand filter, the spring water flows through the activated carbon layer. The activated carbon has a huge surface area and can absorb organic matter, chlorine and heavy metal ions in the water, and can improve the taste and odor of the water. The activated carbon filtration method is particularly effective in removing potentially harmful chemicals.

[0065] Precision filtration uses a membrane pore size of 0.1 to 10 microns to filter out microorganisms. This step, also known as microfiltration or ultrafiltration, further removes smaller particles and microorganisms. Using a membrane pore size of 0.1 to 10 microns is sufficient to prevent most bacteria and larger viruses from reaching subsequent processing stages.

[0066] After being filtered and cleaned, spring water is then treated with ultraviolet light. This process involves flowing the water at a constant speed through a UV lamp, where the ultraviolet wavelengths disrupt the DNA structure of microorganisms in the water, achieving a sterilizing effect. Ultraviolet sterilization is a physical disinfection method that uses ultraviolet wavelengths to disrupt the DNA structure of microorganisms, thereby preventing their reproduction. This method does not change the taste, color, or pH of the water, nor does it produce any byproducts. To ensure effectiveness, the water flow rate must be moderate to ensure that all microorganisms are fully exposed to the UV light.

[0067] In S103 , the lily and cornus officinalis are washed, added into boiling water and extracted for 30 minutes to 1 hour to obtain a mixed solution.

[0068] According to some embodiments, lilies and cornus officinalis are carefully cleaned to remove surface dust and impurities. If necessary, they can be cut into small pieces to better release the active ingredients. The cleaned lilies and cornus officinalis are added to a volume of water approximately 8 to 10 times the total volume of the lilies and cornus officinalis, with 3 to 5 parts by weight of the lilies and 3 to 5 parts by weight of the cornus officinalis. The water is boiled and then simmered over low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Stirring should be done to ensure even heating of the medicinal materials and promote the full release of the active ingredients.

[0069] Through heating extraction, the active ingredients in lily and cornus officinalis (such as polysaccharides, alkaloids, saponins, iridoid glycosides, etc.) are transferred from the medicinal materials to water to form a mixed solution containing active ingredients.

[0070] In S105 , the mixed solution is filtered to remove solid residues, thereby obtaining an extract containing lily and cornus officinalis essences.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the solid residue after boiling is removed to obtain a clear, transparent or translucent liquid, which is convenient for subsequent evaporation, concentration, blending and homogenization to improve the safety and stability of the beverage and avoid precipitation or microbial contamination caused by impurities.

[0072] Remove the boiled mixed solution from the heating device and allow it to cool naturally to prevent the high-temperature liquid from damaging the filter material and reduce the precipitation of heat-sensitive components due to a sudden drop in temperature during the filtration process.

[0073] First, perform a coarse filtration using multiple layers of medical gauze or a stainless steel filter (60-100 mesh) to remove large particles such as lily fiber, cornus officinalis peel, seeds, and other residues, suspended matter, and insoluble impurities. To obtain a clearer extract, perform a fine filtration using a precision filter membrane (pore size 0.45μm or 0.22μm).

[0074] The double-stage filtration system with primary coarse filtration and secondary fine filtration can not only improve the efficiency but also ensure the clarity of the extract.

[0075] In S107, the extract is evaporated and concentrated to obtain a lily and cornus officinalis essence solution.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the extract is evaporated and concentrated to reduce the water content and increase the concentration of the active ingredients, while retaining the active ingredients of lily and cornus officinalis as much as possible.

[0077] Concentrating under reduced pressure below 60°C helps protect heat-sensitive ingredients. Excessively high temperatures can damage or even destroy active ingredients. In large-scale industrial production, specialized equipment such as multiple-effect evaporators can be used to process large volumes of liquid, adjusting operating pressure and temperature as needed. The concentration endpoint can be determined by measuring specific gravity, solids content, or by directly observing the state of the concentrate.

[0078] In S109, the lily and cornus officinalis essence solution is added to the mineral water, and ultrasonic homogenization is performed to prepare a medicinal and edible plant beverage.

[0079] According to some embodiments, based on the formula ratio, 300 to 400 parts by weight of mineral water are taken, the mineral water is accurately measured, and the concentrated lily and cornus officinalis essence solutions are added to the mineral water, stirring while adding to ensure that the two can be fully mixed and evenly mixed, and ultrasonic homogenization treatment is performed, which not only ensures that the essence is evenly dispersed in the mineral water, but also improves the stability and taste of the beverage.

[0080] To enhance the taste of this edible and medicinal herbal beverage, one or more of honey, inulin, and steviol glycosides are added as sweeteners before ultrasonic homogenization. Dissolve the selected sweetener evenly in the prepared lily and cornus officinalis extract solution, stirring thoroughly until completely dissolved. Ultrasonic homogenization is then performed to ensure even distribution of all ingredients, resulting in a smooth, stable beverage texture.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the homogenizer is set at a pressure of 15 to 20 MPa and a temperature of 50° C. After homogenization, the ingredients in the medicinal and edible plant beverage are more evenly distributed and the state is more stable.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the medicinal and edible plant beverage after homogenization is aseptically filled.

[0083] After ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and ideally blended, the dissolved medicinal and edible herbal beverage is bottled. Aseptic cold filling is employed, using hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light to thoroughly sterilize the bottles and caps to ensure the sanitary conditions of the packaging materials meet food safety standards. The filling temperature is kept below 30°C, cooling the medicinal and edible herbal beverage to the appropriate filling temperature. This low-temperature filling method helps minimize the loss of heat-sensitive ingredients, such as vitamin C, while preserving the freshness and taste of the beverage.

[0084] After filling, the bottles are immediately sealed and subjected to necessary quality testing, including microbiological indicators and physical and chemical properties, to ensure that each batch of products meets the required quality standards. This method not only effectively removes harmful substances from mountain spring water, but also fully utilizes the nutritional value of natural plants, providing consumers with an ideal beverage choice.

[0085] 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 cold 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.

[0086] 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:

[0087] 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.

[0088] Testing of plant powders used as raw materials for medicinal and edible botanical beverages involves testing lilies and cornus officinalis for microbial indicators and heavy metal content. The total bacterial count for microbial indicators is ≤1000 CFU / g, ensuring no threat to human health. The lead content for heavy metals is ≤0.5 mg / kg, preventing adverse health effects from long-term excessive intake of heavy metals.

[0089] The specific gravity of the dissolved mixed liquid is detected by refractometer and is between 1.02 and 1.03 g / cm 3 This helps confirm that the plant powder ratio is correct and that the plant powder ingredients are completely dissolved.

[0090] When inspecting finished products of herbal beverages that are both medicinal and edible, the finished beverage should be a clear liquid, and trace amounts of sediment are allowed. However, the product label must state "Please shake well before drinking" to inform consumers.

[0091] The medicinal and edible botanical beverage prepared using the method of this exemplary embodiment is not only rich in minerals from mountain spring water and nutrients from lilies and cornus officinalis, but also undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure product safety, stability, and effectiveness. Such a beverage is suitable for daily consumption by those pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

[0092] 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.

[0093] According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lily primarily affects the lung and heart meridians, possessing a slightly cold nature and a sweet, mild flavor. Because lily affects the lung meridian, which belongs to the metal element, it also nourishes the heart, which belongs to the fire element. As a representative of the metal element, lily excels at nourishing lung yin and relieving symptoms like coughs. By strengthening the power of metal, it indirectly supports fire, as metal generates water, and water controls fire, thus balancing heart fire. Lily's influence on the heart meridian can help calm the mind and is particularly effective for conditions such as restlessness, insomnia, and mood swings. This suggests that lily can help regulate overactive heart fire, bringing it to a more peaceful state.

[0094] Cornus officinalis primarily affects the liver and kidney meridians, possessing a warm nature and a sour and astringent flavor. The liver belongs to "wood," while the kidneys to "water." As a complement to "water" and "wood," Cornus officinalis strengthens the function of the lower jiao (kidneys), promotes fluid metabolism, and enhances the kidneys' ability to store and store fluids, thereby indirectly supporting heart health. This is because, in the Five Elements, "water" can contain "wood," and "wood" can generate "fire." Therefore, sufficient kidney water can help maintain a vigorous heart fire while preventing it from becoming excessive. Cornus officinalis regulates the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), helping to dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. This effect nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthening the power of "water" to restrain excessive "fire," thereby achieving a calming effect on the heart.

[0095] This invention selects raw materials based on the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Considering that lily bulbs focus on indirectly calming heart fire by nourishing lung yin, it is suitable for treating symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, and dreaminess caused by excessive heart fire. Cornus officinalis, on the other hand, focuses on nourishing the liver and kidneys, particularly by strengthening kidney water, thereby nourishing the heart. It is suitable for symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness caused by insufficient kidney yang or liver blood.

[0096] When used together, they form a complete cycle: Lily, activating its "metal" element, nourishes the lungs and heart, achieving a calming effect; while Cornus officinalis, activating its "water" element, supports heart function by strengthening the liver and kidneys. Together, they nourish Yin and reduce internal heat, while warming Yang and strengthening the body, making them ideal for regulating sub-health conditions related to heart health.

[0097] To sum up, from the perspective of the five elements in traditional Chinese medicine, the application of lily and cornus officinalis in regulating the heart reflects the relationship of mutual generation and mutual restraint among the five elements. The two complement each other and jointly maintain the health of the heart.

[0098] According to some embodiments, in a specific ratio example, 4 parts by weight of lily and 4 parts by weight of cornus officinalis essence are added to every 350 parts by weight of mineral water. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, lily is sweet and slightly cold in nature. Due to its cold nature, lily is particularly suitable for people with hot constitution or internal heat symptoms. Cornus officinalis is sour and astringent in taste and warm in nature. The warm nature of cornus officinalis helps to warm the lower part of the body and replenish kidney yang. If these two medicinal materials are used in combination in proportion, the cold nature of lily can be reconciled by the warm nature of cornus officinalis, making the whole formula milder, achieving the effect of both cold and warm, and having a wider range of applications. The present invention not only utilizes the cooling nature of lily to clear away heat and reduce internal heat, but also uses the warm nature of cornus officinalis to replenish yang energy, avoiding damage to yang energy caused by excessive coldness, thereby achieving the purpose of balancing yin and yang.

[0099] According to some embodiments, mineral water is naturally pure and contains a variety of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can supplement the trace elements needed by the human body. In traditional Chinese medicine, water is "yin" and can nourish the human body. Especially for those who lack body fluids, drinking natural spring water can help replenish the body's water and electrolyte balance.

[0100] Lily contains a variety of vitamins (such as vitamin B1 and B2), minerals (such as potassium, sodium, and calcium), and active ingredients such as alkaloids and saponins. These ingredients help to enhance immunity, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, and have a certain regulatory effect on the nervous system. Cornus officinalis contains a variety of active ingredients such as iridoid ether glycosides, flavonoids, and triterpenes, as well as a certain amount of vitamin C and other trace elements. Cornus officinalis has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects, and has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. The active ingredients in lily and cornus officinalis combined with the minerals in natural spring water can produce a synergistic effect, further enhancing the overall nutritional value of the beverage.

[0101] In summary, this botanical beverage, formulated with natural spring water, lily bulbs, and cornus officinalis in a specific ratio, provides distinct nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and various active substances, creating a complementary nutritional system. Research on the integration of lily bulbs and cornus officinalis has confirmed the diverse health benefits of these two bulbs. Combined with high-quality natural spring water, this beverage not only enhances its taste but also its health benefits.

[0102] 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 lily and cornus officinalis on human health.

[0103] The age range of participants was 18 to 65 years old, with a total of 60 participants.

[0104] An experimental group (drinking a medicinal and edible plant beverage made from lily and cornus officinalis) and a control group (not drinking the beverage or drinking a placebo) were set up, with 30 people in each group equally divided into all age groups.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] According to the characteristics of lily and cornus officinalis 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:

[0108] Participants in the experimental group reported greater relaxation, reduced anxiety, improved concentration, and an overall improved mental state. This is attributed to the blood-nourishing and calming effects of red dates and the calming and soothing effects of lilies, which can help alleviate anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. Cornus officinalis, by nourishing the liver and kidneys, indirectly supports heart function and helps stabilize mood. Participants in the experimental group found it easier to fall asleep, experienced fewer nighttime awakenings, and felt more alert in the mornings, improving overall sleep quality. Lily's calming properties are beneficial for insomnia and dreaminess. Cornus officinalis, by balancing yin and yang, can help alleviate sleep disorders caused by liver and kidney deficiency. Participants in the experimental group experienced smoother, more delicate skin with a rosy complexion, indicating an improvement in overall skin quality. Lily has the ability to moisten the lungs and relieve coughs, and Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the lungs govern the skin, so lilies also have a positive impact on skin health. Cornus officinalis nourishes the liver and kidneys, promoting balanced water metabolism, and can help improve dry, dull skin. Participants in the experimental group reported that their blood pressure stabilized, their heart rhythm became more normal, their fatigue decreased, and their breathing became easier and more comfortable during physical activity. Cornus officinalis can regulate the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and protect the cardiovascular system; lily indirectly supports heart health by calming the mind.

[0109] Through this experimental design and evaluation of the expected improvement effects, we can better understand the potential health benefits of a lily and cornus officinalis herbal beverage. Using a controlled experimental design can scientifically verify the actual effects of this lily and cornus officinalis beverage and provide strong data support for the promotion of this edible and medicinal herbal beverage. Comparing the results of the experimental and control groups, those who consumed the edible and medicinal herbal beverage rated it as neither too bland nor too strong, making it suitable for most palates.

[0110] This embodiment uses a medicinal and edible plant beverage made from all-natural ingredients, does not contain artificial additives or preservatives, and uses natural ingredients of lily and cornus officinalis to adjust the taste. It not only provides rich nutritional value, but also has a strong palatability and is suitable for long-term drinking to achieve the purpose of health care.

[0111] 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 this application 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 the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required by this application.

[0112] 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.

[0113] The exemplary embodiments of the present application are specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the detailed structures, configurations or implementations described herein; on the contrary, the present application is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations 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 lily and cornus officinalis.

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 3 to 5 parts by weight of the lily and 3 to 5 parts by weight of the cornus officinalis.

3. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medicinal and edible plant beverage further comprises 300 to 400 parts by weight of mineral water.

4. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mineral water includes mountain spring water.

5. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medicinal and edible plant beverage further comprises a sweetener, which comprises one or more of honey, inulin, and steviol glycoside.

6. A method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage, characterized in that: include: Prepare mineral water; After washing the lily and cornus officinalis, add them into boiling water and extract for 30 minutes to 1 hour to obtain a mixed solution; Filtering the mixed solution to remove solid residues to obtain an extract containing lily and cornus officinalis essences; The extract is evaporated and concentrated to obtain a lily and cornus officinalis essence solution; The lily and cornus officinalis essence solution is added to the mineral water, and ultrasonic homogenization is performed to prepare a medicinal and edible plant beverage.

7. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that The filtering of the mixed solution to remove solid residue includes a first-stage coarse filtration and a second-stage fine filtration.

8. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that The weight portion of the mineral water is 300 to 400; The weight portion of the lily is 3 to 5; The weight proportion of the Cornus officinalis is 3 to 5 parts.

9. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that One or more of honey, inulin and steviol glycoside are added before ultrasonic homogenization.

10. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that The homogenized medicinal and edible plant beverage is aseptically filled, including: Aseptic cold filling is used; Treating bottles and caps with hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light; Filling temperature ≤30℃ to reduce the loss of heat-sensitive ingredients; Seal immediately after filling.

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