Georges Ohsawa, one of the first macrobiotic teachers to come to America, developed a medicinal drink called "mu tea." According to Michio Kushi, one of his students, the word "mu" has two meanings: either "nothing" or "unique." There are two varieties of this tea, one with 16 ingredients and a simple, and less common, version with nine ingredients.
Ingredients in Mu Tea
Michio Kushi, in his book "Macrobiotic Home Remedies" lists the 16 ingredients of mu tea: Japanese peony root, Japanese parsley root, hoelen, Chinese cinnamon, licorice, peach kernels, ginseng root, Chinese foxglove, ginger root, mandarin peel, Cnidium Officinale, Attractylodes, Cyperus, cloves, moutan and Coptis. Because there are so many ingredients in the tea, people buy this preparation from macrobiotic suppliers rather than making it themselves.
Mu Tea in Macrobiotic Theory
Macrobiotics derives its theoretical underpinnings from ancient Taoist teachings about yin and yang, although Ohsawa simplified the system somewhat to make it easier for Westerners to understand. In general, yin is identified with the feminine and foods like sugars, fruits and most drugs while yang is identified with the masculine and foods like meat, salt. Grains and vegetables lie in the middle of the yin-yang spectrum. Mu tea is, on balance, a slightly yang preparation that is used to treat female disorders, digestive troubles and coughing that has yin causes.
Benefits of the Ingredients
Ginseng, one of the components of mu tea, has been found to relieve fatigue in cancer patients, according to a pilot study conducted at the Mayo Clinic. However, fatigue in cancer patients can have numerous causes; therefore, if you have cancer, it is important to discuss the fatigue and the fact that you are considering the use of ginseng with your doctor. Other studies indicate that ginseng may be beneficial in cases of erectile dysfunction.
Possible Side Effects
Pharmacologist John Russo writes a blog on complementary and alternative medicine that discusses the effects of licorice, one of mu tea's components. The active component has been shown to alter the activity of a liver enzyme, CYP3A, used to metabolize many substances, including the tranquilizer midazolam, the ulcer drug Prilosec, and an arthritis drug, methotrexate.
Ginseng, another component of mu tea, appears to lower blood sugar, which is a consideration for diabetics taking medication to keep their glucose levels under control. It also appears to interact with blood thinners, a class of antidepressants known as MAOIs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Use Caution If You are Taking Other Medications
Because ginseng and licorice can interact with a variety of drugs, including psychiatric medication, and can affect blood sugar levels, anyone who is a diabetic or who is on medication for any reason should always consult his or her doctor before taking this preparation. Remember: the fact that something is "natural" does not mean that it is safe for every person or in all doses.
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