From Tonic Wine to Poison: Uncovering the Fatal Risks of Homemade Health Wine

From Tonic Wine to Poison: Uncovering the Fatal Risks of Homemade Health WineIn June this year, Xu, a man, invited his brother and friend Xie for a drink. Tragically, both men died on the spot! The drink was Xu's homemade "ginseng wine", which he had been preserving for years

From Tonic Wine to Poison: Uncovering the Fatal Risks of Homemade Health Wine

In June this year, Xu, a man, invited his brother and friend Xie for a drink. Tragically, both men died on the spot! The drink was Xu's homemade "ginseng wine", which he had been preserving for years. He had saved the special wine for his guests and only drank a lesser quality "mulberry wine" himself because he was running low. Within half an hour of drinking, Xu's brother and friend Xie fell unconscious. They were rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. Doctors determined that the "ginseng wine" contained aconitine, a type of alkaloid. Although it is a component of some traditional Chinese medicine, it becomes highly toxic when used in alcohol!

This heartbreaking case highlights the potential dangers of homemade health wines. In recent years, with increasing awareness of health, all sorts of homemade health wines have emerged like mushrooms after rain. However, the hidden lethal risks are rarely mentioned. So, what are the potential dangers of these so-called "health wines"?

The Perils of Homemade "Health Wines"

1. Potential Carcinogenic Risk:

The selection and processing of ingredients are crucial when making homemade health wines. Taking the common example of fermenting grapes, bayberries, and other fruits in alcohol, these fruits are rich in sugars, making them perfect breeding grounds for natural yeast. But if hygiene is not properly controlled during fermentation, it can easily become a breeding ground for mold, especially for the production of aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen, directly threatening the health of those who drink it.

2. Abuse of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Traditional medicine uses many medicinal herbs in alcohol to enhance their effects. However, not all herbs are suitable for direct alcohol immersion. For example, plants that contain aristolochic acid, a substance whose toxicity has been widely recognized globally, can cause severe liver and kidney damage if consumed long-term in homemade wines, potentially even inducing cancer.

3. Vision Impairment and Even Blindness:

Certain herbs, such as cassia seeds and snake gall, have long been considered vision-enhancing remedies in traditional beliefs. But direct alcohol immersion can have the opposite effect. While cassia seeds can clear the liver and improve vision, their active ingredients can transform into substances harmful to the retina if not scientifically processed. As for snake gall, its unique medicinal value has led to its popularity, but the parasites and toxins within it can easily lead to poisoning if not handled correctly, causing blindness in severe cases.

4. Liver Damage:

The toxic effects of alcohol on the liver are well-known. Whether commercial or homemade, long-term, excessive consumption can put immense pressure on the liver, leading to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and a host of other liver diseases. Homemade health wines, due to the difficulty in precisely controlling the alcohol content and ingredients during production, involve greater uncertainty, making potential liver damage more severe. People who consume high-concentration alcoholic beverages for extended periods also have a higher risk of liver cancer.

5. Other Health Risks:

In addition to the main dangers mentioned above, homemade health wines also harbor various other health risks, such as:

• If the bottle is not vented in time during brewing, the pressure inside can build up and cause an explosion, leading to personal injury.

• Using plastic barrels for brewing is strictly prohibited, as alcohol can dissolve the plasticizers in the plastic. Long-term exposure to plasticizers can have detrimental effects on health.

• Due to the complex nature of certain herbal ingredients in some wines, caution must be exercised. Different herbs may interact with each other, even producing new harmful substances. Random combinations without professional guidance not only fail to achieve desired health benefits but can also trigger poisoning reactions.

How to Approach and Prevent These Risks

In the face of the numerous dangers of homemade health wines, how do we approach and prevent them?

1. Establish Correct Health Concepts:

Many people hold the belief that "natural equals safe." However, the natural world is filled with diverse ingredients, each with its unique properties. Not all ingredients are suitable for alcohol immersion. Certain herbs, though possessing medicinal value, can trigger poisoning if not processed professionally. Therefore, when choosing ingredients, consult with a professional doctor to understand their properties and contraindications. Avoid blindly following trends and unfounded claims.

2. Strict Control of Production Processes:

The production process of homemade health wines must be rigorous and meticulous. A single oversight can introduce harmful substances, such as the carcinogenic aflatoxin. Therefore, ensuring a clean and hygienic production environment is paramount. Use sterile containers and tools to prevent cross-contamination. Also, using high-quality ingredients is crucial. Fresh, mold-free ingredients guarantee the quality and safety of the wine.

3. Follow Scientific Fermentation and Immersing Methods:

The soaking time, temperature, and proportion for different ingredients must be strictly controlled. Avoid random combinations of unfamiliar herbs and ingredients to prevent adverse reactions.

4. Drink in Moderation:

"Wine is poison that goes through the intestines" while this proverb is a bit exaggerated, it reminds us to drink in moderation. The same applies to homemade health wines. No matter how wonderful their claims might be, excessive consumption will harm the body. Overdoing it not only burdens the liver but can also lead to nervous system damage, cardiovascular disease, and more. Therefore, adhering to the principle of "moderate consumption" is crucial. Control your intake rationally based on your individual situation and avoid overindulging.

5. Closely Monitor Physical Reactions:

After consuming homemade health wines, pay close attention to your physical reactions. If you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blurred vision, or other discomfort, stop drinking immediately and seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate an adverse reaction to certain components in the wine or a potential trigger or aggravation of underlying diseases. Prompt medical consultation can prevent worsening conditions and protect your health.

6. Comprehensive Lifestyle Adjustments:

True health maintenance lies in a comprehensive and balanced lifestyle. Homemade health wines are merely a supplementary tool and cannot replace the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a positive mindset. A positive mindset is key to maintaining mental health. Only through comprehensive lifestyle adjustments can we truly achieve health and longevity. We must abandon the flawed notion of relying on "health wines."

Conclusion

Homemade health wines, born from a pursuit of health and love, can become invisible killers if scientific guidance and cautious operation are lacking. In pursuit of natural health, we must maintain rationality and avoid blindly following trends. When choosing health wines, we recommend prioritizing purchases from reputable channels to ensure product safety and quality. Strengthen your knowledge of self-health and improve your ability to identify risks. Truly embrace scientific health maintenance, safeguarding your health and that of your loved ones.