After staying up late, feeling fatigued, or after exercise, one often feels exhausted.
Besides getting enough rest, it is also important to nourish the body.
Astragalus, known as a “sacred product for tonifying Qi,” frequently appears in nourishing formulas.
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
PS: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ingredients that can be used as both food and medicinal materials are referred to as “food-medicine homology”.
Astragalus is a common food-medicine homology herb in our households. So, what are the benefits of Astragalus? How can it be consumed in a simple and delicious way? Let’s explore together!
The Many Benefits of Astragalus
As the saying goes, “Regularly drinking Astragalus soup prevents illness and promotes health.” The frequent use of Astragalus in daily health maintenance is closely related to its numerous benefits and effectiveness.
From a Western Medicine Perspective
Astragalus contains a wealth of trace elements, various amino acids, and polysaccharides, which have positive effects on the human body, such as:
>> Blood Sugar Regulation: Astragalus has a bidirectional blood sugar regulating effect, combating both high blood sugar and preventing low blood sugar.
>> Cardiovascular System: Astragalus can enhance myocardial antiviral capacity and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
>> Immune System: The polysaccharides in Astragalus can boost the body’s immune function.
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From a TCM Perspective
Astragalus is sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature, and enters the Spleen and Lung meridians, with five major functions:
>> Strengthening the Spleen and Nourishing Qi: Regulates and nourishes the Spleen and Stomach, promoting better digestive health.
>> Diuretic and Edema Reduction: Promotes urination and eliminates edema.
>> Benefits Wei and Stabilizes the Exterior: Alleviates spontaneous sweating due to Qi deficiency and prevents colds.
>> Raising Yang and Lifting Prolapse: Enhances immunity and muscle tone, resulting in better spirit, improved complexion, and rosy skin.
>> Detoxifying and Promoting Tissue Regeneration: Facilitates the discharge and healing of pus from ulcers caused by insufficient Qi and blood.
Whether viewed from Western or TCM perspectives, Astragalus has excellent nourishing and health-promoting properties. As the cold winter approaches, it’s time to incorporate it into your diet!
Astragalus Has Great Partners
To meet the health needs of everyone, convenient Astragalus health teas and delicious Astragalus soups are emerging.
Today, I will recommend 2 types of Astragalus health teas and 2 types of Astragalus health soups, so you can choose one that suits your needs!
Astragalus Health Tea Preparation
Wash Astragalus and the accompanying ingredients, place them in a pot (or health pot), add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Let it cool to a warm temperature before drinking. You can also add honey to taste.
Astragalus and Hawthorn Health Tea
Ingredients: 10g Astragalus, 5g Hawthorn
Benefits: Hawthorn aids digestion and relieves constipation; when paired with Astragalus, it nourishes Qi and balances the warming nature of Astragalus to prevent excessive heat.
Astragalus and Gardenia Health Tea
Ingredients: 10g Astragalus, 5g Gardenia
Benefits: Gardenia is cooling and, when combined with Astragalus, can improve dry stools and promote intestinal motility. Drinking Astragalus and Gardenia tea in cold weather can also enhance immunity.
Astragalus Health Soup Preparation
Wash Astragalus and the accompanying ingredients, blanch the meat, then place all ingredients in a pot, add enough water to cover all ingredients, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for about 60 minutes. Add salt and other seasonings before serving.
Astragalus Chicken Feet Soup
Ingredients: 500g chicken feet, 30g Astragalus, 40g Angelica, 20g Codonopsis, 4-6 pieces of red dates/longan, goji berries/fresh ginger to taste, salt/chicken essence to taste
Benefits: Nourishes Qi and blood, moistens the eyes, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, and beautifies the skin.
Astragalus Lamb Soup
Ingredients: 250g lamb, 30g fresh Astragalus, 6g Angelica, fresh ginger, red dates, scallions, cooking wine, salt to taste
Benefits: Warms the body, enhances immunity, alleviates cold hands and feet, and prevents colds.
Note: The lamb soup is suitable for autumn and winter or for individuals with a cold constitution. It should be consumed in moderation during other seasons, and those with a hot constitution should be cautious.
Astragalus has many benefits
It is convenient to consume
However, it is still a medicinal herb
Therefore,
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Points to Note When Consuming Astragalus
Consume Astragalus in moderation
According to the 2015 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, the recommended dosage of Astragalus is 9-30g.
Excessive consumption may lead to dry mouth, irritability, insomnia, etc., so when making tea or soup, do not exceed 30g of Astragalus.
In daily life, we consume Astragalus for health maintenance, and it should not be used to treat diseases. If you are ill, please seek medical attention promptly!
Contraindications for Astragalus
Astragalus should not be taken with medicinal herbs like tortoise shell and white fresh skin, as it may cause interactions that reduce efficacy.
Astragalus should not be taken with antihypertensive drugs,aspirin, and other Western medications, as it may increase drug toxicity and cause side effects like low blood pressure and bleeding.
Additionally, it is not recommended to combine Astragalus with common ingredients like radishes, mung beans, grapes, and kelp.
Contraindicated Groups for Astragalus
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Women during Menstruation:Consuming Astragalus during menstruation may cause Qi and blood disturbances and excessive menstrual flow.
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Pregnant Women:Consuming Astragalus in late pregnancy may lead to prolonged labor, overdue pregnancy, and difficult delivery.
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Individuals on Medication:Consuming Astragalus may reduce the efficacy of medications.
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Individuals with Certain Conditions:For those with conditions like heat excess or colds, consuming Astragalus may worsen the situation.
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