Uncle Wen says making Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) more beautiful, interesting, and relevant to life.
Hello everyone, today Uncle Wen wants to talk to you about the combinations of Huang Qi (Astragalus). Only through proper combinations can we fully utilize the benefits of Huang Qi.We know that Huang Qi is a tonic herb that replenishes Qi. It replenishes Qi throughout the body, benefiting the organs and systems. Therefore, the medicinal properties of Huang Qi circulate throughout the body. Without proper combinations, it may act aimlessly, replenishing Qi indiscriminately.In other words, while Huang Qi can broadly distribute its effects in the body, if we want to target specific organs, the results may not be as effective. To focus Huang Qi on a specific organ, we need to combine it with other herbs.Huang Qi plus Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza).This combination is particularly suitable for individuals with Qi deficiency and blood stasis. People with Qi deficiency often have accompanying blood stasis. Why? Because Qi promotes blood circulation; Qi is the commander of blood, leading the way for blood to follow. If Qi is insufficient, blood circulation slows down, leading to blood stasis. We often say that moving Qi invigorates blood, and invigorating blood must be done through moving Qi. Therefore, using Huang Qi to replenish righteous Qi, how do we address existing blood stasis? Simply use Dan Shen to resolve it. Huang Qi addresses the root cause, while Dan Shen addresses the symptoms, making it suitable for those with Qi deficiency and blood stasis constitution.Huang Qi plus Gou Qi (Goji Berries).This is a classic pairing; many people use this formula to brew tea and unexpectedly resolve their anemia. This combination is prepared for individuals with both Qi and Yin deficiency. Huang Qi replenishes Qi, while Gou Qi nourishes Yin. For those with Yin deficiency, taking Qi-replenishing herbs can easily lead to excessive heat, as Qi herbs have a warming nature. At this time, combining with Gou Qi can mitigate Huang Qi’s warming and drying effects, making it less likely to cause dry mouth after consumption.
Huang Qi plus Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala).Some people have Qi deficiency but do not want to replenish Qi throughout the body, as they feel their Qi is sufficient in other areas, only slightly deficient in the spleen. In this case, how can we use Huang Qi effectively? We can add Bai Zhu. Without Bai Zhu, Huang Qi wanders aimlessly, but with Bai Zhu, Huang Qi’s properties are directed to the spleen, responding to its call for help. At this moment, Huang Qi will rush to the rescue. Bai Zhu is a sacred herb for strengthening the spleen, known for its stabilizing properties, and it prefers to stay firmly in the spleen and stomach area. Therefore, Huang Qi combined with Bai Zhu can specifically replenish spleen Qi.Huang Qi plus Fu Ling (Poria cocos).This classic combination is a savior for those who are overweight. Uncle Wen suggests that those looking to lose weight can drink this tea daily. Why is Huang Qi plus Fu Ling suitable for overweight individuals? Because overweight people often have Qi deficiency, and Qi deficiency requires Huang Qi, while overweight individuals often have dampness, which Fu Ling addresses. Qi movement promotes water movement; those with Qi deficiency and poor spleen and stomach function will definitely have dampness. Thus, Huang Qi plus Fu Ling can move Qi and eliminate dampness, replenishing Qi while expelling excess moisture, making it suitable for those with edema. In summary, this combination is ideal for those who gain weight easily from drinking water, addressing both symptoms and root causes without harming righteous Qi.
Huang Qi plus Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula).What special significance does this combination have? Huang Qi is a Qi tonic, and Dang Shen is also a Qi tonic. What is the difference? The difference is that Dang Shen has a milder nature, replenishing Qi while also generating fluids, whereas Huang Qi has a warmer nature. Dang Shen focuses on replenishing spleen and lung Qi, while Huang Qi can replenish Qi in all five organs. Therefore, using both together can enhance Huang Qi’s Qi-replenishing effects.Huang Qi plus Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides).This combination is essential for those who experience excessive heat when taking Huang Qi. Huang Qi is warming and drying, while Zhi Mu is cooling and moistening, making it perfect to counteract Huang Qi’s effects. The famous physician Zhang Xi-chun from the Republic of China was particularly adept at using this combination, stating it has the effect of “clouds and rain”; Huang Qi replenishes Qi, akin to earth Qi rising as clouds, while Zhi Mu clears heat and moistens the lungs, akin to weather descending as rain.Huang Qi plus Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata).This combination is also very important. For whom is this combination specifically designed? It is dedicated to those who frequently catch colds and are particularly sensitive to wind. This formula can enhance immunity. When righteous Qi is strong, evil cannot invade. External pathogens prefer to enter our bodies through the skin. Huang Qi replenishes lung Qi, strengthens the exterior, and enhances the lung’s ability to protect the skin, making it less susceptible to external pathogens. Fang Feng can dispel wind, driving away external and internal wind, effectively providing the body with a protective barrier against external pathogens. External pathogens also prefer to enter through the nose, and since the lungs open to the nose, sufficient lung Qi will secure this opening, preventing bacteria and viruses from easily entering our bodies.
Huang Qi plus Mai Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus).This formula is suitable for those who sweat easily. Huang Qi can secure the exterior and stop sweating. Huang Qi’s ability to secure the exterior enhances the skin’s function, allowing it to open when necessary and close when not, thus reducing excessive sweating. Mai Dong nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs, replenishing the fluids lost through sweating. This combination of securing and replenishing is particularly suitable for those who sweat easily.Huang Qi plus Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata).Attention! For those who feel bloated and uncomfortable in the stomach after drinking Huang Qi tea, this formula can help. Huang Qi is a Qi tonic, and bloating from taking Qi tonics is due to Qi stagnation. Chen Pi can regulate Qi, guiding it back to its proper pathways, thus preventing bloating. Bloating does not necessarily mean there is an abundance of Qi; it may indicate that Qi is not flowing smoothly. In fact, many people with bloating also have Qi deficiency. Therefore, those with both Qi deficiency and stagnation need Huang Qi plus Chen Pi.Huang Qi plus Lu Dou (Mung Bean).This combination is excellent for those who care about their appearance, especially for those who have successfully eliminated acne but are left with unsightly marks. Why do some people see their acne marks fade quickly while others do not? Because those who see quick results have sufficient Qi; when Qi is abundant, blood circulates well, and stagnant blood dissipates quickly, allowing new Qi and blood to nourish the skin, leading to rapid healing. Huang Qi can promote tissue regeneration by strengthening the spleen and stomach, as the spleen governs the muscles. Huang Qi also benefits Qi and promotes tissue growth, which goes without saying. Mung Bean can clear residual damp-heat.Huang Qi plus Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis).This is the grand finale. Those who frequently read Uncle Wen’s articles know that this classic combination is a highly effective blood tonic soup, especially suitable for individuals with anemia, regardless of the type of anemia. It nourishes both Qi and blood; Huang Qi replenishes Qi, while Dang Gui nourishes blood, making it the ultimate Qi and blood tonic soup. It is essential for postpartum recovery.Alright, that’s all for today regarding the combinations of Huang Qi. Uncle Wen hopes everyone can make good use of this herb and not shy away from it just because it causes heat in some cases, as your body may indeed need Huang Qi at times.As for specific dosages, Uncle Wen has not provided them, as they vary from person to person. It is best to consult a local physician for advice.Note: Eating walnuts in this way can help regulate stones; click the video below to view:Special reminder:May your day start beautifully! I hope Uncle Wen’s article brings you a good mood for the day. If you like the article, don’t forget toclick the “See” button at the bottom right of the article or share it with your friends.Uncle Wen’s shared formulas should be taken under the guidance of a physician; any consequences are at your own risk. Due to limited energy and ability, Uncle Wen cannot reply to all messages; please forgive him. May you become your own divine physician.Benefits are here!: Open the public account dialogue box and enter “irregular menstruation”, “cold”, “hair loss”, “cold hands and feet”, “stomach pain”, “liver Qi stagnation”, “injured essence”, “upper heat and lower cold”, “spleen and stomach”, “insomnia”, “dampness removal”, “Qi and blood”, “weight loss”, “constipation”, “diarrhea”, “kidney deficiency”, “acne removal”, “cough”, “nasal inflammation”, “cervical spondylosis”, “depression” to obtain corresponding conditioning formulas.