Director Zheng shares health knowledge with you
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Astragalus, known in ancient times as “Huang Qi”. The term “Qi” refers to the elderly, representing a gentle and mild nature, akin to the essence of the earth. Li Shizhen in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” explains its name: “Qi means long. Huang Qi is yellow in color, and as a superior tonic, it is named accordingly.”
Astragalus also has another name, “Mian Huang Qi” (Soft Astragalus), due to its gentle nature. When you break a piece, it is soft and does not easily snap like others.
The aroma of Astragalus is fragrant and mild, with a beautiful color, embodying a very gentle and soft earth energy. It is relatively clear and gentle, yet possesses a noticeable ability to promote movement and circulation, albeit in a soft manner.
Astragalus is beloved by many; throughout history, physicians have favored its use. It is a treasure for the elderly, a blessing for the weak, and sunshine for the frail.
Astragalus is sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature, and can be used in medicine, soups, or teas. There is a popular saying: “Regularly drinking Astragalus soup prevents illness and promotes health,” meaning that frequently brewing Astragalus in soup or steeping it in water as a tea has excellent health benefits.
Leaves thrive on the trunk, and all diseases relate to the organs. Let’s explore the functions of Astragalus in addressing the five types of fatigue.
First, prolonged viewing harms blood.
The heart governs blood vessels. Prolonged use of mobile phones, watching TV, or using computers can harm blood. When blood does not nourish the brain, dizziness occurs; when blood does not nourish the eyes, vision blurs; when blood does not moisten the limbs, they become numb. Using a small handful of Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), and Astragalus, steeped in water as tea, can effectively improve these symptoms.
However, to address the root cause, one must develop good habits. After a certain period of watching TV or using a computer, it is essential to get up and move around, and to look at green plants to promote blood circulation.
Second, prolonged lying harms Qi.
There was an elderly man who, after a severe illness, experienced full-body swelling and shortness of breath, even having difficulty with urination. Chronic illness leads to deficiency. Using the method of “Tonifying the Middle and Benefiting Qi,” with a heavy dose of 120 grams of Astragalus, cooked with glutinous rice into porridge, the elderly man regained the strength to urinate, and the swelling receded like the tide, alleviating his shortness of breath and palpitations.
Astragalus tonifies Qi and raises Yang, promoting urination and reducing swelling. The swelling was due to Qi deficiency and water retention; without sufficient Qi, the body cannot circulate fluids, similar to a flat tire that is hard to push and prone to damage. With sufficient Qi, one can get out of bed and be active.
Third, prolonged sitting harms flesh (Spleen).
The spleen governs muscles. In all seasons, a strong spleen is not easily affected by pathogens. Children are prone to catching colds and developing skin sores that heal slowly, and facial blemishes are hard to eliminate. Using the formula “Jade Windscreen Powder” (Yu Ping Feng San) consisting of Astragalus, Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), and Siler (Fang Feng) can strengthen the body’s protective barrier.
This formula specifically treats spleen deficiency and weak Qi.
It is important to note that it should be taken in small doses frequently. For those with deficiency, taking too much at once can lead to chest tightness and Qi stagnation.
Fourth, prolonged walking harms tendons (Liver).
The liver governs tendons, and the knees are the repository of tendons. Eating fruit is fine, but if your stomach is cold, eating fruit can be problematic. Running is fine, but if you stay up late or surf the internet all night, running becomes problematic after Qi deficiency.
If the knees are injured and you are bedridden, what should you do?
Use 120 grams of Astragalus, 80 grams of Achyranthes (Niu Xi), 80 grams of Dendrobium (Shi Hu), 50 grams of Polygala (Yuan Zhi), and 20 grams of Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), decocted in water. Cover the knees with a cotton blanket; the knees will sweat slightly, and one dose will reduce knee swelling, with three doses leading to recovery.
This formula can also be used for the treatment of “Crane Knee Wind”.
Fifth, prolonged standing harms bones (Kidney).
In modern service industries, workers often stand for long periods, leading to lower limb swelling and varicose veins.
Commonly used is the formula “Si Ni San” with added Astragalus, Eucommia (Du Zhong), Goji berries, Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao), and Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), totaling nine herbs.
Astragalus, Motherwort, and Chuanxiong are known as the three herbs for reducing swelling. With sufficient Qi and active blood, swelling will naturally subside, often with one dose being sufficient, and three doses leading to recovery.
For conditions like gastric prolapse, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse, the “Tonifying the Middle and Benefiting Qi Decoction” is indicated, which includes Astragalus. However, if one consumes a large amount of Astragalus, it may lead to heat; it can be slightly balanced with a small amount of dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi) or combined with Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu).
For post-stroke sequelae, the “Five Decoction for Tonifying Yang” is used, with a heavy dose of 120 grams of Astragalus. Astragalus is also effective for chronic sores and abscesses, helping to expel toxins and promote healing.
Astragalus can be used in small doses to tonify lung Qi, in medium doses to tonify spleen and stomach Qi, and in heavy doses to tonify kidney Qi.
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Warm reminder: The various prescriptions and remedies mentioned in this article are for informational sharing only and do not constitute medical advice, recommendations, or guidance. Please consult a professional physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Director Han shares health knowledge with you
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