As summer approaches and the weather gets hotter, the body sweats more, leading to increased consumption and a higher likelihood of symptoms related to Qi and Blood deficiency. At this time, using appropriate Chinese herbal decoctions for supplementation can help improve these symptoms.
So, the question arises: which Chinese herbal decoctions are good choices for supplementing Qi and Blood in summer?
Dong Shen (Codonopsis), the Preferred Choice for Qi and Blood Supplementation in Summer
Dong Shen has a sweet flavor and a neutral nature, entering the Spleen and Lung meridians, and is known for its ability to strengthen the Spleen, tonify the Lung, and generate Qi and Body Fluids.
Some pharmacological studies suggest that Dong Shen can regulate gastrointestinal function, protect gastric mucosa, promote the healing of gastric ulcers, enhance immune function, improve stress resistance, increase red blood cell and white blood cell counts, and hemoglobin levels, inhibit platelet aggregation, strengthen the heart, regulate blood pressure, prevent myocardial ischemia, improve learning and memory, and exhibit antibacterial properties. When paired with suitable decoctions, Dong Shen can exert even better effects.
Suitable Populations: Those with Qi deficiency, fatigue, weakness in limbs, poor appetite, loose stools, susceptibility to colds, and low immunity are all suitable for taking Dong Shen.
Optimal Combinations for Dong Shen
Dong Shen + Huang Qi (Astragalus): Tonifies Middle Qi and Enhances Immunity
Dosage: 10g each of Dong Shen and Huang Qi, decocted or steeped in hot water as a tea.
Suitable Populations: Those with insufficient Middle Qi, dry cough, asthma, fatigue, and low resistance.
Dong Shen + Lian Zi (Lotus Seed): Regulates the Spleen and Stomach
Dosage: 10g of Dong Shen and 10g of Lian Zi, decocted, eat the lotus seeds, drink the soup, or steep in hot water repeatedly as a tea.
Suitable Populations: Those with stomach issues, poor digestion, chronic diarrhea, or loose stools.
Dong Shen + Dang Gui (Angelica): Activates Blood and Nourishes Liver Blood
Dosage: 10g of Dong Shen and 5g of Dang Gui, decocted or steeped in hot water as a tea.
Suitable Populations: Those with blood stasis constitution, cardiovascular diseases, irregular menstruation, dizziness, and insomnia with vivid dreams.
Dong Shen + Gui Yuan (Longan): Nourishes Qi and Blood, Tonifies Heart Blood
Dosage: 10g of Dong Shen and 8 pieces of Gui Yuan, steeped in hot water as a tea.
Suitable Populations: Those with insufficient heart blood, shallow sleep, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, elderly and weak individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.
Dong Shen + Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) + Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra): Nourishes Yin and Generates Body Fluids
Dosage: 9g of Dong Shen, 9g of Mai Dong, and 6g of Wu Wei Zi, decocted for oral administration.
Suitable Populations: Those who sweat easily, have weak limbs, poor spirit, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dry mouth and throat, and poor appetite.
Dong Shen + Hong Zao (Red Dates): Tonifies Lung and Strengthens Spleen, Nourishes Qi and Blood
Dosage: 10g of Dong Shen and 4 pieces of Hong Zao, steeped in hot water as a tea.
Suitable Populations: Those with fatigue, weakness, and drowsiness due to Spleen and Lung Qi deficiency.
Important Considerations for Dong Shen Usage
Mastering the Rhythm of Usage
Although Dong Shen has a mild nature, it is not the case that more is better, or that longer usage is better. Customers can take it at a fixed interval, such as 1-2 times a week, for 1-2 months.Moreover, the dosage of Dong Shen should be between 10-30g, and the specific dosage should be used under the guidance of a TCM (herbal) practitioner.
Focus on Key Populations
Young and middle-aged individuals with abundant Qi and Blood, children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should use Dong Shen with caution. Additionally, those with Qi stagnation or excessive Liver Fire should avoid Dong Shen; those with excess pathogenic factors and no deficiency should also refrain from using Dong Shen.
(This article is for professional reference only; medications should be purchased and used according to the instructions or under the guidance of a pharmacist.)
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