Angelica Sinensis (当归), known as a treasure in traditional Chinese medicine, has been favored for its unique medicinal properties and outstanding efficacy since ancient times. It not only nourishes the body and treats various diseases but can also be used as an ingredient in daily life, adding nutrition and flavor to our diet.
However, like any medicine, the consumption of Angelica Sinensis must follow certain principles. Understanding its efficacy and functions, contraindications, methods of consumption, and best combinations is essential to ensure we benefit from it.
1. Efficacy and Functions of Angelica Sinensis
1. Nourishing Blood and Activating Circulation
Angelica Sinensis is revered as a “holy medicine for nourishing blood.” It is rich in iron, which promotes blood circulation, increases blood cell count, and improves anemia. Especially for women, issues like irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea are often related to blood deficiency, and moderate consumption of Angelica Sinensis can effectively alleviate these symptoms.
2. Regulating Menstruation and Relieving Pain
Angelica Sinensis plays an important role in treating gynecological diseases. It can regulate female endocrine, improving issues such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. Additionally, certain components in Angelica Sinensis have analgesic properties, helping to relieve pain caused by gynecological conditions.
3. Moistening the Intestines and Promoting Bowel Movements
Angelica Sinensis also has a certain effect on moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, aiding in defecation, making it a great dietary choice for those with constipation. Additionally, the various nutrients in Angelica Sinensis can nourish the intestines and improve intestinal health.
4. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory
Angelica Sinensis contains various antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, which can resist damage from free radicals to cells and delay aging. Furthermore, it has certain anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate pain and discomfort caused by inflammation.
5. Enhancing Immunity
Components such as polysaccharides and saponins in Angelica Sinensis can boost the body’s immunity, enhancing resistance to diseases like colds and coughs.
2. Contraindications for Consuming Angelica Sinensis
1. Consume in Moderation: Although Angelica Sinensis has many benefits, excessive consumption may harm the body. Generally, the amount consumed at one time should not exceed 10 grams, and it should not be taken continuously for long periods.
2. Avoid Certain Food or Drug Combinations: Angelica Sinensis should not be consumed with foods like radishes, mung beans, or crabs, as these may affect its medicinal properties. Additionally, it should not be used concurrently with certain medications, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, to avoid drug interactions.
3. Caution for Special Populations: Pregnant women, children, and individuals with a hot constitution should use Angelica Sinensis with caution. Pregnant women consuming Angelica Sinensis may risk miscarriage or premature birth; children, whose bodies are still developing, may experience adverse effects from excessive consumption; and those with a hot constitution may exacerbate their symptoms by consuming Angelica Sinensis.
4. Preparation Before Consumption: Angelica Sinensis should be processed before consumption to remove impurities and toxic components, ensuring its efficacy and quality. Processing methods include washing, slicing, and steaming.
3. Methods of Consuming Angelica Sinensis
1. Stewing with Chicken or Meat: Stewing Angelica Sinensis with chicken or pork allows its medicinal properties to fully permeate the meat, enhancing its nourishing effects. Adding appropriate amounts of ginger, scallions, and cooking wine can make the dish more delicious.
2. Brewing Tea: Slicing Angelica Sinensis and placing it in a cup, then pouring boiling water over it. It can be brewed with red dates and goji berries to increase nutritional value. When brewing tea, the water temperature should not be too high to avoid damaging the nutrients in Angelica Sinensis.
3. Cooking Porridge: Cooking Angelica Sinensis with rice, red dates, and goji berries into porridge results in a fragrant and nutritious dish. Care should be taken to control the heat and cooking time to avoid burning or overcooking, which can affect the texture.
4. Making Medicinal Wine: Soaking Angelica Sinensis with other Chinese medicinal herbs to make medicinal wine can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle and joint pain. When making medicinal wine, attention should be paid to the combination and proportion of herbs and the soaking time.
4. Best Combinations with Angelica Sinensis
1. Angelica Sinensis + Red Dates: Red dates have blood-nourishing and beauty-enhancing effects that complement Angelica Sinensis. Together, they can enhance blood-nourishing effects and improve complexion.
2. Angelica Sinensis + Longan: Longan can nourish qi and blood, and when paired with Angelica Sinensis, it can improve symptoms of anemia and physical weakness while enhancing immunity.
3. Angelica Sinensis + Goji Berries: Goji berries have kidney-nourishing and liver-benefiting effects, and when combined with Angelica Sinensis, they can enhance immunity and prevent disease.
4. Angelica Sinensis + Ginger: Ginger has warming properties that can alleviate cold symptoms in the uterus, relieving dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation when paired with Angelica Sinensis.
5. Angelica Sinensis + Astragalus: Astragalus can tonify qi and stabilize the exterior, and when combined with Angelica Sinensis, it can enhance the effects of nourishing qi and blood while improving resistance to colds and other diseases.
In summary, as a traditional Chinese medicine with various efficacies and functions, the consumption of Angelica Sinensis must follow certain principles and precautions. Understanding its efficacy and functions, contraindications, methods of consumption, and best combinations is essential to ensure we benefit from it and avoid unnecessary harm.
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