Astragalus, also known as Huang Qi, is a perennial plant belonging to the legume family and is a significant medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Since ancient times, Astragalus has been widely used in TCM due to its rich medicinal value, believed to tonify Qi, strengthen the exterior, expel toxins, promote the resolution of edema, act as a diuretic, and enhance the body’s immune function. Here are some of the main effects and uses of Astragalus:
Astragalus‘s Effects and Uses1. Tonifying Qi and Strengthening the Spleen: The polysaccharides in Astragalus can enhance the immune function and promote metabolism, showing good efficacy in treating symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and decreased immunity due to Spleen Qi deficiency. 2. Strengthening the Exterior and Stopping Sweating: Astragalus can enhance surface resistance and is used to treat spontaneous sweating and night sweats caused by Qi deficiency, especially suitable for patients who are weak due to excessive sweating over a long period. 3. Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema: The saponins in Astragalus help promote water metabolism in the body, suitable for edema caused by heart disease or kidney disease. 4. Expelling Necrotic Tissue: In surgical fields, Astragalus can help expel necrotic tissue from wounds and promote granulation. 5. Immune Regulation: The polysaccharides and flavonoids in Astragalus significantly enhance both non-specific and specific immune functions, improving the body’s defense against various diseases. 6. Anti-Fatigue and Anti-Stress: Astragalus can improve the body’s resistance to fatigue, alleviate stress, and improve fatigue conditions. 7. Cardiovascular Protection: Studies indicate that Astragalus has a protective effect on the heart, improving myocardial nutrition and preventing heart disease. 8. Anti-Aging: The antioxidant components in Astragalus help eliminate free radicals, slow down the aging process, and may provide preventive effects against certain chronic diseases. 9. Adjunctive Cancer Treatment: Astragalus has also been studied as an adjunctive treatment for cancer, potentially enhancing patients’ immunity and alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In summary, Astragalus is a widely used medicinal herb in TCM with various health benefits, but it should be used appropriately, considering individual differences and indications. Consulting a healthcare professional before using any herbs or supplements is a wise choice.Astragalus‘s ContraindicationsHowever, despite the various health benefits of Astragalus, it is not suitable for everyone. Here are some contraindicated groups for Astragalus: 1. Patients with Cold and Fever: Astragalus is warm in nature and has the effect of tonifying Qi and strengthening the exterior. For patients with colds who are currently under attack from external pathogens and have unresolved exterior symptoms, it may lead to the internalization of external pathogens and worsen the condition. 2. Patients in the Acute Phase of Inflammation: Astragalus can enhance immune function, but during the acute phase of inflammation, such as acute pneumonia, acute cholecystitis, and acute enteritis, using Astragalus may stimulate the immune system and exacerbate symptoms. 3. Patients with Autoimmune Diseases: Due to its immune-enhancing properties, Astragalus may worsen conditions in patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. 4. Individuals with Excess Heat or Damp-Heat Constitution: The warming properties of Astragalus may exacerbate symptoms in patients with excess heat or damp-heat constitution, such as dry mouth, constipation, bitter taste, and short, red urine. 5. Cancer Patients: Although Astragalus can enhance the immune system, cancer patients, especially those undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, should use it under medical guidance, as it may interact negatively with treatment regimens. 6. Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should be cautious when using any herbs or supplements, as hormonal and bodily changes during pregnancy are complex, and Astragalus may affect the health of the mother or fetus. 7. Drug Interactions: For patients taking immunosuppressants, diuretics, anticoagulants, etc., using Astragalus may affect the efficacy of these medications, and it should be avoided or used under medical supervision. Overall, while Astragalus is recognized for its tonifying effects as a traditional medicinal herb, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, considering individual differences and actual health conditions.Astragalus‘s Consumption MethodsAstragalus is a widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The root of Astragalus is the medicinal part, typically used after drying. Next, I will introduce several methods for consuming Astragalus. 1. Astragalus Tea: This is the simplest way to consume Astragalus. Take an appropriate amount of dried Astragalus, slice it, place it in a cup, and add boiling water to steep for a few minutes before drinking as tea. You can also add other herbs like goji berries (Gou Qi) and red dates (Hong Zao) to enhance flavor and nutritional value. 2. Astragalus Soup: Astragalus can be used to make various nourishing soups. Typically, people will cook Astragalus with chicken, pork ribs, beef, or other herbs like Codonopsis (Dang Shen) and red dates (Hong Zao). Place Astragalus and other ingredients in a pot, add enough water, and simmer for several hours to create a delicious and health-promoting soup. 3. Astragalus Steamed Dishes: Slice Astragalus and place it with ingredients (such as chicken or fish), along with ginger slices and scallions, then steam. This cooking method allows the aroma and medicinal properties of Astragalus to better infuse into the food. 4. Astragalus Congee: Astragalus can also be cooked into congee. First, soak Astragalus in water for a while, then cook it with rice until it becomes congee. Depending on personal taste, you can add red dates, lotus seeds (Lian Zi), goji berries (Gou Qi), and other ingredients to make the congee more nutritious and easier to digest. 5. Astragalus Paste: Astragalus can be made into a paste, known as “Astragalus Paste.” By simmering a large amount of Astragalus with other auxiliary herbs over low heat for a long time, it is concentrated into a paste for easy storage and consumption. Typically, an appropriate amount of Astragalus paste is dissolved in warm water and taken on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. 6. Astragalus Capsules or Tablets: In modern pharmaceuticals, Astragalus is also processed into capsules or tablets for convenient consumption. When purchasing standardized preparations, be sure to choose products from reputable manufacturers and follow the dosage instructions on the label.