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The King of Qi Tonics – Astragalus (Huang Qi)
When it comes to tonifying Qi, Astragalus is undoubtedly the best. While Ginseng has a stronger Qi tonifying effect, it primarily replenishes Yuan Qi and acts rapidly; Astragalus tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Lungs in a gentler manner, yet its efficacy is not inferior, and it can also stabilize the exterior, making it the most commonly used Qi tonic herb.
Astragalus is the dried root of the leguminous plant Mongolian Astragalus (Huang Qi) or Membranous Milk Vetch. It has a sweet taste and a slightly warm nature, and it belongs to the Lung and Spleen meridians. The main components of Astragalus include triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Among these, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and Astragalus polysaccharides are the primary active ingredients. According to the 2015 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, the content of Astragaloside in dried Astragalus herbs and slices must not be less than 0.040% and 0.030%, respectively, and the content of Isoflavonoid Glycosides must not be less than 0.020%.
The King of Qi Tonics
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
The Efficacy of Astragalus
First: Astragalus has the effects of tonifying Qi and raising Yang, stabilizing the exterior and stopping sweating, promoting urination and reducing swelling, generating fluids and nourishing blood, relieving stagnation and alleviating pain, detoxifying and expelling pus, and promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Second: Modern research shows that Astragalus also has cardiotonic, anti-thrombotic, blood sugar-lowering, blood lipid-lowering, antiviral, anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and immune-boosting effects.
Third: Astragalus can be used to treat Qi deficiency fatigue, poor appetite with loose stools, prolapse of the middle Qi, chronic diarrhea with rectal prolapse, blood in stools, excessive menstrual bleeding, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, internal heat and thirst, Qi deficiency edema, blood deficiency and sallow complexion, numbness and pain, hemiplegia, difficult-to-heal abscesses, and chronic non-healing wounds.
Fourth: Currently, Astragalus is also used to treat coronary heart disease, lung cancer, unstable angina, viral myocarditis, renal arteriolosclerosis, chronic hepatitis B, ectopic pregnancy, female perimenopausal syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and children’s orthostatic dysregulation.
Li Shizhen stated that Astragalus is the “best tonic herb,” and there is a saying in the folk that “drinking Astragalus tea regularly can prevent diseases and maintain health.”From ancient times to the present, Astragalus has been regarded as one of the treasure herbs for health preservation. Today, I will recommend two simple and easy-to-learn combinations of Astragalus that are nutritious and delicious!
Cooking Soup. Astragalus can be used as food and can be combined with various vegetables to make soup. Like pepper and chili, it should not be used in excess. In small amounts, it is harmless to the body. For those with colds and fevers, it is best to use it sparingly, similar to pepper and chili. When making soup, consider the drinker’s age, gender, and physical condition. If in the south or during hot weather, add some cooling foods, such as honeysuckle, licorice, and dandelion, which have heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. Licorice or honeysuckle can reduce the warming nature of Astragalus, preventing heat accumulation. If in the north or during cold weather, add some nourishing foods, such as Angelica (Dang Gui), Salvia (Dan Shen), and Goji Berries (Gou Qi), which have nourishing properties. For postpartum nourishment, it is best to add Astragalus, Codonopsis (Dang Shen), and Angelica to the soup for better effects.
Infusing in Water.Astragalus, being sweet but not overly so, can be used as a tea. If consumed alone, it may cause heat, especially for those with a tendency to heat, it can be consumed with licorice or honeysuckle to mitigate this effect. Astragalus is particularly suitable for those in sub-health conditions; drinking it can improve energy levels. Combining Astragalus with Goji Berries and Chrysanthemum is beneficial for those who work long hours in front of a computer. Goji Berries and Chrysanthemum can alleviate the damage to the eyes from electronic devices, while Astragalus enhances this effect. Those who are easily fatigued can drink Astragalus. If fatigue is the only issue, Astragalus can be consumed alone or with Codonopsis. If Astragalus causes heat, licorice can be added to reduce its warming nature.
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Although Astragalus has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Below are the contraindicated groups for Astragalus.
1. Those prone to heat.
Astragalus has good warming and tonifying effects, and for those who are prone to heat, consuming it may easily lead to symptoms such as sore throat and may also affect sleep quality, exacerbating their heat condition, which is not conducive to health.
2. Those with frequent urination.
Astragalus has diuretic properties, which can increase urine output. For those with frequent urination, consuming Astragalus will worsen this condition and may lead to Qi deficiency.
3. Those with Yin deficiency.
Yin deficiency is characterized by symptoms such as heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, lower back pain, tidal fever and night sweats, insomnia with vivid dreams, red tongue with little coating, and thin rapid pulse. Because Astragalus is sweet and slightly warm, it can generate heat and harm Yin, leading to blood movement.
4. Pregnant women.
Pregnant women need to be particularly cautious when consuming Astragalus, as it may lead to miscarriage and harm both the fetus and the mother, especially in late pregnancy. If a pregnant woman inadvertently consumes Astragalus, it may reduce amniotic fluid, potentially prolonging labor and increasing risks for the fetus.
5. Those with colds and fevers.
Individuals with colds and fevers should also avoid consuming Astragalus, as their bodies are already weak during a cold, and Astragalus may exacerbate cold symptoms.
6. Those with digestive issues.
Individuals with digestive problems should also avoid Astragalus, as it can both tonify the stomach and Qi, potentially worsening bloating and leading to digestive discomfort.
7. Patients with tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is a highly prevalent and infectious disease characterized by symptoms such as cough, dry mouth, fever, etc. For this group, consuming Astragalus is not advisable. Astragalus, being a warming and tonifying herb, may worsen the condition of tuberculosis patients, which is detrimental to health.
Warm Reminder
As the saying goes, “drinking Astragalus soup regularly can prevent diseases and maintain health“, but even the best herbs are not suitable for everyone. Proper use of herbs is essential to achieve the best effects.
Avoid Overconsumption Overconsumption of Astragalus may lead to dizziness, poor sleep quality, and irritability in some individuals, as Astragalus is a warming and tonifying herb. Excessive use can disrupt the balance of the internal environment, leading to discomfort.
Avoid Improper Combinations Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes differentiation and treatment based on patterns, and the composition of formulas is based on the principles of monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy, as well as the rules of compatibility. Do not mix herbs arbitrarily. Some varieties of Astragalus may contain certain toxins; while they may not affect the body when used alone, incorrect combinations can amplify toxicity and harm health.
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