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Astragalus (Huang Qi), sweet in flavor and slightly warm in nature, is classified as a tonic herb. It has been used medicinally for over 2000 years and is known for its effects in enhancing immune function, protecting the liver, promoting diuresis, strengthening the heart, anti-aging, lowering blood sugar, and anti-tumor properties.
The Eight Major Benefits of Drinking Astragalus Tea
Modern medicine has discovered that Astragalus contains a large number of trace elements, various amino acids, and polysaccharides, which have excellent health benefits for our bodies.
1. Tonifying Qi and Alleviating Fatigue
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that Astragalus primarily tonifies deficiency and is often used for individuals with weak constitutions, easy fatigue, and weak pulses. Regular consumption of Astragalus tea can improve symptoms of shortness of breath, boost energy levels, and effectively enhance the body’s immune system.
2. Prevention and Treatment of Colds and Chronic Rhinitis
Combining Astragalus with Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) and Fang Feng (Siler) to decoct and consume has the effect of tonifying Qi and stabilizing the exterior, which can prevent colds and allergic rhinitis, and treat spontaneous sweating and night sweats.
3. Reducing Edema
Astragalus has diuretic and anti-edema properties. Many patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease often experience lower limb edema; drinking Astragalus tea can help reduce swelling.
4. Prevention and Treatment of Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Astragalus can prevent and treat Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency syndrome, which is characterized by fatigue, reduced appetite, increased phlegm, and loose stools. It can be decocted with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu, and Fu Ling (Poria) for consumption.
5. Improving Organ Prolapse
For conditions like gastric prolapse, rectal prolapse, and uterine prolapse, TCM believes these are related to sinking Qi, and Astragalus can be decocted with Ren Shen (Ginseng), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), and Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) for consumption.
6. Treating Skin Diseases
For chronic skin conditions like urticaria and eczema that do not heal over time, using Astragalus tea or combining it with Dang Gui (Angelica) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) for decoction can be beneficial.
Regular Consumption of Astragalus Soup
For Disease Prevention and Health Maintenance
Astragalus can be cleverly combined with eight other medicinal materials to treat various diseases, and can be consumed as a decoction or made into medicinal dishes. Let’s explore the eight miraculous uses of Astragalus.
Astragalus with Dan Shen (Salvia)
1. Chest Pain and Discomfort:With the high work pressure faced by young people today, many often feel chest tightness and discomfort. Drinking Astragalus and Dan Shen soup can provide significant relief.
2. Fighting Thrombosis:Obese individuals and the elderly are prone to thrombosis. Regularly drinking Astragalus and Dan Shen tea can help clear waste from blood vessel walls, promote blood flow, and reduce the formation of thrombosis.
Astragalus with Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)
3. Lowering Blood Sugar:Shan Yao is a mild and nourishing herb. Combined with Astragalus, it can strengthen the Spleen and Qi, and assist in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
Astragalus with Mai Dong (Ophiopogon)
4. Nourishing Qi and Yin:Mai Dong is excellent for nourishing Yin, moistening the lungs, and generating fluids. When used with Astragalus, it can treat fatigue, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and dry cough, making it suitable for diabetic patients, chronic pharyngitis, and cough.
Astragalus with Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes)
1. Tonifying Qi and Strengthening the Spleen:If you feel weak and lack energy, this is a sign of Qi deficiency. Drinking Astragalus and Bai Zhu soup for two consecutive days can improve these symptoms.
2. Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema:Bai Zhu can strengthen the Spleen and promote diuresis. When used with Astragalus, it enhances the anti-edema effect.
Astragalus with Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort)
1. Promoting Qi and Activating Blood Circulation:Yi Mu Cao has diuretic and uterine contracting effects. When combined with Astragalus, it promotes Qi and blood circulation, which can be used for postpartum recovery.
2. Anti-Aging and Beauty:Yi Mu Cao contains various trace elements that effectively combat aging and can also beautify the skin and reduce spots.
Astragalus with Dang Gui (Angelica)
1. Regulating Menstruation and Alleviating Pain:Many women experience irregular menstruation, with symptoms like low menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea. Drinking Astragalus and Dang Gui tea can increase menstrual flow and alleviate pain.
2. Treating Dizziness and Headaches:Astragalus tonifies Qi, while Dang Gui nourishes blood, making it suitable for treating dizziness and headaches caused by Qi and blood deficiency.
Astragalus with Ge Gen (Pueraria)
1. Vasodilation:Ge Gen can improve myocardial oxygen metabolism and dilate blood vessels, enhancing microcirculation and reducing vascular resistance, thus can be used to prevent and treat myocardial ischemia.
2. Beauty and Breast Enhancement:Ge Gen powder acts as a natural plant estrogen, promoting breast development and maintaining youthful vitality and smooth skin.
Astragalus with Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries)
1. Anti-Aging:Astragalus tonifies Qi, while Gou Qi Zi nourishes the liver and kidneys. Gou Qi Zi is rich in polysaccharides, β-carotene, vitamin E, selenium, and flavonoids, all of which have excellent antioxidant properties.
2. Improving Sleep Quality:Regularly drinking Astragalus and Gou Qi Zi tea can improve physical constitution and sleep quality, alleviating issues like poor sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and waking easily.
3. Enhancing Memory:Improves brain memory, suitable for students and office workers to consume regularly.
Note: The above are basic formulas; please take them under the guidance of a physician.
Two Groups of People Who Should Avoid Astragalus
1. During the Initial Stages of a Cold
When experiencing initial cold symptoms such as chills, fever, and sore throat, it is not advisable to use Astragalus, as its Qi-tonifying effects may “close the door to the bandits,” prolonging the cold.
2. Patients with Heat Syndromes
If experiencing symptoms like sore throat, red and swollen eyes, mouth sores, irritability, dizziness, dry stools, burning urination, and heat sensations in the palms and soles, avoid using Astragalus.
Copyright Statement:This article is selected from JSBC Wan Jia Deng Huo, published by Luxi TCM, and the copyright belongs to the original author.
Editor:Sheng Lei Layout:Ma Chun Li
