The Top Ten Benefits and Uses of Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Its Side Effects and Contraindications
1. The Top Ten Benefits and Uses of Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Tonifying Qi and Lifting Yang: Astragalus (Huang Qi) is adept at tonifying the spleen Qi and lifting the middle Yang, especially suitable for symptoms caused by spleen deficiency and sinking Qi, such as chronic diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum, and uterine prolapse. It can also tonify Qi and generate blood, showing significant efficacy for conditions of both Qi and blood deficiency.
Stabilizing the Exterior and Stopping Sweating: Astragalus (Huang Qi) can tonify the spleen and lungs, stabilize the exterior, and stop sweating, significantly improving symptoms of spontaneous sweating and night sweats caused by spleen and lung Qi deficiency.
Promoting Urination and Reducing Edema: Astragalus (Huang Qi) has the effect of promoting urination and reducing edema, suitable for symptoms of Qi deficiency with water retention and difficulty urinating, helping the body expel excess water.
Generating Fluids and Nourishing Blood: Astragalus (Huang Qi) can tonify Qi and generate blood, showing good efficacy for symptoms of fatigue, Qi deficiency, and blood deficiency, improving issues such as pale complexion, palpitations, and insomnia.
Moving Stagnation and Alleviating Pain: Astragalus (Huang Qi) has the effect of tonifying Qi and moving stagnation, suitable for symptoms of Qi deficiency with blood stagnation and rheumatic pain, promoting blood circulation and alleviating pain.
Expelling Toxins and Promoting Healing: Astragalus (Huang Qi) can tonify Qi and promote tissue regeneration, expelling toxins and pus, showing significant efficacy for non-healing sores and chronic ulcers.
Enhancing Immunity: Modern research indicates that Astragalus (Huang Qi) has a certain role in enhancing the body’s immune capacity, helping to prevent colds and other diseases.
Protecting the Liver: Astragalus (Huang Qi) has a protective effect on the liver, helping to reduce liver damage and promote liver cell repair.
Lowering Blood Pressure: Astragalus (Huang Qi) can regulate blood pressure, providing certain auxiliary treatment effects for patients with hypertension.
Alleviating Angina: The active components in Astragalus (Huang Qi) can improve heart function and alleviate symptoms of angina and other cardiac discomforts.
2. Delicious Ways to Consume Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Astragalus (Huang Qi) Tea: Take 10 grams of Astragalus (Huang Qi) slices, brew with boiling water, steep for 15 minutes, and drink. It can be brewed multiple times, with a sweet taste and significant Qi tonifying effects.
Astragalus (Huang Qi) Chicken Soup: Add an appropriate amount of Astragalus (Huang Qi) when stewing chicken, not only delicious but also nourishing and strengthening the body.
Astragalus (Huang Qi) Congee: Cook Astragalus (Huang Qi) with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), glutinous rice, and jujubes, suitable for women, with effects of tonifying Qi, nourishing blood, and benefiting the spleen and stomach.
Astragalus (Huang Qi) Soup: Astragalus (Huang Qi) can be paired with various ingredients to make soup, such as Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) with Pork Ribs, which is both delicious and nourishing.
3. Side Effects and Contraindications of Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Although Astragalus (Huang Qi) has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Here are the side effects and contraindicated groups:
Side Effects: Excessive consumption of Astragalus (Huang Qi) may lead to symptoms of excess heat, such as facial redness, irritability, and insomnia. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as skin itching and rashes.
Contraindicated Groups:
Those with Yin Deficiency and Excess Heat: Astragalus (Huang Qi) is warm in nature and may exacerbate symptoms in those with Yin deficiency and excess heat.
Those with Excess Liver Fire: Individuals with excess liver fire may find that taking Astragalus (Huang Qi) exacerbates symptoms such as red, swollen eyes, irritability, and anger.
Those with Poor Digestion: Astragalus (Huang Qi) can hinder stomach function, and those with poor digestion may find it affects their appetite and digestive function.
Additionally, pregnant women, those with excessive menstrual bleeding, and individuals allergic to Astragalus (Huang Qi) should also avoid its use.