Astragalus (Huang Qi), the sacred herb for tonifying Qi, is referred to by Li Shizhen as the “king of tonics.” It has the effects of tonifying the spleen and lung Qi, lifting Yang, benefiting the Wei (defensive) Qi, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, expelling toxins and promoting tissue regeneration, nourishing blood and invigorating circulation.
Modern pharmacological studies have found that Astragalus has beneficial effects on stimulating the central nervous system, enhancing the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system, improving disease resistance, enhancing heart and lung function, dilating blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, improving skin blood circulation and nutritional status, protecting the liver, preventing liver glycogen depletion, promoting cellular metabolism, diuresis, tonifying the kidneys, lowering blood sugar, calming, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. It is known for its ability to tonify Qi and stabilize the exterior, strengthen the heart, promote diuresis, expel pus, and promote tissue regeneration. The “Shennong Bencao Jing” records that it is effective for abscesses, chronic ulcers, and pain relief. It is also noted in the “Rihua Zibencao” that it helps to strengthen Qi, strengthen muscles and bones, and promote blood production. Due to its rich selenium content, Astragalus also has good anti-cancer and coronary heart disease prevention effects. Clinically, it is commonly used to treat Qi deficiency, fatigue, poor appetite, diarrhea, rectal prolapse, blood in stool, excessive sweating due to exterior deficiency, difficult-to-heal abscesses, blood deficiency with sallow complexion, and internal heat with thirst.
The flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides contained in Astragalus have effects such as cardiotonic, liver-protective, diuretic, immune-enhancing, anti-aging, anti-stress, blood pressure-lowering, and broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. Besides tonifying Qi, Astragalus is particularly effective in improving cardiac fatigue and failure.
Angelica and Astragalus Black Chicken Soup for Qi and Blood Nourishment
The specific method is: Clean and cut the black chicken into pieces, wash Angelica (Dang Gui) and Astragalus, place them in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer until cooked. Season to taste and consume. Drink a small bowl in the morning and evening, enjoying both the soup and the meat.
In autumn and winter, it can be consumed once or twice daily, while in spring and summer, it can be taken two to three times a week. Angelica nourishes blood, Astragalus tonifies Qi, and black chicken nourishes Yin and tonifies the kidneys. This medicinal dish is suitable for those with insufficient Qi and blood, primarily presenting symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, vivid dreams, insomnia, dizziness, lower back pain, pale complexion, and irregular menstruation.
Astragalus Water for Heart Nourishment
Astragalus can be used alone. For those suffering from hypoxia or poisoning, as well as severe heart failure due to chemotherapy, 50 grams of Astragalus can be soaked in water as a tea substitute. After two weeks, reduce to 30 grams, and long-term users can use about 15 grams daily. For most people, Astragalus has no toxic side effects, so there is no need to worry excessively about safety. However, those with Qi stagnation, damp obstruction, food accumulation, initial or severe heat toxicity, and those with Yin deficiency and Yang excess should avoid using Astragalus, as it may worsen their condition.
As spring transitions to summer, it is an excellent time to nourish the heart. People can regularly soak Astragalus in water or combine it with red dates, Schisandra, licorice, cinnamon twig, safflower, goji berries, and rose petals to make herbal tea for heart nourishment and Qi tonification. Here is a recommended goji and Astragalus tea: 10 grams of Astragalus, 12 grams of goji berries, and 3 red dates, steeped in boiling water as a tea substitute, which can enhance physical strength, improve vision, and nourish blood, making it very suitable for office workers who sit for long periods.
Astragalus and Angelica Soup to Enhance Immunity
The classic TCM text “Huangdi Neijing: Suwen” states: “When blood and Qi are not harmonious, various diseases arise.” This shows that Qi and blood are fundamental to human health, affecting the normal functioning of organs and overall health. Long-term Qi and blood deficiency can lead to low immunity, making one more susceptible to illness and remaining in a sub-healthy state. Therefore, it is especially important for people, particularly women, to pay attention to Qi and blood regulation.
Here is a practical health-preserving recipe for tonifying Qi and nourishing blood—Astragalus and Angelica Soup.
The specific method: 30 grams of Astragalus, 6 grams of Angelica, and 10 red dates, washed and added to an appropriate amount of water, simmered for 40 minutes to extract the juice; the residue can be boiled again with water for 30 minutes to extract more juice, then combine the two juices for consumption.
It is important to note that the ratio of Astragalus to Angelica is significant, and should be in a 5:1 ratio for optimal Qi and blood nourishing effects. Since tangible blood is generated from intangible Qi, it is essential to emphasize the use of Astragalus to greatly tonify the Qi of the spleen and lungs, thereby nourishing Qi and blood. Angelica can nourish Yin blood, allowing Yang to generate Yin, and Qi to invigorate blood.
Red dates enhance endurance and combat fatigue, and are rich in calcium and iron. Therefore, combining red dates with Astragalus and Angelica can enhance the effects of tonifying Qi and nourishing blood.
Although this health-preserving recipe is beneficial, it is not suitable for those with Yin deficiency and excess heat, or for individuals with colds, and women should avoid it during menstruation.
Astragalus Tea for Youthful Skin
In the early 1980s, Li Jiren, in his 50s, suffered from severe hypertension. Although he was controlling it with medication, he often experienced dizziness. While taking antihypertensive medication, he began to explore his own health maintenance methods and concocted a medicinal tea: 10-15 grams of Astragalus, 3-5 grams of American ginseng, 6-10 grams of goji berries, and 10 grams of Polygonatum, steeped in boiling water and covered for 5-10 minutes before drinking. In the evening, he would also consume the soaked Polygonatum, goji berries, and American ginseng. After drinking this for over 30 years, he not only resolved his dizziness but also improved his complexion.
Li Jiren’s dizziness was believed by TCM to be due to Qi and blood deficiency, which could not nourish the brain. Astragalus tonifies Qi, while Polygonatum nourishes blood. Particularly, Astragalus can nourish the Qi of the five organs, making it the “king of tonics.” Coupled with the effects of American ginseng and goji berries, it ensures sufficient Qi and blood to nourish the brain, alleviating dizziness, and a well-nourished complexion appears youthful.
However, it is important to note that this medicinal tea is not suitable for everyone. Consultation with an expert is necessary, and it should not be consumed by those currently suffering from colds. Additionally, individuals who frequently have cold hands and feet or are prone to diarrhea should limit their intake.
Astragalus is one of the commonly used medicinal herbs for dietary therapy, with a saying in folk medicine: “Regularly drinking Astragalus soup prevents disease and maintains health.” Regularly using Astragalus to make soup, soak in water as tea, cook with glutinous rice for porridge, stew with hen and black beans, or cook with soybeans all have good preventive health effects. Astragalus is suitable for those with weak bodies, thin and weak pulses, and low immunity. It can be used in soups, soaked in liquor, or added to dishes. However, it is not suitable for those with excess exterior pathogens, Yin deficiency with Yang excess, colds, or during menstruation. Therefore, although drinking Astragalus tea for fitness is currently popular, it is still recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician.
Source: People’s Daily Health
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