Astragalus, also known as Bei Qi, is warm in nature and sweet in taste. It tonifies Qi secures the exterior, and is a common Chinese medicinal herb with a medicinal history of over 2000 years. There is a common saying, "Drinking astragalus soup regularly prevents illness and maintains health," which means that frequently decocting or steeping astragalus in water as a tea has good preventive and health-preserving effects.
As a great tonic for Qi, how is astragalus different from ginseng?
Ginseng focuses on strongly tonifying the original Qi, restoring yang to rescue collapse, and is often used for acute conditions like collapse and shock, with good results.
While astragalus primarily tonifies deficiency, it is often used for those with long-term physical decline, a low and weak voice, and a thin, weak pulse. It can boost Qi, raise yang, secure the exterior, stop sweating, and promote urination to reduce edema.
What benefits can a cup of astragalus water bring to our bodies every day?
1. Enhance immunity and treat spleen Qi deficiency: Astragalus is rich in various trace elements, such as multiple amino acids, folic acid, selenium, zinc, etc. It can enhance the body's immunity and improve the function of the spleen and metabolism.
2. Treat lung Qi deficiency: Its main manifestations include shortness of breath, fatigue, prolonged coughing, and phlegm accumulated in the lungs with weak force to expel it.
3. Deal with edema from diabetes/hypertension: Many diabetic patients or elderly patients with hypertension often experience edema and a sallow complexion. Drinking astragalus water can provide significant relief.
4. Strengthen bones: It can effectively alleviate the soreness and numbness in the lower limbs of patients with osteoporosis.
5. Improve skin: Astragalus can improve the blood circulation and nutritional status of the skin, regulate Qi and blood, and provide cosmetic benefits.
How to use astragalus to make tea?
Astragalus can be bought in major Chinese medicine shops and is also very inexpensive. Steeping astragalus in water or adding some to your daily diet has excellent nourishing effects.
Method:
Take 5-10 grams of astragalus, steep it in boiling water for 10-20 minutes, and drink it as a tea. It can be re-brewed multiple times.
In addition to steeping astragalus directly, you can also combine it with other Chinese medicinal herbs or herbal teas, such as red dates, Schisandra, licorice, cassia twig, safflower, goji berries, or rose petals for consumption.
To maximize the medicinal effects of astragalus, you can take 30 grams, decoct it in water, and then drink the liquid.
Furthermore, we can also cook congee with astragalus. Taking about 50 grams of astragalus and using its decoction to cook congee is also very beneficial for the body. Alternatively, a small amount of astragalus can be added when stewing meat to enhance its nourishing effects.
Special Reminder:
Astragalus is a warming and tonifying Chinese medicinal herb. For the best results, it is best to take it in the morning. However, if you feel unwell, it is not recommended to take it.
Do not take too much astragalus water; 15 grams per day is sufficient. Excessive consumption can反而 worsen the condition, leading to symptoms like irritability, restlessness, and a flushed face.