Introduction: "Hello, do you need astragalus?" Mr. Qi walked into the pharmacy and asked the clerk expectantly.
However, the clerk told him a little apologetically, "Astragalus has not arrived today, but they have a product similar to Astragalus that may meet your needs", and the clerk enthusiastically took out a box of ginseng and introduced it endlessly.
She said, "This person participates in the same astragalus, which is the top grade in traditional Chinese medicine and has high medicinal value." Moreover, ginseng has a wider range of indications than astragalus, and long-term use can not only greatly replenish vitality, but also make the body feel better and refreshed." Listening to the clerk's introduction, Mr. Qi couldn't help but feel a little moved.
However, there were still some doubts in his mind. After all, it is said that medicine is poisonous, and although ginseng and astragalus are both traditional Chinese medicines, are they really indistinguishable, and can they be replaced at will?
01
Can ginseng and astragalus be used interchangeably?
As Chinese herbal medicines, ginseng and astragalus have their own unique pharmacological effects and application fields. While the two have similar effects in some ways, they are not completely interchangeable.
Ginseng is known as the "king of herbs", which has the effects of greatly replenishing vitality, nootropic and calming the nerves, and quenching thirst. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, and thirst.
Astragalus membranaceus is known as the "holy medicine for replenishing qi", which has the functions of invigorating qi and strengthening the surface, diluting water and reducing swelling, supporting toxins and draining pus, etc., and is often used to treat symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, lack of food and loose stools, sagging of central qi, and prolonged diarrhea and prolapse of the anus.
Although both ginseng and astragalus have qi-tonifying effects, their mechanisms of action and scope of application are not exactly the same. Ginseng focuses more on replenishing the body's vitality and has a better effect on severe qi deficiency symptoms, while astragalus focuses more on improving the body's immunity and has a better effect on mild qi deficiency symptoms.
In addition, ginseng and astragalus are also different in their medicinal properties. Ginseng is warm, sweet and slightly bitter, and returns to the spleen, lungs, and heart meridians, while astragalus is slightly warm, sweet, and returns to the spleen and lung meridians. Therefore, when using specific herbs, the appropriate herbs should be selected according to the patient's constitution and symptoms.
In conclusion, while ginseng and astragalus have similar effects in some ways, they are not completely interchangeable. In practical application, appropriate medicinal materials should be selected according to the specific situation and needs of the patient to achieve the best therapeutic effect. At the same time, when using Chinese herbal medicines, attention should also be paid to the dosage and usage of herbal medicines to avoid adverse reactions.
02
What are the benefits of drinking astragalus water for a long time?
Boosts immunity
The polysaccharides and saponins in astragalus have the effect of enhancing the body's immune function and can improve the body's resistance to diseases.
Antioxidant
Astragalus is rich in antioxidants, which can remove free radicals in the body, delay cell aging, and maintain the youthfulness of the body.
Regulates blood pressure and blood sugar
The active ingredient in astragalus can dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, promote insulin secretion, reduce blood sugar, and have a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on patients with hypertension and diabetes.
Improves anemia
Astragalus contains a variety of nutrients, such as iron, folic acid, etc., which can promote the production of red blood cells and improve the symptoms of anemia.
Anti-inflammatory
Flavonoids and saponins in astragalus have anti-inflammatory effects, which can alleviate inflammatory symptoms and have a certain alleviating effect on chronic inflammatory diseases.
Promotes digestion
Astragalus can stimulate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, promote the secretion of digestive juices, improve digestive function, and relieve indigestion and other problems.
03
Why do people become thinner when they drink astragalus water for a long time?
The reason why people become thinner after drinking astragalus water for a long time is that the scientific principle behind this is thought-provoking. Astragalus, a Chinese herbal medicine known as the "king of herbs", has a unique effect of diluting water and reducing swelling is the key to helping people lose weight.
Imagine that when your body ingests an appropriate amount of astragalus water, those excess water and fat seem to be attracted by a magical force, and gradually excreted from the body, and the body naturally becomes lighter.
However, losing weight doesn't happen overnight. Although astragalus water has the effect of assisting weight loss, it cannot be relied on alone to achieve the desired slimming effect.
The main effect of astragalus is to replenish the central qi, and for some metabolic disorders, edema or obesity caused by poor qi and blood, astragalus water may be able to play a certain role.
But everyone's constitution and situation are unique, and indiscriminate abuse of astragalus water may trigger some unwanted side effects.
Therefore, on the road of pursuing slimming, we should maintain a rational and scientific attitude and choose the right weight loss method according to our physical condition and needs.
Astragalus water can be used as an adjunct, but it is more important to maintain good lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise. Only in this way can we go further and further on the road of health and meet a better version of ourselves.
In addition, if you rashly use astragalus water for a long time to lose weight, you may not only be unable to lose weight, but also may bring the following side effects:
04
Doctor: The side effects of astragalus water should be paid attention to
Although astragalus is considered a Chinese herb with a variety of health benefits, excessive consumption of astragalus water over a long period of time may cause some side effects, here are 5 possible side effects:
Gastrointestinal upset
Excessive intake of astragalus may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, triggering symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting. This is mainly because some of the components in astragalus may have an irritating effect on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.
anaphylaxis
For some individuals, astragalus may trigger allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, etc. This condition usually occurs when the first exposure to astragalus or an increase in the dose.
Fluctuations in blood pressure
Astragalus has a certain pressor effect, and long-term excessive drinking may lead to unstable blood pressure, especially for patients with high blood pressure, special attention should be paid to.
Immune dysregulation
Astragalus is considered an immunomodulator, but long-term excessive consumption may lead to dysfunction of the immune system, affecting the body's normal defense mechanisms.
Moisture in the body increases
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, astragalus has the effect of replenishing qi, but excessive consumption may lead to aggravation of dampness in the body, especially for people with damp constitution, which may aggravate the discomfort of the body.
05
Who can't drink astragalus water?
Pregnant and lactating women
Although astragalus has immunity-boosting and anti-fatigue effects, some of its components may have adverse effects on the fetus or baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should avoid drinking astragalus water without the advice of a doctor.
People with colds and damp heat
The main effect of astragalus is to replenish qi and strengthen the surface, for people with cold and damp heat, the tonic effect of astragalus may aggravate the condition, so this part of the population should avoid drinking astragalus water during the cold.
Patients with high blood pressure
Astragalus has a certain vasopressor effect, so patients with high blood pressure should not drink astragalus water by themselves without the permission of a doctor, so as not to have adverse effects on blood pressure.
Patients with kidney disease
Although astragalus has a diuretic effect, its components may increase the burden on the kidneys and are not good for patients with kidney disease. Therefore, patients with kidney disease should consult their doctor before drinking astragalus water.
People with allergies
For people with allergies, drinking astragalus water may trigger allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, etc. Therefore, people with allergies should avoid drinking astragalus water.
06
Although astragalus is good, how to eat it to be healthy?
Tailor-made dosage
Everyone's physique and needs are different, so the dosage of astragalus consumption should also vary from person to person, and the specific dosage should be adjusted according to the individual's physique, age, gender, and other factors. It is recommended to determine the appropriate dosage for you under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner.
Cook it properly
Astragalus can be eaten in a variety of ways, such as stewing soup, boiling porridge, and making tea. Different cooking methods can affect the medicinal effects of astragalus.
Generally speaking, stewed soup and porridge can better retain the nutrients of astragalus, which is conducive to the exertion of medicinal effects. When brewing tea, the active ingredient of astragalus may not be fully dissolved, and the medicinal effect will be relatively low.
Pay attention to the combination with other herbs
Astragalus is often used in combination with other herbs in traditional Chinese medicine to achieve better therapeutic effects. However, different combinations of herbs may produce different effects and may even cause side effects.
Therefore, when mixing other herbs, you should consult the advice of a professional TCM practitioner to ensure that the combination is reasonable and safe.
Avoid long-term excessive consumption
Although astragalus has a variety of benefits, long-term excessive consumption may cause physical discomfort. Excessive consumption of astragalus may cause symptoms such as irritation and insomnia. Therefore, when consuming astragalus, the principle of moderation should be followed and long-term excessive consumption should be avoided.
Pay attention to when to eat
Astragalus has the effect of replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and is suitable for consumption when the body is weak and the qi and blood are insufficient. However, during acute illnesses such as colds, fevers, etc., the consumption of astragalus should be avoided to avoid aggravating the condition. In addition, women should also be cautious about eating astragalus during menstruation to avoid affecting the normal discharge of menstruation.
Understand the individual's constitution
Different human constitutions may respond differently to astragalus. Some people may be suitable for consuming astragalus, while others may not.
For example, people with a hot constitution may be prone to irritation and should be cautious when consuming astragalus, while people with a cold constitution may be more suitable to consume astragalus to warm their bodies. Therefore, before consuming astragalus, understanding your physical characteristics will help you better choose the right way and dosage for yourself.