Introduction: Astragalus, a Chinese herbal medicine with a history of more than 2,000 years, is not only rich in nutritional value, but also has excellent efficacy in health preservation. Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine has believed that astragalus can replenish qi and raise qi, and has an excellent therapeutic effect on the depression of the chest atmosphere.
What's even more gratifying is that the taste of astragalus is not bitter, but has a pleasant sweetness, which is sweet in the mouth, so that people can enjoy the food while also feeling its nourishing effect.
The popularity of astragalus is very high and can be found almost everywhere, which also makes it relatively affordable and cost-effective. Among the Chinese medicinal materials for qi tonics, although there are also red ginseng, ginseng, prince ginseng and other options, astragalus is deeply loved by the people because of its moderate price and low probability of adverse reactions.
Not only that, astragalus can also be eaten in a variety of ways, such as stewing soup, making tea, cooking porridge, etc., which is both convenient and delicious. Whether it is daily health care or adjuvant treatment, astragalus is a very good choice.
Its mild nature makes it suitable for people of all physiques, whether it is the elderly, children or adults, it can be enjoyed with confidence.
Therefore, astragalus is not only a Chinese herbal medicine with rich nutritional value and good health effects, but also a kind of food that is deeply loved by people. Its popularity and popularity are due to its unique taste, affordable price and wide range of people.
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Nutritional value of astragalus
Astragalus, a thousand-year-old medicine, is known as a good medicine for replenishing qi and strengthening the surface in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and its unique attribution to the meridians is precisely in the lungs and spleen, which means that it can regulate the functions of these two major organs and make them work in harmony. Sweet and warm, like a spring breeze, warm and soothing, bringing peace and nourishment to the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to treat various symptoms caused by qi deficiency, such as lack of appetite, fatigue, loose stools, etc.
When the qi in the human body sinks, prolonged diarrhea and prolapse, and blood in the stool collapses, astragalus can also exert its fixed power to stabilize the qi and blood. Symptoms such as surface deficiency and self-sweating, qi deficiency and edema can also gradually subside under the conditioning of astragalus. In addition, for surgical diseases such as carbuncle that is difficult to ulcerate and persists for a long time, astragalus also has excellent curative effects.
It is worth mentioning that astragalus is not only highly medicinal but also a nutritious ingredient. Each 100 grams of astragalus contains 74 kcal of calories, which is rich in a variety of amino acids, as well as zinc, iron, manganese, aluminum, selenium and other trace elements. Together, these nutrients constitute the unique medicinal value of Astragalus, making it widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is regarded as the preferred drug for qi tonic treatment, and its medicinal value has been fully affirmed and recognized. Whether as a main drug or an adjuvant, astragalus can exert its unique medicinal effect and escort people's health.
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Astragalus hurts the kidneys, and it is harmful to eat it often?
Despite the high esteem of astragalus, there are concerns that it can harm the kidneys, which stems from the possible nephrotoxicity in traditional Chinese medicine. Nephrotoxicity refers to the toxic reaction of a drug to the kidneys.
The kidneys, as our main excretory organs, are very susceptible to medications. Both Chinese and Western medicines may cause direct damage to the kidneys in some cases.
But we can't deny the value of astragalus because of this. In fact, modern research has found that astragalus also has excellent performance in the treatment of kidney disease.
It is not only able to reduce the damage to the kidneys, but also promote the recovery of the kidneys to a certain extent. The study of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the treatment of membranous nephropathy based on astragalus is a strong proof.
The study included a total of 52 studies involving 3534 patients with membranous nephropathy. The results showed that astragalus-based compound therapy was significantly better than Western medicine alone in terms of reducing urine protein and improving remission rate.
The overall response rate reached 86.9% and 68.0%, respectively, and the incidence of adverse reactions also decreased.
Therefore, we cannot blindly deny or over-promote any kind of medicine, both Chinese medicine and Western medicine have their own unique advantages and limitations, the key lies in how we can reasonably grasp and apply them. Only in this way can we get the most out of the therapeutic effects of the drug while avoiding possible side effects.
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Insist on drinking astragalus soaked in water, what changes will happen to the body?
Improve physical fitness and enhance immunity
The active ingredients in Astragalus are able to stimulate the body's immune system and improve the phagocytosis of white blood cells, thereby enhancing the body's resistance. Long-term drinking of astragalus soaked water can help improve physical fitness and reduce the occurrence of common diseases such as colds.
Promote metabolism, beauty and beauty
Astragalus has antioxidant and anti-aging effects, which can remove free radicals in the body and slow down cell aging. At the same time, it also stimulates metabolism, helps to detoxify and nourish the skin, and makes the skin smoother and more refined.
Regulates blood pressure and protects the cardiovascular system
Some components in astragalus have the effect of dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure, and have a certain adjuvant treatment effect for patients with hypertension. Long-term consumption of astragalus soaked water can help maintain cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Improves energy and fights fatigue
Astragalus has the effect of replenishing qi and nourishing blood, which can increase the oxygen content of the body and improve energy levels. For people who often feel tired and tired, drinking astragalus soaked water can help relieve fatigue and improve work efficiency.
Improves digestion and increases appetite
Astragalus can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, improve digestive function, and increase appetite. For people with loss of appetite and indigestion, drinking astragalus soaked water can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Relieves stress and helps you sleep
Astragalus has a certain sedative effect, which is able to relieve tension and reduce stress. At the same time, it also regulates the nervous system, helps to improve sleep quality, and relieves insomnia symptoms.
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Often drink astragalus water to replenish qi and nourish blood, but don't touch these 5 kinds of people, otherwise it may be "asking for trouble"
Yin deficiency and fire flourishing
Yin deficiency and fire prosperity is a common syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, which is mainly manifested by the lack of yin fluid in the body and the relative hyperactivity of yang qi, resulting in a series of heat symptoms.
For people with yin deficiency and fire, drinking astragalus water may aggravate the condition, because astragalus is a warm tonic drug, which has the effect of raising yang and lifting and sinking, which can stimulate the body's yang energy.
If you ingest warm tonic drugs, it will further deplete the yin fluid in the body, exacerbate the imbalance of yin and yang, and lead to the deterioration of the condition.
Empirical patients
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, empirical evidence usually refers to the accumulation of pathological factors such as heat, dampness, and phlegm in the body, resulting in a series of uncomfortable symptoms in the body.
Astragalus membranaceus has a warming and tonic effect, and it has been proved that patients are prone to promote the evil fire in the body after taking it, resulting in more vigorous heat evil and aggravating the condition. For example, patients with evidence may have symptoms such as fever, dry mouth, bitter mouth, and yellow urine, which may be exacerbated by the warming effect of astragalus.
The digestive function of empirical patients is generally weak, and astragalus has a tonic effect, which may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion, bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms. In addition, patients may also experience symptoms such as dry stool and constipation, which may be further aggravated by the tonic effect of astragalus.
People with allergies
People with allergies tend to have a high sensitivity to some substances in the outside environment, which are called allergens. When an allergic person is exposed to an allergen, their immune system overreacts, leading to the occurrence of an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction can manifest as symptoms such as itchy skin, redness, shortness of breath, and can even be life-threatening in severe cases.
As a Chinese herbal medicine, astragalus has a complex composition and contains a variety of active substances. These active substances can be potential allergens for people with allergies.
When people with allergies drink astragalus water, their immune system may overreact to these active substances, triggering an allergic reaction. Therefore, people with allergies should avoid drinking astragalus water to avoid unnecessary health risks.
Patients with digestive disorders
Digestive system diseases include gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, colitis and other diseases, and the occurrence of these diseases is often related to factors such as gastric mucosal damage, abnormal gastric acid secretion, and intestinal peristalsis dysfunction.
Astragalus is a warm tonic drug, which is easy to irritate the gastric mucosa, resulting in increased gastric acid secretion, thereby aggravating the symptoms of gastritis, gastric ulcer and other diseases.
In addition to this, astragalus also has an astringent effect, which can reduce intestinal peristalsis and prolong the retention of waste and toxins in the intestines. This is undoubtedly detrimental for patients with intestinal diseases such as colitis. Because toxins in the intestines remain for too long, they can worsen intestinal inflammation and even lead to other complications.
Children & Adolescents
For adults, drinking astragalus water in moderation can regulate the body and enhance immunity. However, for children and adolescents, drinking astragalus water can have some adverse effects.
Children and adolescents are in the stage of growth and development, and their physiological functions and metabolic characteristics are very different from those of adults. Although astragalus has a nourishing and strengthening effect, for the body of children and adolescents, too much nourishment may lead to an increase in the burden on the body and affect normal growth and development.
In addition, children and adolescents have relatively fragile immune systems, and some components of astragalus may stimulate their immune systems, leading to allergic reactions or immune disorders. Therefore, it is not advisable to give astragalus water to children and adolescents without a clear indication.
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Remember 2 don'ts before drinking astragalus water, so as not to hurt your health
Do not use continuously for long periods of time
Although astragalus has a tonic effect, long-term continuous use may cause the body to develop resistance and reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, it is recommended to use astragalus intermittently, or for long-term use under the guidance of a doctor.
Do not use with certain medications at the same time
Astragalus may interact with certain medications, affecting its efficacy. For example, concomitant use of astragalus with anticoagulants such as warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using astragalus to see if there is any interaction with the drug being used.
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Astragalus and 5 flavors of Chinese medicine are more effective
Astragalus + Angelica
Angelica sinensis is known as the "holy medicine in the blood", which has the effects of blood tonic, blood invigorating, menstrual regulation and pain relief. Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis can supplement both qi and blood, and have obvious curative effects on symptoms such as lack of qi and blood, yellowish complexion, palpitations, insomnia, etc.
Astragalus + wolfberry
Goji berries have the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys, brightening the eyes and moistening the lungs. Astragalus and wolfberry are matched to replenish the qi of the liver and kidney, and have a good effect on symptoms such as liver and kidney yin deficiency, dizziness, and soreness of the waist and knees.
Astragalus + Atractylodes
Atractylodes atractylodes has the effect of strengthening the spleen and invigorating qi, drying dampness and improving water. Astragalus membranaceus can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, and significantly improve symptoms such as weakness of the spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, abdominal distension and diarrhea.
Astragalus + Poria cocos
Poria cocos has the effect of diluting water and dampness, strengthening the spleen and calming the heart. Astragalus membranaceus is matched with Poria cocos, which can dilute water and reduce swelling, and has a good effect on edema, unfavorable urination, spleen deficiency and less food.
Astragalus + licorice
Licorice is known as the "old man", which has the effects of tonifying the spleen and invigorating qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving cough and expectorant, and relieving pain and urgency. Astragalus membranaceus is matched with licorice, which can harmonize medicinal properties, enhance drug efficacy, and have an auxiliary effect on the treatment of various diseases.