Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", so that you can access a series of high-quality health articles at any time, and at the same time facilitate discussion and sharing, thank you for your support!!
"What do you say? Does astragalus hurt the kidneys? I drink astragalus water every day and have been drinking it for several years! What can I do? ”
Aunt Li asked anxiously, holding her mobile phone tightly in her hand, and an article titled "Astragalus hurts the kidneys, how harmful is drinking astragalus water for a long time?" Advice: What really hurts the kidneys is these 3 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine".
"Aunt Li, don't worry, this article may be a bit exaggerated." Dr. Wang smiled and comforted, "Astragalus is warm, replenishes qi and promotes yang, generally speaking, taking it in moderation will not hurt the kidneys." However, any drug has its two sides, and side effects may occur if you overdose or if your body is not suitable. ”
"What about the '3 Chinese medicines that really hurt the kidneys' mentioned in this article?" Aunt Li asked, with a hint of uneasiness in her tone.
"The '3 kinds of Chinese medicine that really hurt the kidneys' mentioned in this article are: aconite, Zexiao, and Shiwei." Dr. Wang explained, "If the spleen and stomach are weak and cold, it is easy to cause fire and even hurt yin after taking it;
If the kidney qi is insufficient, it is easy to lead to kidney deficiency after taking it; If the spleen and stomach are weak, it is easy to cause damage to the spleen and stomach after taking it. ”
"That's scary!" Aunt Li exclaimed, "Then what should I do now?" Should I continue to drink astragalus water? ”
"Aunt Li, you don't have to worry too much, there should be no problem with the astragalus water you drank before." "However, it is recommended that you stop for a moment and observe your physical condition. If you experience any discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. In addition, you should also pay attention to your diet and lifestyle habits to maintain a good mood so that you can better protect your kidneys. ”
Aunt Li nodded, and the uneasiness in her heart calmed down a little. She decided to stop the astragalus water for a while and observe it for a while to see how she was doing.
Aunt Li's experience triggered Dr. Wang's thinking on the topic of "astragalus hurts the kidneys". He decided to dig deeper to see if astragalus could hurt the kidneys and how to take it safely.
Dr. Wang first consulted a large number of medical literature and found that astragalus does have certain side effects, but most of these side effects are caused by overdose or unsuitable constitution.
For example, a study published in the Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed that an overdose of astragalus can lead to liver damage and kidney damage. Another study published in the Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed that the damage of astragalus to the kidneys was mainly manifested in a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and a decrease in renal tubular reabsorption.
Dr. Wang also learned that the medicinal properties of astragalus are relatively mild, and in general, taking it in moderation will not harm the kidneys. However, if the patient has the following conditions, it is necessary to take astragalus with caution:
Patients with renal insufficiency: Astragalus may increase the burden on the kidneys, leading to a further decline in kidney function.
Patients with weak spleen and stomach: Astragalus is warm, which can easily lead to fire and increase the burden on the spleen and stomach.
Patients with yin deficiency and fire: Astragalus is warm in nature, and it is easy to aggravate yin deficiency and fire after taking it, resulting in symptoms such as dry mouth, upset and insomnia.
Dr. Wang also found that the way to take astragalus is also important. Generally speaking, astragalus can be soaked in water, decoction, porridge, etc., but the following points need to be noted:
Soaking in water: When soaking astragalus in water, the water temperature should not be too high, and it is best to soak it in warm or cold water, otherwise it will destroy the active ingredients of astragalus.
Decoction: When decocting astragalus, the time should not be too long, generally decoction for 15-20 minutes, otherwise the medicinal properties of astragalus will be weakened.
Cooking porridge: When cooking porridge with astragalus, it is best to add it when the porridge is almost ready, so that the nutrients of the astragalus can be better retained.
Dr. Wang also found that the compatibility of astragalus with other drugs also needs to be paid attention to. For example, astragalus is compatible with drugs such as licorice and ginseng, which can enhance the effect of replenishing qi and raising yang; Astragalus is compatible with drugs such as Poria cocos and Atractylodes macrocephalus, which can strengthen the spleen and promote dampness; Astragalus is compatible with angelica, Chuanxiong and other drugs, which can invigorate blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis.
Dr. Wang also learned that astragalus has a wide range of applications and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as:
Spleen and stomach qi deficiency: Astragalus can replenish qi and strengthen the spleen, improve spleen and stomach function, enhance appetite, and relieve symptoms such as indigestion.
Qi deficiency and fatigue: Astragalus can replenish qi and blood, enhance physical strength, and improve symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, paleness, dizziness and dizziness.
Kidney deficiency and asthma: Astragalus can replenish qi and strengthen the kidneys, improve kidney deficiency and asthma, waist and knee soreness, frequent nocturia and other symptoms.
Chronic nephritis: Astragalus can enhance kidney function and improve symptoms such as proteinuria and edema caused by chronic nephritis.
Chronic bronchitis: Astragalus can enhance immunity and improve symptoms such as cough and sputum caused by chronic bronchitis.
Tumor adjuvant therapy: Astragalus can enhance immunity, improve the physical fitness of tumor patients, and improve anti-tumor ability.
Dr. Wang compiled the results of his research into a detailed document and shared it with Auntie Li and other patients. He hopes that through these materials, people can better understand the efficacy and side effects of astragalus, and use astragalus safely and reasonably.
After reading the information, Aunt Li had a deeper understanding of astragalus. She decided not to take astragalus blindly, but to use it rationally according to her physical condition and under the guidance of a doctor.
Dr. Wang's efforts have enabled more people to understand the truth about astragalus and enable more people to use it safely and reasonably.
Disclaimer: This article is for reference only, and the medical knowledge described is true and well-founded, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any health problems, please consult a doctor or other
bibliography
"Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" Issue 12, 2019, astragalus overdose caused liver damage and kidney damage
Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Issue 1, 2020, research progress on kidney damage from astragalus
Pharmacology and Clinical Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Issue 1, 2021, pharmacological effects and clinical application of Astragalus membranaceus