Astragalus membranaceus is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine material, which has been used by us for health care. However, if you want it to be the most effective, you need to know the taboos of its use, and you also need to know how to match the ingredients to double the effect. Next, I will tell you about some of the contraindications of astragalus and will also share 7 of the best ways to mix it to give you a deeper understanding of this amazing Chinese medicine.
1.1 Botanical characteristics of Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus, scientific name astragalus membranaceus, is a perennial leguminous plant widely distributed in the Loess Plateau, grassland, arid areas and other places in China. Its underground tubers are spindle-shaped, yellowish-brown in surface, and hard in texture, and are the main medicinal part of Astragalus. The plant is about 30-90 cm tall, the leaves are pinnate compound leaves, the small leaves are ovate, the flowers are lilac, and they have a faint fragrance.
The growth environment and harvest season of Astragalus have an important impact on its efficacy. Generally speaking, astragalus is relatively rich in medicinal components in the early autumn when it grows, so this is the best time to harvest astragalus.
1.2 The main effects of astragalus
1.2.1 Nourishing Qi Solid Table
Astragalus is regarded as the "holy herb of qi" by traditional Chinese medicine, and one of its main effects is to invigorate qi and strengthen the surface. In TCM theory, the adequacy of qi is directly related to the body's vitality and resistance. Astragalus can gently and permanently replenish the body's qi and blood, enhance the body's immunity, and help resist external harmful factors.
1.2.2. Nourish the body and invigorate the qi
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, it is emphasized that "the spleen and stomach are the foundation of the acquired nature", and astragalus is considered to be a good product for tonifying and nourishing qi. It has a mild nourishing effect on the spleen and stomach, which can promote the normal digestion and absorption function of the spleen and stomach, thereby improving the body's utilization rate of nutrients and enhancing physical strength and energy.
1.2.3. Dilute water and reduce swelling
In addition to replenishing qi and strengthening the surface and invigorating qi, astragalus also has the effect of diluting water and reducing swelling. In traditional Chinese medicine, edema is often caused by poor flow of qi and blood and abnormal water and fluid metabolism. Astragalus helps to reduce the symptoms of edema by regulating the circulation of qi and blood in the body and promoting the normal metabolism of water.
2.1 Use with caution for pregnant women
Although astragalus is effective, it needs to be cautious for pregnant women. Pregnant women should avoid using astragalus during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, so as not to affect the normal development of the fetus. If necessary, it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a doctor.
2.2 Use with caution if your blood sugar is high
The effect of astragalus on blood sugar is not well understood, so it is best for patients with hyperglycemia to consult their doctor's advice before using it to avoid adverse effects on blood sugar.
2.3. Patients with fever should use with caution
Astragalus has a mild tonic effect, which is not suitable for people with fever constitution, and is easy to aggravate the fire in the body. When you have a cold and fever, it is best to choose other herbs for conditioning.
Astragalus, the "holy herb of qi replenishment", its effect is more than that!Compatible with different herbs, the effect is even more varied. Let's take a look at which partners Astragalus matches and what magical effects it will have!
3.1 Astragalus with wolfberry: nourishing and healthy
First of all, we want to mention the wolfberry of the astragalus partner. These two are a perfect match among the best matches, just like astragalus is electricity, and wolfberry is its wire, which guides the qi-invigorating effect of astragalus more smoothly. Goji berries and astragalus soaked in water to drink, or stewed soup, not only delicious, but also help to nourish yin and nourish blood, especially suitable for weak physique, excessive fatigue of friends.
3.2 Astragalus with Codonopsis: Boosts immunity
Next, there is the "brotherly love" of Codonopsis with Astragalus. These two "herbal brothers" are of the same origin, and their use together is like a tiger. The tacit combination of party participation in astragalus can strengthen the body and improve immunity. This is a good choice for those who have a cold all year round.
3.3 Astragalus with Atractylodes: Nourishing Qi and Strengthening the Spleen
Let's talk about the best combination of astragalus and atractylodes. As soon as these two herbs are combined, they are the best partners for invigorating qi and strengthening the spleen. It is suitable for those who do not have a strong spleen and stomach function and always lose their appetite. Stewing them into soup or boiling porridge is not only delicious, but also helps to improve the function of the spleen and stomach and increase physical strength.
3.4 Astragalus membranaceus with yellow essence: nourishing qi and nourishing yin
Astragalus and Huangjing are a pair of intimate "husband and wife". When paired together, it not only has the effect of replenishing qi, but also nourishes yin and moisturizes dryness. It is suitable for friends who are deficient in qi and blood, dry mouth, soaked in water or stewed soup to eat, quench thirst and moisturize.
3.5 Astragalus with Chuanxiong: invigorate blood and eliminate blood stasis
Let's take a look at the astragalus partner show of Astragalus and Chuanxiong. They play together, but they can be a good helper to invigorate blood and dispel blood stasis. For those female friends with menstrual blood irregularities, dysmenorrhea and other symptoms, this combination is a rare remedy. It can be made into tea or boiled into tea, which is both delicious and beneficial.
3.6 Astragalus with licorice: reconciles medicinal properties
Next, there is the astragalus partner combination of astragalus and licorice. They play together, which can adjust the medicinal properties and make the astragalus more easily absorbed. It is suitable for people of all ages, whether it is a decoction or a powder, it can be easily consumed.
3.7 Astragalus with Glycyrrhiza Root: Relieves medicinal properties
Finally, let's talk about astragalus with boiled licorice. This partner is professional-grade, which can relieve the medicinal properties and reduce the irritation of astragalus. It is suitable for those who are sensitive to medicine and have gastrointestinal discomfort, and it is more gentle to take after decoction.
In general, the best partner of astragalus can be described as varied, and choosing the right partner for different needs will definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort. You might as well try different matching methods according to your personal physical condition and find a suitable combination of astragalus partners for you!
4.1 Astragalus Chicken Soup: Nourishes qi and nourishes blood
Astragalus chicken soup is a delicious and nourishing recipe. Cooking ingredients such as astragalus, angelica, and wolfberry with chicken into soup is not only delicious, but also helps to replenish qi and nourish blood, which is suitable for people with weak constitution and postpartum conditioning.
4.2 Stewed pig's trotters with astragalus: nourish yin and nourish the kidneys
Stewed pig's trotters with astragalus are a delicacy that nourishes yin and nourishes the kidneys. Astragalus, pig's trotters, red dates and other materials are stewed together, which is not only delicious, but also helps to nourish qi and blood, nourish yin and kidneys, and is suitable for middle-aged and elderly people.
4.3 Astragalus and jujube tea: nourishing blood and soothing the nerves
Astragalus red date tea is a drink suitable for women. Soaking astragalus, red dates, and wolfberries in water not only tastes fragrant, but also helps to nourish blood and calm the nerves, and is suitable for women's problems such as irregular menstruation and insomnia.
When exploring the contraindications and the best combination of astragalus, we have an in-depth understanding of the multiple effects of astragalus and the contraindications of astragalus, which allows us to apply it more scientifically and rationally for health preservationWith different ingredients, it can give full play to the maximum potential of astragalus and bring us all-round health care. In our daily life, we can also try to make delicious dishes with astragalus and enjoy the nourishment brought by different flavors.