In the fast-paced life, many people’s living habits have quietly buried hidden health risks, one of which is qi deficiency, this sub-healthy state urgently needs attention. Faced with qi deficiency, people often tend to take tonics such as Astragalus and ginseng, but blind tonifying can increase health risks. In fact, although Astragalus and ginseng are both excellent for tonifying qi, they each have their own strengths, so correct selection is crucial.
There are various causes of qi deficiency. In modern society, high stress, excessive fatigue, economic burdens like mortgages and car loans make it hard to breathe, and long-term fatigue accumulation can easily lead to qi deficiency. On the other hand, lack of exercise also harms qi, prolonged sitting and lying down reduce bodily functions. Irregular diet, nutritional imbalance, improper post-illness recovery are also common factors leading to qi deficiency. People often overlook the fatigue signals their bodies emit, attributing them to temporary fatigue or laziness, when in reality they should be wary of prolonged qi deficiency.
The manifestations of qi deficiency vary. When it involves the internal organs, it can manifest as weakened spleen and lung functions, like physical weakness, poor digestion, shortness of breath, and sweating. In general, those with qi deficiency often have low immunity, are prone to colds, feel mentally sluggish, speak less and move lazily, and have a dull complexion.
Astragalus is sweet and slightly warm, excelling in tonifying qi, stabilizing the exterior, promoting water metabolism, and uplifting yang qi; ginseng is cool and slightly bitter, apart from tonifying qi, it focuses more on nourishing yin. Their properties are different, and their tonifying effects also have their specific focuses. Astragalus has a wider range of applications, while ginseng is mild and less likely to cause heat, making it more suitable for those with internal heat. The key to choosing a tonic lies in individual constitution and actual needs, not simply judging which one is superior.
For example, for those with spleen or lung qi deficiency or with edema, Astragalus is suitable; when needing to enhance resistance against colds, Astragalus is also applicable. Conversely, for those with internal damp-heat, susceptibility to heat, or needing to clear heat and nourish yin, ginseng is more appropriate, especially for those who frequently strain their voice or experience dry mouth in summer. However, individuals with cold constitution should use ginseng cautiously.
When tonifying, two principles should be kept in mind: moderate dosage and targeted supplementation according to the condition, tonifying only when necessary to avoid disrupting the body’s balance. By correctly assessing one’s own condition, selecting and applying Astragalus or ginseng appropriately, one can truly achieve the effect of tonifying qi and nurturing the body. After understanding the above guidelines, have you already determined which tonic is more suitable for you?
