Astragalus has long been praised as the “longevity tonic” in traditional Chinese medicine, occupying an important position in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. For the middle-aged and elderly population, how to effectively use astragalus to regulate the body and enhance immunity is a topic of great concern. Today, at the symposium, we will delve into the efficacy of astragalus and introduce three best ways to consume it to help everyone better utilize the tonic effect of astragalus.
Efficacy and Functions of Astragalus
Astragalus is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb with various pharmacological effects. The main benefits of astragalus include:
1. Tonifying Qi and Stabilizing the Exterior
Astragalus can enhance the body’s resistance, especially suitable for people with Qi deficiency constitution. Qi deficiency is usually characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. By tonifying Qi, astragalus can enhance the body’s immune system, prevent colds, and other infectious diseases.
2. Diuretic and Anti-Edema
Astragalus has a diuretic effect, which can help excrete excess water from the body, reducing edema. This is beneficial for easing edema caused by heart or kidney function insufficiency. Additionally, the diuretic effect also helps to lower blood pressure, suitable for daily regulation in hypertensive patients.
3. Promoting Metabolism
Astragalus can promote metabolism, helping to improve conditions of physical weakness and loss of appetite. It can also accelerate wound healing, providing assistance in postoperative recovery. Furthermore, astragalus aids in regulating blood sugar levels, suitable for adjunctive therapy in patients with abnormal sugar metabolism.
4. Anti-Aging
Astragalus contains various antioxidant components that can effectively remove free radicals in the body, slowing down the aging process. For middle-aged and elderly individuals, consuming astragalus regularly helps delay aging, maintain vitality, and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
Three Best Ways to Consume Astragalus
1. Astragalus Chicken Soup
Astragalus chicken soup is one of the most common and popular ways to consume astragalus. Its preparation is simple and suitable for home cooking.
Ingredients
15g astragalus
One old hen
Goji berries, a proper amount
A few slices of ginger
Appropriate amount of salt
Method
Preparation: Clean the old hen and cut it into pieces for later use. Soak the goji berries in water, and slice the ginger.
Initial steps: Put the astragalus and ginger in a stew pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat.
Simmering process: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, bring to a boil again, then simmer over low heat for 2 hours.
Adding supplementary ingredients: Add the soaked goji berries, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt according to taste, and it is ready to serve.
Efficacy
Astragalus chicken soup can tonify Qi and nourish blood, enhancing physique, especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals with deficiency in Qi and blood. Long-term consumption helps boost immunity, improve fatigue, and enhance body resistance.
2. Astragalus Red Date Tea
Astragalus red date tea is a simple and easy-to-make health tea suitable for daily consumption.
Ingredients
10g astragalus
5 red dates
Goji berries, a proper amount
Proper amount of honey
Method
Washing ingredients: Clean the astragalus and red dates, remove the cores from the red dates.
Tea brewing: Put astragalus, red dates, and goji berries in a teapot, add an appropriate amount of boiling water.
Soaking: After soaking for 15 minutes, add honey to taste, and it is ready to drink.
Efficacy
Astragalus red date tea has the effect of tonifying Qi and nourishing blood, calming the mind and aiding sleep. It is suitable for people with insufficient Qi and blood and frequent insomnia. Regular consumption helps improve pale complexion, limb fatigue, and other symptoms.
3. Astragalus Congee
Astragalus congee is a nutritious and easily digestible health food, especially suitable for breakfast.
Ingredients
10g astragalus
100g rice
Proper amount of red dates and goji berries
Method
Boiling medicinal decoction: Wash the astragalus, boil it in water for 30 minutes, and set aside the decoction.
Cooking congee: Clean the rice, cook it with astragalus decoction and an appropriate amount of water.
Adding supplementary ingredients: When the rice grains are soft, add red dates and goji berries, and cook for another 10 minutes.
Efficacy
Astragalus congee has the effect of tonifying Qi, invigorating the spleen, nourishing blood, and calming the mind. It is suitable for people with Qi and blood deficiency, weak spleen, and stomach. Regular consumption helps strengthen the body, improve fatigue, and anemic conditions.
Precautions for Consuming Astragalus
1. Eat in moderation
Although astragalus has various health benefits, it should not be consumed excessively. The daily dosage for adults should generally be controlled between 10-30 grams, and the specific amount should be adjusted according to individual physique and health conditions. Excessive consumption may cause symptoms such as internal heat and bloating.
2. Choose high-quality astragalus
The quality of astragalus in the market varies. It is recommended to purchase from reputable Chinese medicinal shops to ensure the quality and safety of the herbs. High-quality astragalus is usually long and hard, with a bright yellow color and a strong medicinal aroma.
3. Compatibility with other herbs
Astragalus can be used in combination with various herbs, but attention should be paid to the interactions between herbs. For example, astragalus combined with angelica sinensis has the effect of tonifying Qi and nourishing blood, while paired with codonopsis pilosula has the effect of invigorating the spleen and replenishing Qi. When using combinations, consult the advice of a Chinese medicine practitioner to avoid adverse reactions due to improper combinations.
4. Watch out for dietary taboos
During the consumption of astragalus, attention should be paid to dietary taboos. Avoid consuming with spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods to avoid affecting the efficacy of astragalus. In addition, individuals with Qi stagnation or damp-heat constitutions should use astragalus with caution to avoid worsening their condition.
Astragalus, as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is widely used among middle-aged and elderly populations. Through the introduction in this article, I hope everyone can master the three best ways to consume astragalus and make reasonable use of it in daily life to fully leverage its tonic and health benefits. Remember, the use of any health supplement or medicinal herb should be in moderation, combined with one’s own health condition and needs, to achieve optimal health effects. By properly using astragalus, you can effectively improve your physical condition, enhance immunity, and safeguard your health for a healthier life.
