People’s way of health preservation not only relies on exercise but also on certain foods, like Sanqi powder. Many people enjoy consuming Sanqi powder because it is believed to have the effect of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and nourishing health in the eyes of the people.
Four years ago, Uncle Ma was diagnosed with coronary heart disease, and since then, he has been feeling uneasy. Then, two years ago, after hearing someone recommend that traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate this condition, such as Sanqi powder. It was said that Sanqi powder is a “magical medicine” that can lower blood fat, reduce blood sugar, soften blood vessels, and prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Uncle Ma was thrilled to hear this.
But the packaged Sanqi powder in pharmacies is quite expensive. So, based on a friend’s recommendation, he bought a lot of bulk Sanqi powder from a traditional Chinese medicine vendor and started drinking it by soaking a little bit in water from the jar every day.
Uncle Ma didn’t know how much to soak, so he persisted in soaking a little bit every day. Initially, he didn’t feel any difference in his body. But later on, Uncle Ma found that the angina caused by coronary heart disease was not getting better. Recently, it had gotten even worse. Upon visiting the hospital for a check-up, the doctor advised Uncle Ma to be hospitalized for a few days for observation of his coronary heart disease. Upon hearing this, Uncle Ma was anxious, thinking, “I have been consuming Sanqi powder regularly, isn’t Sanqi powder supposed to soften blood vessels and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases? Why am I being asked to stay in the hospital now?”
Although Sanqi powder is a good medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, the dosage needs to be considered. After all, it is a type of traditional Chinese medicine, not just a food. If one is experiencing discomfort or suffering from a certain chronic disease and wishes to consume Sanqi powder for adjustment, it is best to consult a traditional Chinese medicine doctor at a Chinese medicine hospital to seek advice on the daily dosage. Avoid consuming it blindly.
Sanqi powder not only has a cleansing effect on blood vessels and a preventive effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases but is also a suitable medicinal herb for middle-aged and elderly people. Moreover, it contains many other essential nutrients beneficial for the heart, liver, and kidneys, which help improve overall physical condition.
In contemporary society, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases pose a relatively high health threat to individuals. The mortality rate for these diseases is extremely high, and once afflicted, the likelihood of disability is also quite high, indicating the severity of these conditions.
However, epidemiological studies have found that in some countries like Japan and the United States, the incidence and mortality rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are declining, while China is experiencing the opposite trend. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are preventable. Traditional Chinese medicine regards them as a type of blood stasis disease, which means blockage in the blood vessels leading to various ailments.
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, while Sanqi powder does have the effect of promoting blood flow and removing stasis, there is no medical evidence to prove that it softens blood vessels. The assumption that Sanqi powder softens blood vessels is primarily due to the association between the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and arteriosclerosis. The condensation of blood platelets in blood vessels causes blood clotting, which leads to blockages. Sanqi powder works by promoting blood circulation, thus, its “softening blood vessels” effect is an exaggeration believed by the public.
Have you ever noticed in historical martial arts TV dramas a scene where a person is injured, and someone applies a certain powder to their wound, often known as “gold sore medicine”? In reality, this “gold sore medicine” is actually Sanqi powder. Since Sanqi powder is so commonly used, people often consider it a random food item, overlooking its medicinal nature.
[People Suitable for Consuming Sanqi Powder]
Generally, if one is healthy, there is no need to consume any medicinal products for bodily adjustment. However, due to poor lifestyle habits leading to low physical fitness and some chronic diseases, Sanqi powder may be necessary. For instance, habits like excessive drinking and overeating, heavy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity can lead to diseases like high blood sugar and high blood fat. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are precursors to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, implying that these conditions are linked to lifestyle choices.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can benefit from liver protection, which is essential for individuals who frequently consume alcohol due to work-related social engagements. Additionally, in today’s sedentary lifestyle, whether one is a student or a working professional, Sanqi powder promotes blood circulation, prevents blood clots, and helps enhance overall physical well-being.
Sanqi powder also helps with hormonal imbalance and dull skin in women, helping clear the blood vessels, delay aging, and contribute positively to beauty and anti-aging effects, promoting blood circulation and disease prevention.
For individuals experiencing insomnia, drinking Sanqi powder infused in water in the evening can provide relief. It can also alleviate symptoms caused by excessive internal body heat, such as oral ulcers and constipation. Though not severe illnesses, they can be troublesome for health. For example, during constipation, feces accumulate in the intestines, causing discomfort. If the stool cannot be expelled, it can harm the body. Absorbed feces can affect health, resulting in a deteriorated intestinal environment. Sanqi powder helps in boosting metabolism and reducing excessive body heat.
[People Inappropriate for Consuming Sanqi Powder]
Firstly, pregnant women should avoid consuming Sanqi powder. Pregnant women have vulnerable bodies during pregnancy and are not easily resilient to any form of harm. Although Sanqi powder is a medicinal substance for bodily regulation, it is still a type of medicine. Moreover, being a blood circulation-promoting medicine, consuming it during the menstrual period may lead to increased bleeding in women, enhancing the risk of anemia.
Children need to maintain good immunity, but not everyone is suitable for consuming Sanqi powder. Children’s low immunity results from their immature immune systems, which is a normal occurrence at that stage. Therefore, parents need not worry excessively. However, if children are prone to frequent illnesses due to slight exposure to drafts, it is advisable to seek medical advice rather than blindly administer Sanqi powder to children. Lastly, for common colds caused by external heat, Sanqi powder is not recommended.
Every individual has a unique constitution, and as such, the effectiveness of Sanqi powder may vary. To achieve the desired benefits from consuming Sanqi powder, do not overlook these two key times.
â‘ On an empty stomach:
Due to the high stomach acid content on an empty stomach, consuming Sanqi powder at this time allows for efficient absorption. However, individuals with a cold stomach are advised not to take Sanqi powder on an empty stomach, as it may lead to diarrhea. Since Sanqi powder relieves insomnia symptoms, consuming it before bed is also a good time.
â‘¡ Before bedtime:
During sleep at night, the body goes without food for nearly 8 hours. Drinking Sanqi powder before sleep builds up reserves in the body. When the body is at rest during the night, it promotes blood circulation, improves sleep quality, and prevents blood vessel blockages.
In conclusion, although Sanqi powder is readily available and widely used in daily life, it must not be consumed indiscriminately, especially by individuals already suffering from illnesses or with weak physical conditions. Consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before consumption is recommended to prevent any unnecessary repercussions.
References:
1. Hey! Do you know how to correctly use Sanqi powder? 2019-07-18 20:33 · The First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University
