On a cold winter morning, Grandpa Zhang was having an intense discussion with his friends in the park: “I heard that to have a good winter and a healthy body, one must eat ginseng!” His friend immediately retorted, “Oh, ginseng is good indeed, but it’s not our only choice. Have you heard of astragalus root and Chinese angelica? They are affordable and effective too.” This dialogue not only attracted bystanders’ attention but also made us realize that many valuable Chinese medicinal herbs are being overlooked in the pursuit of health and wellness.
In today’s society, people are increasingly paying attention to health and wellness, but often with only partial knowledge. Especially for middle-aged and elderly friends, finding a safe and effective way to stay healthy has become their focus. However, the abundance of wellness information available in the market can be overwhelming, leading one to ask: among the many wellness options, which one is the most suitable for oneself?
This article will take you into the magical world of traditional Chinese medicine, exploring those precious medicinal herbs that we have ignored: astragalus root, Chinese angelica, and more. These herbs are not only natural assistants in strengthening the body and boosting immunity but also ideal choices for daily wellness. We will reveal the scientific principles behind them, provide practical daily usage suggestions, allowing you to pursue health while enjoying the profound heritage of traditional Chinese medicine. Let’s break norms together, explore more possibilities for wellness, and make a healthy lifestyle no longer a distant dream.
Astragalus Root: A Natural Immunity Booster
Astragalus root has long been hailed as a natural treasure for boosting the body’s immunity. It is not just a medicinal herb but also a wisdom for wellness, as its root is rich in nutrients such as polysaccharides, saponins, which play a significant role in enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms.
Scientific interpretation of the efficacy of astragalus root: Recent studies have shown that the polysaccharides in astragalus root can effectively activate immune cells, increase white blood cell count, thus enhancing the body’s immunity. Its unique anti-fatigue effect also provides a natural way of regulation for modern individuals facing high work stress and fatigue susceptibility.
Practical suggestion: Astragalus root can be consumed by soup-making, tea infusion, and various other methods. Cooking astragalus root with ingredients like red dates, goji berries can nourish Qi, blood while strengthening immunity. It is suitable for almost all groups, especially for those with weak constitution and prone to colds. However, individuals with warm constitution should consume it in moderation.
Chinese Angelica: An Excellent Blood Tonic and Menstrual Regulator
Chinese angelica, known as the “holy medicine for tonifying blood,” holds a pivotal position in women’s wellness. Its root contains rich components such as volatile oil, organic acids, which effectively promote blood circulation, harmonize blood, and play an irreplaceable role in regulating female physiological functions.
Guardian of women’s health: Chinese angelica has a remarkable effect on improving irregular menstruation and relieving menstrual pain. By regulating hormones, promoting blood generation, it not only improves symptoms like pale complexion, cold hands, and feet, but also enhances physical vitality.
Daily usage recommendation: Chinese angelica can be used as an auxiliary ingredient for soup-making, stewing meat, combined with red dates, astragalus root for blood nourishment and skin beautification. Pregnant women and women during menstruation should avoid using Chinese angelica. Consuming small amounts multiple times daily can achieve the best wellness effects.
Introduction and Usage of Other Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Goji Berries: Natural Barrier Guarding Vision
Goji berries, long praised as the “treasure against fatigue,” are rich in antioxidants that have outstanding effects against free radicals, especially in eye protection. Modern studies have found that components like beta-carotene, vitamin A, C in goji berries significantly relieve eye fatigue, improve vision. Moreover, goji berries optimize the immune system, enhance body’s resistance. Adding goji berries to daily diet, such as making tea or soup, is a simple and effective wellness method.
White Atractylodes: Golden Key for Balancing Digestive System
White atractylodes is renowned for its properties in regulating digestion, enhancing appetite. Its volatile oil and polysaccharide components effectively promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, improve indigestion, and are vital in enhancing energy conversion efficiency of the body. By balancing the intestinal flora, white atractylodes can strengthen intestinal immune function, providing support for overall immunity. White atractylodes has diverse applications, suitable for long-term body conditioning through soup-making or medicinal diets.
Salvia Miltiorrhiza: Guardian Angel Protecting Cardiovascular System
Salvia miltiorrhiza, hailed as a natural protector for the cardiovascular system, contains active components like salvianolic acid with remarkable protective effects on the heart. It promotes blood circulation, lowers blood lipids, prevents cardiovascular diseases. Salvia miltiorrhiza also dilates blood vessels, improves microcirculation, making it an auxiliary herb in treating hypertension, coronary heart disease. It is best consumed through methods like making tea or soup to maximize its benefits.
Wild Yam: Source of Spirited Energy
Wild yam, a widely recognized tonic herb, primarily works to enhance physical and mental vitality. With its richness in various nutrients like polysaccharides and flavonoids, it has excellent effects in combating physical fatigue, boosting immunity. Especially for individuals frequently experiencing fatigue and low spirits, wild yam can effectively enhance vitality, improve physical and mental endurance. Wild yam’s usage is versatile, serving as a food ingredient or medicinal herb, consumed by making soup or tea.
