What is the function of Astragalus?

Astragalus, we all know that it is a traditional Chinese medicine, and it is a qi-replenishing medicine. The ancients were good at using Astragalus not only to treat diseases, but also to nourish the body. Astragalus is not only a commonly used Chinese medicine in medical treatment, but also an economical tonic and condiment. It can be used for stewing meat, etc. So what are the specific effects of Astragalus? How to use it? Let’s take a look at it below.

Astragalus is also known as Daimian, Daishen, Baiben, Jianqi, Baiyaomian, and Errentai. According to legend, there was a kind old man in ancient times. His surname was Dai and his name was Mian. He was good at acupuncture, kind and humble. He was willing to help others all his life. Later, he sacrificed his life to save a child who fell off a cliff.

The old man was thin, with pale yellow facial muscles, and people respectfully called him "Huangqi" as a respectful name for the elderly. After the old man passed away, in order to commemorate him, people named a sweet herb that grew beside the old man's tomb, which had the effects of tonifying the middle and replenishing Qi, stopping sweating, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, and removing toxins and regenerating tissues "Huangqi". They used it to treat many patients, and it was widely circulated and used among the people.

Astragalus was first recorded in "Shennong Bencao Jing" and was written as Huangqi in ancient times. Li Shizhen explained its name in Compendium of Materia Medica as "Qi means long. Astragalus is yellow in color and is the best tonic, hence the name." It comes from the dried roots of the legume plant Astragalus or Inner Mongolia Astragalus. Astragalus is sweet and slightly warm in nature, and enters the spleen and lung meridians. It is an important medicine for replenishing Qi.

In clinical application, it is usually divided into three types: raw, honey-roasted, and stir-fried with bran. Their medicinal effects are different. Raw astragalus is mostly used to consolidate the exterior, support sores, and promote diuresis, while honey-roasted astragalus is mostly used to tonify the middle and replenish qi. Stir-fried astragalus is mostly used to replenish qi and strengthen the spleen.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Astragalus can replenish the body's qi, and has the effects of raising yang, consolidating the exterior and stopping sweating, discharging pus and promoting tissue regeneration, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, and calming the fetus and benefiting the blood. It has remarkable therapeutic effects on anemia, edema, physical weakness and sweating, fetal movement disorder, uterine prolapse, deficiency of qi and blood, and yin deficiency. Drinking water soaked with Astragalus alone can cure drowsiness, weakness and shortness of breath.

After middle age, Mr. Hu Shi gradually felt exhausted and unable to do things, so he often used Astragalus membranaceus to make tea. Especially before giving a lecture, he would always take a few sips of Astragalus water to double his energy and speak with a loud and fluent voice.

People often use Astragalus to simmer jujubes, stew hens with Astragalus, and cook black beans with Astragalus, which are delicious dishes and top-notch tonic. It is rich in nutrients, nourishes the body, and has a unique flavor. It is an excellent tonic for postpartum women, the elderly, the weak, and those who are weak after illness. Regular consumption can make people refreshed, strengthen their physical fitness, beautify their complexion and prolong their life.

It should be made clear that although Astragalus is a very good tonic medicine, it generally has no obvious adverse reactions. However, it is a warming and tonic medicine, so people with colds, fever, chest and abdominal fullness and other symptoms should not take Astragalus. People suffering from tuberculosis should not take Astragalus alone. Pregnant women should not take it in large quantities or for a long time.