What are the benefits of steeping Astragalus, Salvia, and Hawthorn in water?
Steeping Astragalus (Huangqi), Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), and hawthorn (Shanzha) in water offers various health benefits, including tonifying qi and nourishing blood, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and relieving pain by unblocking meridians. Specific details are as follows:
1. Tonifying Qi and Nourishing Blood
Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza both have properties that tonify qi and nourish blood. When combined with hawthorn and consumed as an infusion, they help strengthen the body's vital energy and blood, ensuring abundant qi and blood and promoting smooth blood circulation.
2. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis
Salvia miltiorrhiza is slightly cold in nature and bitter in taste, entering the heart and liver meridians, and has blood-activating properties. Astragalus helps reinforce defensive qi, consolidate the exterior, generate body fluids, and nourish blood, while hawthorn promotes qi movement and disperses blood stasis. Together, when steeped in water, these three ingredients effectively promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis.
3. Regulating Menstruation and Relieving Pain
Hawthorn can be used to regulate menstrual irregularities in women. Astragalus nourishes blood and generates body fluids, while Salvia miltiorrhiza promotes blood circulation and removes stasis. Therefore, drinking this herbal infusion may help regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual pain.
In addition to the above effects, this combination may also help clear the mind, alleviate restlessness, cool the blood, and reduce abscesses. Although steeping Astragalus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and hawthorn in water provides many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with specific medical conditions or a history of allergies should consult a physician before use.