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The efficacy of drinking water infused with Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica)

Jan 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Astragalus (Huangqi) has functions including replenishing qi to lift yang, fortifying the defensive qi, and consolidifying the exterior, thereby providing energy for the production and transformation of qi and blood. Angelica sinensis (Danggui) can nourish the blood, regulate menstruation, promote blood circulation to relieve pain, and is a commonly used herb for treating blood deficiency. When used together, Astragalus strongly replenishes the primordial qi to generate blood through qi, while Angelica sinensis nourishes and enriches the blood, promoting mutual generation between qi and blood, effectively improving conditions of deficiency in both qi and blood. Angelica sinensis is an essential herb in gynecology for regulating menstruation.

Generally, both Astragalus and Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) are derived from traditional Chinese medicine and food sources. Soaking them in water usually offers several health benefits, including replenishing both qi and blood, regulating menstruation and promoting blood circulation, invigorating qi to benefit the spleen, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and enhancing immunity.

1. Replenishing Both Qi and Blood

Astragalus has functions such as replenishing qi to support yang, and enhancing defensive qi to strengthen the exterior. It provides energy for the generation of qi and blood. Angelica sinensis can nourish the blood, regulate menstruation, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain, making it a commonly used herb for blood replenishment. When combined, Astragalus strongly replenishes the vital energy to generate blood, while Angelica sinensis nourishes and enriches the blood, promoting mutual generation between qi and blood, effectively improving deficiency syndromes involving both qi and blood.

2. Regulating Menstruation and Promoting Blood Circulation

Angelica sinensis is an essential herb in gynecology for regulating menstruation, exerting effects such as nourishing the blood and activating blood circulation to achieve menstrual regulation. Astragalus regulates menstruation by enhancing the body's containment function through qi replenishment, complementing Angelica sinensis. For conditions such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea, drinking water infused with Astragalus and Angelica sinensis can help regulate the endocrine system, improve circulation, and alleviate menstrual pain and discomfort.

3. Invigorating Qi and Benefiting the Spleen

Astragalus is a key herb for replenishing qi, capable of strengthening the spleen's function and alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. Angelica sinensis can moisten the spleen and work synergistically with Astragalus to enhance the functions of the spleen and stomach. Together, they are suitable for treating symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools caused by spleen qi deficiency.

4. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation

Angelica sinensis has the effect of moistening dryness and lubricating the intestines, effectively treating constipation caused by blood deficiency and body fluid depletion. Astragalus can generate body fluids and nourish the blood, supplying sufficient moisture and nutrients to the intestines. Drinking water infused with both herbs can help moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, improving overall intestinal health.

5. Enhancing Immunity

Components in Astragalus can enhance the phagocytic capacity of macrophages, thereby strengthening the body's immune function. Substances in Angelica sinensis also have immune-regulating properties, improving the body's immune response. Drinking water infused with both herbs can enhance immunity in multiple ways, increasing the body's ability to resist pathogenic invasion.

It is recommended to consume Astragalus and Angelica sinensis infused water in moderation, avoiding excessive intake. In daily diets, maintaining a balanced dietary structure and diverse food intake is also recommended to help maintain overall health.

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