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What are the benefits and side effects of drinking water infused with Astragalus (Huang Qi)?

Jan 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the benefits of drinking water infused with Huang Qi (Astragalus) include enhancing immunity, regulating blood sugar levels, promoting wound healing, improving cardiopulmonary function, and relieving fatigue. Side effects may include menstrual disturbances, allergic reactions, sleep disruption, digestive issues, and heatiness (excess internal heat). Components in Huang Qi such as polysaccharides and flavonoids can stimulate the body's immune system and enhance white blood cell activity.

Generally, the benefits of drinking astragalus root tea include enhancing immunity, regulating blood sugar levels, promoting wound healing, improving cardiopulmonary function, and relieving fatigue. Possible side effects include menstrual disturbances, allergic reactions, sleep disruption, digestive issues, and heatiness. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Benefits

1. Enhancing Immunity

Components in astragalus such as polysaccharides and flavonoids can stimulate the immune system and enhance white blood cell activity. Drinking astragalus tea can help improve immunity, strengthen resistance, and prevent colds.

2. Regulating Blood Sugar

The active ingredients in astragalus can improve insulin sensitivity and promote glucose utilization. Drinking astragalus tea can help lower blood sugar levels and assist diabetic patients in controlling their blood glucose.

3. Promoting Wound Healing

Astragalus can promote skin tissue repair and regeneration, accelerating the wound healing process. Drinking astragalus tea can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and increase collagen synthesis, thus speeding up wound healing.

4. Improving Cardiopulmonary Function

Flavonoids in astragalus can dilate blood vessels, reduce cardiac load, and improve heart pumping function. Drinking astragalus tea can increase pulmonary ventilation and enhance oxygen absorption efficiency.

5. Alleviating Fatigue

Astragalus can promote ATP synthesis in the body, improve energy metabolism efficiency, and effectively relieve fatigue. Drinking astragalus tea can improve microcirculation, increase tissue oxygen supply, and enhance the body's anti-fatigue capacity.

II. Side Effects

1. Menstrual Disturbances

Astragalus has mild estrogen-like effects and may cause increased menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstruation. It is advisable to avoid drinking astragalus tea during menstruation to prevent exacerbating these symptoms.

2. Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may be allergic to certain components in astragalus. Drinking astragalus tea may cause symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, and swelling. In severe cases, symptoms may include nausea and difficulty breathing.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Some people may experience central nervous system stimulation after taking astragalus, leading to insomnia or reduced sleep quality. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of astragalus tea before bedtime.

4. Digestive Issues

Certain components of astragalus may irritate the gastric mucosa or affect gastrointestinal motility. Long-term and excessive consumption of astragalus tea may impair the digestive function of the stomach and spleen, leading to symptoms such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and abdominal distension.

5. Heatiness

Astragalus has a sweet taste and a slightly warm nature. Long-term and excessive consumption may cause heatiness in the body, manifesting as symptoms such as mouth ulcers, canker sores, nosebleeds, irritability, and dark, scanty urine.

However, it is important to consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before consumption to determine whether your body constitution is suitable for astragalus intake and to understand the appropriate dosage and method. Additionally, monitor your body's response closely, and discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately if adverse reactions occur.

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