Home
Articles
Q&A

What are the health benefits of drinking water infused with Huang Qi (Astragalus), Goji berries, and Hawthorn?

Jan 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
The benefits of drinking water infused with Astragalus, Lycium barbarum (goji berries), and hawthorn include improved microcirculation, liver nourishment and protection, regulation of blood lipids, spleen strengthening and digestion enhancement, and boosted immunity. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive intake that may cause physical discomfort. Patients with symptoms such as kidney yin deficiency, excessive heat toxicity, or damp-heat should avoid consumption to prevent worsening of their condition. Prior to consumption, it is advisable to consult a qualified physician or pharmacist to ensure its safety and appropriateness for individual use.

Generally, the effects of drinking water infused with Astragalus (Huang Qi), Lycium (Gou Qi), and Hawthorn (Shan Zha) include improving microcirculation, nourishing and protecting the liver, regulating blood lipids, strengthening the spleen and promoting digestion, and enhancing immunity. The specific benefits are as follows:

1. Improving Microcirculation

Hawthorn promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, Astragalus replenishes qi and supports yang energy, and Lycium helps improve vascular elasticity and microcirculation. Drinking water infused with all three ingredients helps improve microcirculatory function and prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

2. Nourishing and Protecting the Liver

Lycium polysaccharides in Lycium protect against liver damage, Astragalus replenishes qi and nourishes blood to promote liver metabolism and detoxification functions, and Hawthorn also contributes to maintaining liver health. Drinking water infused with these ingredients helps nourish and protect the liver and prevent liver diseases.

3. Regulating Blood Lipids

Hawthorn has the effect of resolving turbidity and lowering lipids, Astragalus replenishes qi and nourishes blood, promoting the generation and circulation of qi and blood, and antioxidants in Lycium help remove free radicals from blood vessels. Infusing all three ingredients in water helps regulate blood lipid levels.

4. Strengthening the Spleen and Promoting Digestion

Hawthorn strengthens the spleen and promotes digestion, Astragalus strengthens the spleen and boosts qi, enhancing the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, and the mild nature of Lycium harmonizes the spleen and stomach and promotes digestion. Drinking water infused with all three helps reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach and promotes digestion.

5. Enhancing Immunity

Astragalus enhances immune function, Lycium is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help with antioxidant activity, and Hawthorn regulates gastrointestinal function and improves digestion and absorption. Drinking water infused with all three ingredients further strengthens the functions of the immune system.

However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive intake that may cause physical discomfort. Patients with yin deficiency of the kidney, excessive heat toxicity, or damp-heat conditions should avoid consumption, as it may worsen their condition. Prior to consumption, professional medical or pharmaceutical advice should be sought to ensure safety and suitability.

Related Articles

View All
What can you eat to nourish the kidneys?
For kidney nourishment, consider foods such as black beans, goji berries, Chinese yam, walnuts, and sea bass. These foods are rich in nutrients and can provide supportive benefits for kidney health, but they cannot replace medical treatment. If you have kidney disease or noticeable discomfort, seek medical attention promptly. Rich in high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and various minerals, these foods offer nutritional support to the kidneys.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Which traditional Chinese herbs lower blood sugar?
Some traditional Chinese herbs have an auxiliary effect in lowering blood glucose. Commonly used ones include Astragalus (Huangqi), Kudzu root (Gegen), dried bitter melon, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), and Ophiopogon (Maidong). These herbs mainly work by regulating metabolism and improving pancreatic islet function. When using these herbal medicines, it is important to be aware of their contraindications and precautions. They should be selected according to individual body constitution and specific conditions, used strictly under medical guidance, and must not replace conventional Western antidiabetic medications.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What should reed rhizome (bai maogen) be combined with to treat kidney disease?
In traditional Chinese medicine, kidney disease is often associated with downward infiltration of damp-heat, deficiency of the spleen and kidneys, and blood stasis blocking the channels. Imperata root (Bai Mao Gen) clears heat, promotes urination, cools the blood, and stops bleeding; when combined with other herbs, it can enhance therapeutic effects. Commonly used clinical combinations include Poria (Fu Ling), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Salvia (Dan Shen), Plantago seed (Che Qian Zi), and Atractylodes (Bai Zhu). Kidney disease management requires treatment based on pattern differentiation, and the above herbal combinations should be used only under professional guidance. In daily life, patients should avoid overexertion and control their intake of salt and protein.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What are the benefits of Astragalus and Goji berries?
Under normal circumstances, combining Astragalus (Huangqi) and Chinese wolfberry (Goji berry, or Gouqi) offers various health benefits, including reinforcing qi and raising yang energy, nourishing the liver and kidneys, enhancing immunity, invigorating qi to promote fluid production, and nourishing the skin. Astragalus and Goji berries can be consumed directly by steeping in water or added to porridge and soups. Since Astragalus has a slightly warming nature, individuals with a "heaty" constitution should reduce the dosage. Goji berries contain natural sugars, so diabetic patients should control their intake amount.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
How to manage kidney essence deficiency
Kidney essence deficiency can be improved through dietary regulation, adjustment of daily routines, moderate exercise, emotional management, and auxiliary traditional Chinese medicine methods. Such调理 should be carried out gradually and maintained consistently over the long term. If symptoms such as worsening soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, frequent dizziness and tinnitus, or明显 decline in sexual function occur, prompt medical consultation at a正规 hospital is advised. Increase intake of kidney-nourishing and essence-enriching foods such as walnuts, black sesame seeds, goji berries, and Chinese yam.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What are the methods for regulating kidney qi deficiency?
Methods for regulating kidney qi deficiency include dietary adjustment, lifestyle and sleep routine regulation, moderate exercise, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, and emotional management. If symptoms such as persistent fatigue, weakness in the lower back and knees continue despite these measures, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital. Increase intake of nourishing foods such as Chinese yam, goji berries, and walnuts that tonify the spleen and kidneys, and avoid raw and cold foods.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What to steep with chrysanthemum for liver nourishment and protection
Combining chrysanthemum with goji berries, cassia seeds, dandelion, mulberry, hawthorn, and other ingredients for infusion may offer certain liver-nourishing and liver-protecting benefits; choices can be made according to individual needs. If you already have liver disease or experience discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly rather than relying solely on dietary remedies, which might delay proper treatment. Goji berries contain polysaccharides that help reduce oxidative liver damage, and when combined with chrysanthemum, they can nourish the liver and kidneys.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What are the contraindications and benefits of steeping Codonopsis, Astragalus, and Ophiopogon in water for drinking?
Under normal circumstances, soaking Codonopsis, Astragalus, and Ophiopogon in water has functions such as replenishing qi and nourishing yin, strengthening the spleen, and benefiting the lungs. However, it is contraindicated for individuals with damp-heat constitution and should be used with caution. Codonopsis and Astragalus are particularly effective for boosting qi, while Ophiopogon mainly nourishes yin. When these three herbs are combined in a soak, they help address deficiencies in both qi and yin, alleviating symptoms such as fatigue and dry mouth caused by dual deficiency of qi and yin. This preparation is suitable for consumption by individuals with weak constitutions.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.