What are the health benefits of steeping in water with Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), and Lycium (Goji berries)?

Jan 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula), Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), and Lycium barbarum (wolfberry) steeped in water typically have functions and benefits such as improving vision, protecting the liver, relieving fatigue, invigorating qi, strengthening the spleen, and enhancing immunity. Codonopsis and Astragalus can improve the body's energy metabolism efficiency, increase physical strength, and combat fatigue. The various amino acids and trace elements, such as magnesium and zinc in wolfberry, also help alleviate fatigue and improve work efficiency.

Dangshen, Huangqi, and Lycium berries steeped in water typically offer various health benefits, including improving vision, protecting the liver, relieving fatigue, invigorating qi and strengthening the spleen, and enhancing immunity. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improving Vision

Components in Lycium berries such as beta-carotene and vitamin A can nourish the eyes, improve vision, and alleviate symptoms such as dryness and fatigue. Dangshen and Huangqi can also indirectly protect the eyes by enhancing overall circulation of qi and blood.

2. Liver Protection

Both Huangqi and Dangshen have protective effects on the liver, helping to reduce the liver's workload and promote the repair of liver cells. Betaine and vitamin E in Lycium berries also offer significant protection to the liver, preventing fat accumulation and reducing the risk of fatty liver disease.

3. Fatigue Resistance

Dangshen and Huangqi can improve the body's energy metabolism efficiency, increase physical strength, and help resist fatigue. Various amino acids and trace elements in Lycium berries, such as magnesium and zinc, also aid in fatigue relief and improve work efficiency.

4. Invigorating Qi and Strengthening the Spleen

Dangshen is a commonly used herb for replenishing qi, often used in treating symptoms such as spleen and stomach weakness and loss of appetite, with the function of replenishing middle jiao qi. Huangqi also helps replenish qi and strengthen the body's surface defenses, improving symptoms such as weakness due to qi deficiency and shortness of breath with reluctance to speak.

5. Enhancing Immunity

Dangshen contains components such as saponins and flavonoids that help promote the production and function of white blood cells, thereby enhancing the body's immune capacity. Huangqi similarly enhances immunity by invigorating qi and uplifting yang energy, helping to improve overall physical function. Various nutrients in Lycium berries, such as Lycium polysaccharides, also help enhance immune function.

However, it is recommended to consume Dangshen, Huangqi, and Lycium berry water in moderation. Excessive consumption may burden the gastrointestinal system and cause discomfort.

Related Articles

View All