What are the benefits of drinking water infused with Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) and Shan Zha (Hawthorn)?

Drinking water infused with Angelica sinensis (Danggui) and hawthorn (Shanzha) typically offers various health benefits, including anti-aging properties, menstrual regulation, lipid-lowering effects, improved digestion, and promotion of blood circulation to remove blood stasis. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Anti-aging

Both Angelica sinensis and hawthorn contain antioxidant substances, such as vitamin E and selenium, which can scavenge free radicals, slow down the cellular aging process, and provide certain positive effects on skin health and delaying aging.

2. Menstrual Regulation

Angelica sinensis is known for its function of regulating menstruation and relieving pain, thus helping alleviate conditions such as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea. Hawthorn's ability to promote blood circulation can also assist in improving menstrual conditions. This combination is suitable for women to consume around their menstrual period to help regulate their menstrual cycle.

3. Lipid-Lowering Effects

Hawthorn contains flavonoids that demonstrate significant lipid-lowering effects by reducing blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus helping prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Active components in Angelica sinensis also contribute to lipid regulation, and the combination of both can enhance the lipid-lowering effect.

4. Aid Digestion and Resolve Food Stagnation

Hawthorn contains abundant organic acids, vitamin C, pectin, and other substances that can stimulate gastric juice secretion and accelerate food digestion, effectively improving symptoms such as indigestion and poor appetite. The warming and nourishing property of Angelica sinensis also benefits the health of the spleen and stomach, thus jointly achieving the effect of aiding digestion and resolving food stagnation.

5. Promote Blood Circulation and Remove Blood Stasis

Angelica sinensis nourishes and activates blood circulation, while hawthorn helps digestion, resolves food accumulation, promotes qi flow, and disperses blood stasis. Together, they help improve blood circulation and can alleviate symptoms caused by blood stasis, such as abdominal pain during menstruation.

Individuals with a cold body constitution and severe deficiency of both qi and blood may experience discomfort if consumed in large quantities. Pregnant women should use this infusion cautiously, as Angelica sinensis's blood-activating effect may affect the fetus. It is important to consume this infusion in moderation and avoid excessive intake.