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What are the health benefits of steeping Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), and Shan Zha (Hawthorn) in water?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), and Shan Zha (Hawthorn) steeped in water generally have functions including promoting digestion, relieving dysmenorrhea and pain, activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and supporting cardiovascular health. However, individuals with different body constitutions should pay attention to the dosage when using them and avoid excessive intake to prevent discomfort. Pregnant women, individuals with weak constitutions, or those with specific medical conditions should use them appropriately under a doctor's guidance.

Astragalus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and hawthorn berry steeped in water typically offer various health benefits, including promoting digestion, relieving pain by improving blood circulation, invigorating blood and removing blood stasis, replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and supporting cardiovascular health. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Promote Digestion

Hawthorn berry can enhance gastrointestinal motility and aid digestion, especially effective for symptoms of indigestion such as food stagnation from overeating and abdominal distension. Combined with Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza, it regulates qi and blood while supporting digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, thus preventing stagnation caused by excessive tonification.

2. Relieve Pain by Regulating Menstruation

The combination of Astragalus' effects of promoting body fluid production and nourishing blood with Salvia miltiorrhiza's function of invigorating blood and removing blood stasis, together with hawthorn berry's ability to regulate qi and dissipate blood stasis, can alleviate pain caused by poor circulation of qi and blood, such as dysmenorrhea and postpartum blood stasis.

3. Invigorate Blood and Remove Blood Stasis

Salvia miltiorrhiza improves blood circulation, reduces platelet aggregation, and prevents thrombosis. Hawthorn berry, with its properties of regulating qi and dispersing blood stasis, contains flavonoids and vitamin C that support vascular health. Drinking water infused with Astragalus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and hawthorn berry helps alleviate chest pain caused by qi and blood stagnation and abdominal pain due to postpartum blood stasis.

4. Replenish Qi and Nourish Blood

Astragalus replenishes qi, strengthens the body's defensive system, promotes body fluid production, and nourishes blood, thereby enhancing immune function. Salvia miltiorrhiza also improves blood circulation and facilitates the delivery of nutrients, indirectly supporting blood nourishment. Organic acids in hawthorn berry also assist in blood nourishment.

5. Promote Cardiovascular Health

Salvia miltiorrhiza promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, dilates blood vessels, and reduces blood viscosity, helping prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Flavonoids and organic acids in hawthorn berry lower blood lipids and reduce the burden on the heart. Astragalus supports cardiovascular health by enhancing myocardial contractility.

However, individuals of different constitutions should pay attention to dosage to avoid discomfort caused by excessive consumption. Pregnant women, individuals with weak constitutions, or those with specific medical conditions should use this herbal combination appropriately under the guidance of a physician.

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