What can astragalus be steeped with in water for drinking?
Mar 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Astragalus can be steeped in water together with other medicinal herbs such as Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), Lycium barbarum (Goji berries), Ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor), and Jujube. Among these, Angelica sinensis promotes blood circulation and moistens the intestines, Goji berries nourish the lungs and benefit the kidneys, Ginseng strongly replenishes vital energy (Qi), Ophiopogon japonicus nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, and Jujube strengthens the spleen and nourishes the blood. When combined with Astragalus, these herbs can enhance the therapeutic effects, thereby achieving better treatment outcomes.
Generally, Astragalus can be steeped in water together with herbs such as Angelica sinensis, Lycium barbarum fruit, ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Jujube. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Angelica sinensis
Angelica sinensis is a traditional Chinese herb known for its functions of promoting blood circulation to relieve pain and moistening the intestines to alleviate constipation. Astragalus, which invigorates Qi and nourishes the blood, when combined with Angelica sinensis, enhances the effect of replenishing Qi and generating blood, thereby relieving symptoms such as constipation and indigestion.
2. Lycium barbarum fruit
Lycium barbarum fruit is warm in nature and has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys and improving vision by enriching essence. When combined with Astragalus for infusion, it acts on the lung meridian, enhancing the effects of moistening the lungs, promoting body fluid production, nourishing the kidneys, and enriching essence. It can relieve discomfort caused by lung or kidney deficiency, such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, cough with excessive phlegm, and similar symptoms.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is a tonic herb that strongly replenishes vital energy, restores pulse, and prevents collapse due to Qi deficiency. When used together with Astragalus in infusion, it enhances the tonifying effect, alleviating discomfort caused by weakness of the lungs and stomach or deficiency of liver Qi, such as physical fatigue and poor appetite.
4. Ophiopogon japonicus
Ophiopogon japonicus nourishes Yin, promotes body fluid production, and moistens the lungs to relieve cough. When combined with Astragalus for infusion, it enhances the effect of moistening the lungs and alleviates symptoms such as cough due to lung heat and dry mouth and throat. This combination is especially suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency of the lungs and stomach or dry cough with little phlegm.
5. Jujube
Jujube is a nourishing food with certain medicinal properties, capable of replenishing Qi and blood, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the stomach. When combined with Astragalus for infusion, it helps alleviate symptoms caused by Qi deficiency of the middle jiao (middle energizer), such as fatigue and pallor.
It should be noted that although these herbs have many benefits, consultation with a physician is recommended before combining them to avoid self-administration that may cause adverse effects. Additionally, after consumption, regular monitoring is necessary, and use should be discontinued promptly if any adverse reactions occur.
