Can Astragalus and American ginseng be steeped together in water for consumption?
May 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Astragalus and American ginseng can be consumed together in water, but in moderation. Astragalus is sweet in taste and slightly warm in nature, entering the spleen and lung meridians, and has the function of replenishing qi and strengthening the spleen. Although American ginseng is somewhat cool in nature, it also possesses the effect of replenishing qi. When used together, these two herbs can further enhance the qi-replenishing effect and help improve symptoms such as qi deficiency, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.
Generally, Astragalus and American ginseng can be consumed together as a tea, but only in moderate amounts. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Astragalus has a sweet taste and a mildly warm nature, entering the spleen and lung meridians. It functions to replenish qi and strengthen the spleen. Although American ginseng is relatively cool in nature, it also has the effect of replenishing qi. When used together, these two herbs can further enhance the effectiveness of qi supplementation, helping to improve symptoms such as fatigue due to qi deficiency, poor appetite, and loose stools. American ginseng has a sweet and bitter taste with a slightly cool nature, entering the heart, lung, and kidney meridians. It functions to nourish yin and promote body fluid production. Combining Astragalus with American ginseng can also assist in nourishing yin and producing body fluids, helping to alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth and throat and heat in the palms and soles.
The polysaccharides contained in Astragalus and saponins, as well as trace elements in American ginseng, both help improve human immunity and enhance resistance. Drinking Astragalus and American ginseng tea in moderation can help reduce the occurrence of illness. Astragalus also has the function of reinforcing the exterior and stopping perspiration, which can improve symptoms such as spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, and cold sweat. Although American ginseng's primary function is not reinforcing the exterior and stopping perspiration, when combined with Astragalus, it can assist and enhance this effect to a certain extent.
However, it should be noted that when consuming Astragalus and American ginseng tea, the dosage should be properly controlled. Excessive consumption may cause side effects such as insomnia, diarrhea, and excessive internal heat. People with yang deficiency constitution, hypertension, heart disease, pregnant women, children, and other groups should use it cautiously or avoid it altogether, preferably under the guidance of a physician.
