Can Ophiopogon japonicus be steeped together with Astragalus membranaceus?

Jun 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Ophiopogon root has a sweet and slightly bitter taste with a cold nature, and its main functions are to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, clear the heart, and relieve irritability. Astragalus root is warm in nature and sweet in taste; it functions to replenish qi, strengthen the body's defensive barrier, promote diuresis, and eliminate toxins. When used together, the yin-nourishing effect of Ophiopogon complements the qi-replenishing action of Astragalus, making this combination suitable for individuals with a deficiency in both qi and yin. It can help improve their overall physical condition.

Generally speaking, Ophiopogon (McDoor) can be steeped together with Astragalus (Huang Qi).

Ophiopogon has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and is cold in nature. Its primary functions are nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, clearing the heart, and relieving irritability. Astragalus, on the other hand, is warm in nature and sweet in taste, possessing functions of replenishing qi, strengthening the body's defensive barrier, promoting diuresis, and eliminating toxins. When used together, Ophiopogon's effect of nourishing yin complements Astragalus' function of boosting qi, making this combination suitable for individuals with a constitution characterized by deficiency in both qi and yin. It can help improve overall physical condition.

However, this combination of Ophiopogon and Astragalus is not suitable for everyone. Due to individual differences in body constitution, some people may be sensitive to one or both of these herbs and may experience symptoms such as excessive internal heat or other adverse reactions. Additionally, if you have a specific medical condition or are currently taking other medications, it is best to consult a qualified physician before deciding whether to consume this herbal tea. Particularly for patients with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, caution should be exercised, as Ophiopogon is slightly cold in nature and may exacerbate symptoms of spleen and stomach cold deficiency.

It is recommended that prior to trying any new dietary therapy regimen, especially when involving herbal ingredients, you should first seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

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