Which three types of people should not consume Astragalus (Huang Qi)?

Generally speaking, there is no saying that "three types of people cannot take Huang Qi (Astragalus)." However, individuals with colds or fever, those with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat (yin deficiency fire syndrome), individuals with excessive internal damp-heat, patients with hyperthyroidism, and pregnant women are not advised to consume Huang Qi. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Individuals with colds or fever: Huang Qi has the effect of replenishing qi. During a cold or fever, the body needs to expel external pathogens. Taking Huang Qi at this time may cause the pathogenic factors to remain in the body, making it difficult to disperse them, thereby worsening fever symptoms, prolonging the duration of the cold, and affecting recovery.

2. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat: These individuals already suffer from insufficient body fluids and internal heat due to yin deficiency, commonly presenting symptoms such as feverish sensations, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, and heat in the palms and soles. Huang Qi has a warm nature and may further intensify internal heat, worsening these symptoms and negatively affecting the regulation of yin-yang balance in the body.

3. Individuals with excessive internal damp-heat: These individuals often experience symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, sticky mouth feeling, yellow and greasy tongue coating, abdominal distension, dark yellow urine, and sticky, unsatisfactory bowel movements. The warming and nourishing properties of Huang Qi may exacerbate damp-heat in the body, making it harder to eliminate and increasing physical discomfort, thus affecting the function of the spleen and stomach in digestion and transformation.

4. Patients with hyperthyroidism: Patients with hyperthyroidism often exhibit symptoms of heat intolerance, excessive sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, irritability, and anger, which are often associated with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat or excessive liver fire according to TCM theory. The warming and nourishing nature of Huang Qi may intensify internal heat symptoms, making it unfavorable for disease control and potentially worsening symptoms.

5. Pregnant women: Due to the unique physiological condition of pregnant women, extra caution must be exercised when taking medications or consuming ingredients with medicinal properties. Although Huang Qi can replenish qi, some pregnant women may experience abnormal fetal movement after consumption. Additionally, there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm its complete safety for the fetus. To avoid potential risks, it is not recommended for pregnant women to consume Huang Qi casually.

The above-mentioned groups should be aware of these contraindications to avoid physical discomfort caused by consuming Huang Qi. Other individuals who wish to consume Huang Qi should choose appropriate amounts based on their personal conditions and preferably use it under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals to ensure safe and rational usage.