Can I consume Lycium barbarum (goji berries) and Astragalus membranaceus (huang qi) for long-term high blood sugar?
Disease description:
Due to long-term high blood sugar levels, I have been consistently using medication for control. Recently, I noticed that I often suffer from insomnia and would like to drink some Astragalus to replenish my energy, but I haven't consulted a doctor about whether it is safe for me to take. I would like to ask, can people with long-term high blood sugar consume Lycium and Astragalus?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Patients with long-term high blood sugar can consume Lycium barbarum (goji berries) and Astragalus membranaceus (huang qi). These two ingredients offer multiple health benefits according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and also have a positive effect on blood sugar management.
1. **Goji berries**: Rich in various nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, goji berries are known for nourishing the liver, improving vision, and enhancing immune function. For patients with high blood sugar, goji berries can help regulate blood glucose levels and alleviate diabetes-related complications such as eye fatigue. Consuming an appropriate amount of goji berries, such as approximately 5 grams daily steeped in water, can help improve overall health.
2. **Astragalus**: As a commonly used herbal medicine for replenishing qi, astragalus has functions including strengthening qi to secure the exterior of the body, promoting diuresis to reduce edema, and detoxifying to promote tissue regeneration. For symptoms caused by high blood sugar such as qi deficiency, dry mouth, and thirst, astragalus offers certain regulatory effects. Astragalus can also be combined with other herbs, such as Atractylodes macrocephala (bai zhu) and Saposhnikovia divaricata (fang feng), to enhance its blood sugar-lowering effects.
