Can pregnant women consume soup cooked with Codonopsis and Astragalus?

In general, pregnant women can usually consume soup made with Codonopsis (Dangshen) and Astragalus (Huangqi). However, excessive intake is not recommended. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Codonopsis and Astragalus are commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Codonopsis has the effects of tonifying the spleen and lungs, replenishing vital energy, and nourishing blood. Some pregnant women often experience symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath during pregnancy; consuming Codonopsis can help restore energy and improve vitality. Astragalus is rich in nutrients such as amino acids, riboflavin, and folic acid. Pregnant women who consume it can benefit from improved nutritional status and enhanced immunity. Moreover, the folic acid content helps prevent early fetal malformations and supports healthy fetal development.

It should be noted that excessive consumption may lead to heatiness or nutritional excess. Additionally, for pregnant women with a naturally warm body constitution or conditions such as hypertension, consuming too much Codonopsis and Astragalus soup may increase gastrointestinal burden and cause discomforts such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

In daily life, pregnant women can also moderately consume nutrient-rich foods such as goji berries and red dates as supplementary nourishment, which helps strengthen their physical condition. It is recommended to get adequate rest, avoid strenuous exercise and overexertion, maintain a light diet, and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.