Huang Qi (黄芪，Astragalus root) in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Astragalus root or Huang Qi has very similar functions to Ginseng. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, like Ginseng, It is also an adaptogen that is able to help the body deal with physical, emotional or mental stress. It has many functions- improve Qi, prevent colds, reduces blood sugar, and beautifying. It contains powerful antioxidants that help the body fight free radical damage. It stimulates our immune system while also being anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It helps the body fight infections, prevent oxidation stress and boosts the immune system.
High antioxidant stress is a key factor in aging, hence Huang Qi is able to fight free radical damage and prevent aging. Due to its powerful anti-oxidant properties, Huang Qi is commonly used in TCM beauty formulas or recipes. It improves skin health by restoring our skin’s natural balance. Huang Qi invigorates the Qi to increase blood flow to the skin, which in turn helps to flush out toxins that may cause inflammation in the skin. It also prevents the breakdown of elastin fibers, which is a key factor in helping skin to maintain its firmness and elasticity & flexibility. Huang Qi also promotes the production of blood and body fluids relieving blood stagnation, helps to reduce water-retention and commonly used for water retention in the legs or even puffy eyes.
Huang Qi is best taken as a preventive medicine. It works by boosting the immune system and preventing colds & flu or infections before it happens.
It is sweet, slightly warm in nature and manifests its therapeutic actions in the spleen and lung meridians. In TCM, it is also commonly used to promote wound healing and promotes tissue and muscle regeneration.
Huang Qi is not suitable for menstruating, pregnant & breastfeeding ladies. It is also not suitable to be taken during a bout of fever or cold.
Huang Qi is easy to prepare, can be used in teas or soups. If used in teas, it’s best to boil it in water for a short time(5-10 mins) for the best effect. It can be found easily from supermarkets or local chinese tcm singapore shops or Traditional Chinese Medicine shops.
A simple Huang Qi Tea Recipe can be found here.
Another simple Huang Qi Whitening Tea can be found here.
黄芪和人参一样具有补中益气的功效，还能预防感冒、降低血糖以及美容养颜等，是一种功效齐全的药材。因为其能增强体质、提高免疫力，预防感冒，或者是改善由于脾虚导致的乏力，以及肺虚导致的咳嗽气短。如果经常感觉压力大，没精打采，泡黄芪喝焕发精神。有些人早上起床的时候眼皮会肿，又或者是腿肿，泡黄芪水喝能改善。黄芪有一种功效会令很多女性朋友心动—美容养颜。
黄芪可以和其它材料泡水喝，也可以单独泡水喝。黄芪可以直接冲热水泡，不过最好是放到锅中煎煮，因为黄芪比较硬，长时间高压煎煮能让它释放出药效。
月经期间女性不适宜饮用；感冒发热的人不能饮用；孕妇不适宜饮用。
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