Overview of the efficacy and functions of raw astragalus

Astragalus, also known as Astragalus or Beiqi, is a commonly used qi-tonifying medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine.Replenishing qi and strengthening the surface, diuresis and swelling, supporting toxin and promoting muscle growthand other core functions. Its main components, astragalus polysaccharide and saponin, can enhance immunity and regulate metabolism. It is suitable for symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, spontaneous sweating and night sweats, edema, and long-lasting ulcers. Modern research has also found that it has certain auxiliary effects on cardiovascular and blood sugar regulation. The following will start from traditional applications, modern research and precautions, and systematically analyze its value.

Raw Astragalus from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, astragalus root returnsSpleen, Lung Meridian, is an important medicine for replenishing vitality. Zhang Zhongjing mentioned many times in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" that Astragalus is used to treat spontaneous sweating due to superficial deficiency, while Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica" recorded that it was "an excellent tonic", emphasizing its effect of raising Yang and promoting depression. Commonly used clinically: ①Qi deficiency syndrome: Such as fatigue and loss of appetite; ②The appearance is not solid: prone to colds and excessive sweating; ③Edema: Combined with Atractylodes macrocephala, it can strengthen the spleen and diuresis. Its mild medicinal properties are suitable for long-term care, but it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation.

Efficacy verified by modern science

Recent studies have confirmed that the active ingredients of raw astragalus have multiple physiological effects:

Astragalus polysaccharide	Enhance macrophage activity and improve immunity
Astragalus saponin	Antioxidant, improve myocardial ischemia

In addition, animal experiments show that it can lower blood sugar, reduce proteinuria, and has a potential auxiliary effect on diabetic nephropathy. However, it should be noted that most of these studies are basic experiments or small-scale clinical trials and require further verification.

Precautions and contraindications for use

Although raw astragalus is safe, itYin deficiency and fire excess(such as dry mouth, hot flashes) should not be used to avoid aggravating symptoms. Recommendations for daily use: ① Daily dosage is 5-15 grams. Excessive dosage may cause abdominal distension; ② Stop when you have a cold or fever; ③ Pregnant women need the guidance of a physician. It should also be noted that its function is to assist conditioning and cannot replace drug treatment of diseases.

Summary and reasonable application suggestions

Raw astragalus is a typical representative of the origin of medicine and food, with both traditional efficacy and modern scientific support. When used for health care, it can be mixed with wolfberry and red dates to make soup; for therapeutic purposes, it must be mixed according to the doctor's advice. Only by correctly understanding its positioning of "tonifying qi and strengthening the body" and avoiding exaggerating its effects can we maximize its value.

Citing sources

1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" Li Shizhen (Ming Dynasty)
2. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition
3. Zhang Boli, "Progress in Clinical Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (2018)