Drinking astragalus tea can regulate qi deficiency and enhance beauty, but it also carries side effects and contraindications. Below, we detail the precautions and potential side effects of consuming astragalus tea.
Astragalus' primary function is to tonify the middle energizer and boost qi. Consuming it not only treats qi deficiency but also helps prevent colds and enhances beauty, making it a popular tonic herb. With over 2,000 years of use in China, astragalus has been cherished by many. While it offers numerous health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone.
Precautions for Brewing Astragalus as Tea
Many people enjoy brewing astragalus as a daily beverage, especially women who often combine it with red dates and goji berries. This blend not only strengthens the constitution but also improves complexion. However, the daily dosage should not exceed 15 grams, divided into two or three servings to avoid overconsumption.Overconsumption may lead to symptoms like dizziness, poor sleep quality, flushed cheeks, and irritability.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners explain that astragalus tea itself doesn't cause side effects. So why do some people experience discomfort after excessive intake?This primarily occurs because excessive Astragalus disrupts the body's internal equilibrium, triggering various physical discomforts.
While Astragalus effectively improves memory decline and alleviates dizziness and fatigue, habitual overconsumption of Astragalus tea not only fails to address dizziness but may worsen symptoms—intensifying dizziness and hindering memory recovery.Astragalus is a warming tonic herb. Overconsumption typically manifests as irritability and flushed cheeks.
While daily consumption of one cup of astragalus tea is recommended for optimal health benefits, it should be divided into two or three servings—never consumed all at once. Additionally, limit each steeped dose to approximately 15 grams. Some online recipes suggest 20–30 grams, but this requires individualized assessment.Furthermore, the dosage for brewing astragalus tea differs from that used in congee. For brewing, follow the recommended 15 grams mentioned above. For congee preparation, approximately 50 grams is optimal. In fact, whether brewing tea or making congee, astragalus usage has clear guidelines—never exceed the recommended amount!
People Who Should Avoid Astragalus Tea
Astragalus is a natural Chinese herbal medicine commonly used in teas, congees, and soups. Though its effects are similar to ginseng, its significantly lower cost makes it a popular choice for daily health maintenance. However, note that astragalus isn't suitable for daily consumption and isn't appropriate for everyone.Specifically:
1. Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis exhibiting symptoms such as hemoptysis, dry mouth and throat, and fever should not consume astragalus tea alone. It must be combined with appropriate Chinese herbs based on individual conditions.
2. Patients with kidney yin deficiency, damp-heat, or intense heat-toxin conditions must avoid astragalus tea. It may worsen their condition rather than promote recovery. Instead, they should brew and consume a decoction of Coptis, rhubarb, Patrinia scabiosaefolia, and gardenia. Astragalus is strictly prohibited.Individuals with colds or fevers should also avoid astragalus, as it may hinder the body's natural fever-reducing response. 4. Women experiencing menstruation should not consume astragalus decoction, as it may adversely affect menstrual flow and overall health. 5. Pregnant women require particular caution with astragalus, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage, harming both the fetus and mother—especially during the third trimester.If accidentally consumed during pregnancy, astragalus may reduce amniotic fluid levels, potentially prolonging labor and increasing fetal risk. Additionally, studies indicate that astragalus use may elevate rates of chromosomal abnormalities and micronuclei in cells, posing risks to the child's physical and intellectual development. Therefore, women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant should exercise caution when taking astragalus.
Editor's Recommendation
There are numerous ways to prepare astragalus tea. Beyond steeping astragalus alone, it pairs well with other Chinese herbs or herbal teas. Excellent choices include red dates, schisandra berries, licorice root, cinnamon twigs, safflower, goji berries, and rose petals.Combining astragalus with red dates and goji berries in tea effectively boosts physical constitution while also improving eyesight and replenishing blood—ideal for office workers. Alternatively, brewing astragalus directly with boiling water not only invigorates the body and enhances overall health but also promotes fairer skin—a multi-benefit approach.
That concludes our overview of precautions and potential side effects when drinking astragalus tea. We trust you now have a clearer understanding. Finally, we sincerely wish you good health and happiness.