Astragalus is used for tonifying Qi and consolidating the surface (consolidating the surface of the muscle by tonifying Qi), supporting toxins and generating muscles (discharging toxins and promoting muscle growth and wound healing), etc.; its effects are to treat prolonged diarrhea, prolapse of the anus, and Qi deficiency. Angelica sinensis is used to tonify and invigorate blood, regulate menstruation and relieve pain (regulating menstruation and relieving menstrual pain), etc.; its effects are mainly for treating amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, intestinal dryness and constipation.
1. Astragalus is sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature, and belongs to the spleen and lung meridians. It has the effects of tonifying qi and consolidating the surface, supporting toxins and generating muscles, inducing diuresis and eliminating swelling (facilitating urination and eliminating edema), generating fluid and nourishing blood (replenishing the body’s fluid and blood), and promoting stagnation and paralysis.
Astragalus is mainly used in the treatment of Qi deficiency and spontaneous sweating, prolonged diarrhea, prolapse of anus, uterine prolapse, sores that do not heal for a long time. Contraindications and adverse reactions are not clear.
2. Angelica sinensis is sweet, pungent and warm in nature. It belongs to liver, heart and spleen meridians. It can tonify and invigorate blood, regulate menstruation and relieve pain, and moisten the bowels.
Angelica sinensis is used in the treatment of blood deficiency, palpitations (rapid heartbeat, often accompanied by panic), menstrual disorders, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, abdominal cold, constipation, rheumatism and pain, bruises, carbuncle and gangrene (a kind of venomous sores, which occur in the surface of the body, limbs, internal organs of the acute suppurative disease) sores and ulcers, and so on.
Adverse effects of Angelica sinensis are not clear. It should be taken with caution for those with dampness obstruction in the middle jiao (dampness impeding the function of the spleen and stomach), epigastric (abdominal) plumpness (stomach distension and discomfort) and loose stools.
Astragalus and Angelica sinensis should be prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner after clear identification of the symptoms. Self-medication is not recommended to avoid adverse effects.