Angelica sinensis is not recommended to be taken during breastfeeding, but Astragalus and Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng can be taken during breastfeeding, the specific use of medication should follow the doctor’s instructions.
Angelica sinensis can nourish blood and activate blood circulation, laxative, menstrual regulation and pain relief. It can be used to treat menstrual disorders, blood deficiency and yellowing, menstrual cramps, cold abdominal pain, palpitations and dizziness, bruises, rheumatism and paralysis, carbuncle and gangrene (a kind of poisonous sores, acute suppurative diseases occurring on the surface of the body, limbs and internal organs), sores, and intestinal dryness and constipation.
It should be used with caution when dampness obstructs the middle and fullness of the body and loose stools, and it is recorded in “The Classic of the Materia Medica” that this product cannot be used before the fetus after delivery.
Astragalus can consolidate the surface to stop sweating (stop sweating by consolidating the muscle surface), replenish qi and elevate yang, promote diuresis to eliminate swelling, promote stagnation and paralysis (make the paralyzed meridians smooth), generate fluid and nourish blood, support toxins and expel pus (expel pus and toxins from the body), and astringe the sores and regenerate the muscle (help sores to heal more quickly, and promote the growth of new flesh).
It is also used for treating the sinking of the middle qi (deficiency of the spleen and stomach qi, which results in the falling of the internal organs), loose stools (scanty and unformed feces, blood in stools and leakage of blood (excessive or dripping menstruation), deficiency of qi, sweating (frequent and natural sweating due to the weakness of the surface of the body), deficiency of the blood and atrophy, and deficiency of the qi and oedema.
Codonopsis can strengthen the spleen, benefit the lungs, nourish blood and promote the production of fluids, treating deficiency of spleen and lung qi, cough and asthma, yellowish color, deficiency of qi and blood, palpitation and shortness of breath, poor appetite and tiredness, and thirst due to injury of fluids. Note that it should not be used in conjunction with Veratrum.
Astragalus and Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng have no clear contraindications and can be used during lactation, while Radix Angelicae Sinensis is contraindicated during lactation. Specific medication should be under the guidance of a specialist, not unauthorized use of medication.