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Which is a better Qi tonic, ginseng or astragalus?

First, the role of ginseng efficacy

Ginseng is known as the "king of all herbs" and "nourishing yin and nourishing life, supporting and strengthening the root" since ancient times. Ginseng has the effect of replenishing vital energy, restoring the pulse and fixing the loss of vitality, tonifying the spleen and the lungs, benefiting the kidneys and helping Yang, replenishing vital energy and generating fluids, calming the spirit and benefiting the intellect, supporting the righteousness and dispelling evils, protecting the liver, improving memory, anti-fatigue, anti-aging and anti-virus, and it can be used in the treatment of shortness of breath and shortness of breath, palpitation and forgetfulness, thirst and sweating, and weakness of food.

Difference between fresh and dried ginseng

There is no difference between the effects of fresh ginseng and dried ginseng. Fresh ginseng has less loss of nutrients, but it is not easy to be preserved, and it is easy to be molded if not preserved properly. Therefore, it is often used to make wine or dried in the sun.

Third, ginseng contraindications

Ginseng is warm in nature, and should not be taken by those with solid symptoms, hot symptoms, internalized dampness and heat, and those who are not deficient in positive qi. Pregnant women, infants and young children should be cautious, can be taken under the guidance of a physician.

Fourth, the role of astragalus efficacy

The effects of astragalus are to tonify qi and raise yang, benefit the guards and consolidate the surface, diuretic and reduce swelling, and support sores and muscles. Research has now shown that it has the effect of strengthening the body's immunity. Astragalus has a wide range of uses and can generally be fried or concocted to enhance its medicinal properties. What are the differences after processing?

V. The difference between raw astragalus and roasted astragalus

1, raw astragalus, has beneficial qi solid surface, diuretic swelling, detoxification, muscle efficacy, for self-sweating, night sweating, blood paralysis, swelling, carbuncle not ulcerated or ulcer for a long time does not converge and so on.

2, roasted astragalus long for tonifying gas and blood, suitable for lung deficiency shortness of breath, weak blood, gas constipation, doctors often give "lack of qi, organs sagging" patients use.

Six, astragalus contraindication

Astragalus will aggravate the symptoms of fire, but also can stop sweating, so it is not suitable for those who have the first external infection, no sweating, food stagnation, and hot toxins. It is not suitable for people with Yin deficiency. Astragalus is sweet and slightly warm in nature, and it will help to increase the heat in patients with yin deficiency, which is easy to hurt yin and move the blood. It is not suitable for people with dampness-heat. Damp-heat patients are prone to stagnation of evil and aggravation of the condition. It is forbidden for infants and young children. Pregnant women should take it under the guidance of a physician.

After the above introduction, you can see which symptoms or body type you are to choose.

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Ginseng and Astragalus are both great medicines for tonifying Qi, and the indications for both are not the same, but rather different. Today we will take a look at these two great qi tonics.

poor man's ginseng (Panax ginseng)

When it comes to ginseng, we've all heard legends about it, so much so that it always makes us want to talk about what ginseng really is. It is because of its effectiveness that ginseng has so many beautiful stories. One effect of ginseng that is beyond the reach of many herbs is that it can be used in first aid, and for those who are suffering from qi loss, ginseng can be used alone.

What is qi shedding? The patient is sweating profusely, the qi is coming out more and going in less, the mind is dazed and restless, and the pulse is starting to float, and when pressed, it is gone. This is the gas to be consumed from the human body, has reached the moment of life and death, now the so-called shock, many patients can see the gas off. At this time, it is time for ginseng to shine, while astragalus does not have this effect.

This is because ginseng can not only greatly replenish vital energy, but also will fluid, which is exactly why ginseng can be used in first aid. In general, using ginseng to replenish qi is not as good as astragalus. One reason is that ginseng is expensive, and in turn, ginseng is more fake; rather, ginseng is in small quantities, while astragalus is in huge quantities. Let's get to know astragalus.

milk vetch root (used in TCM)

The power of astragalus to replenish qi is second to none in all Chinese herbs, including of course ginseng. Astragalus can be used for general spleen and lung qi deficiency, while ginseng is not preferred.

Astragalus can benefit the qi and strengthen the spleen, so that the functions of the spleen and stomach are strengthened. The spleen is responsible for the digestive organs of the human body. When the function of the spleen and stomach is strengthened, the digestive function of the human body will be enhanced. The energy of food can then be absorbed and utilized by the body, and qi and blood will be continuously supplied to the body. Therefore, the spleen and stomach are the engine of qi and blood in the human body, and with sufficient qi and blood, the human body will be full of strength.

Astragalus can also replenish lung qi, the lungs are the respiratory organs of human beings, and intercommunicate with the skin of the human body. When lung qi is sufficient people will not be afraid of cold, and sweating will be normal. There will be no coughing, shortness of breath and uneven breathing. After a day of hard struggle, the gas in our body will consume a lot, after work, will feel tired all over the body, and even the power to breathe, how to do? Boil some astragalus water and drink it when you get home, and you will be full of blood in no time.

Replenishing qi is one of the most important effects of astragalus, and it also has another role. That is to elevate yang qi, what is meant by elevating yang qi? It both fills the crane with oil and provides the crane, truly two birds with one stone. Therefore, Astragalus is used to treat many kinds of visceral prolapse caused by qi deficiency, such as gastric prolapse, uterine prolapse and other diseases, and the most famous formula has to be tonifying Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

Astragalus is a common surgical medicine, but also a "fierce general". The Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica said: "Lord carbuncle and gangrene long defeat sores, discharge pus, pain, wind mange disease, five hemorrhoids, mouse fistula", these are common surgical diseases. It is because astragalus can replenish qi, can lift qi, so astragalus can be used for qi deficiency caused by sores, carbuncles, swelling, poison for a long time can not be healed. It is widely used in many surgical diseases with good results.

Of course, both ginseng and astragalus have to be used where they excel in order to maximize their effectiveness. Just as we all have our strengths, we also have our weaknesses. Chinese medicine is to play to their strengths, avoid their weaknesses, so that they can give full play to their maximum "ability".

Astragalus and ginseng are very good medicine to replenish the effect of qi, in the clinic is also often used, the effect of replenishment of qi have their own strengths, in fact, who is better to replenish the effect of qi, the following is mainly from the efficacy of the main treatment, clinical applications, etc. to analyze it:

Astragalus efficacy and clinical application

1, astragalus has tonifying qi and Yang, solid surface sweat, diuresis and swelling, the effect of the birth of the Jin Totoxin.

2. It is used in the clinic for the following two main purposes:

(1) Tiredness and fatigue caused by weakness of Spleen-Qi, and loose stools with little food. Prolapsed anus and prolapsed uterus caused by deficiency of Spleen-Qi and sinking of Middle-Qi. Edema caused by abnormal transportation of water and dampness due to Spleen deficiency.

② prolonged cough caused by weakness of lung qi, shortness of breath, fatigue, superficial weakness and spontaneous sweating.

The efficacy of ginseng and its clinical applications

1, ginseng has a great tonic energy, tonifying the spleen and lungs, the production of fluids, tranquilize the spirit and wisdom.

2. It is mainly used for the following points in clinical practice:

(1) Critical illnesses caused by prolonged illness, serious illness or prolonged sweating and diarrhea, in which the vital energy is extremely weak.

② Weakness of the spleen qi caused by tiredness and fatigue and less food loose stools, spleen deficiency does not regulate blood blood loss, and so on.

(3) Shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, low voice and lazy speech caused by weakness of lung qi.

④ Palpitation, chest tightness and shortness of breath, insomnia and forgetfulness caused by heart qi deficiency.

⑤ Shortness of breath and panting due to deficiency of kidney qi which does not hold qi, as well as impotence due to kidney deficiency.

(6) Thirst and irritability caused by heat damage to the body's fluids.

As for which one is more effective in replenishing qi, it varies from person to person.

1、For long time illness after surgery or old people with ginseng to replenish the effect of qi is better.

2, for young people, usually daily maintenance bubble tea is yellow its effect is the best.


I hope the above introduction is helpful to you, if there is any improper please correct me. I am a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner who has been engaged in Chinese medicine-related work for 10 years, and I hope to learn more about medicine and health care, please pay attention to my headline number: health medicine and health sinks!

Ginseng and Astragalus are both very powerful herbs for tonifying Qi, but they differ in their effectiveness.


How TCM practitioners can tell if a certain herb can tonify qi


The main point of judgment in Chinese medicine as to whether an herb or food is a qi tonic or not is - whether it smells thick or not. A good astragalus has a strong aroma that you can feel just by putting it in your mouth and chewing it. If it is a poor quality astragalus, its odor is on the weak side, and its ability to replenish qi is not as strong. Similarly, ginseng has a strong qi that belongs to ginseng.


Characteristics of Astragalus for Qi Replenishment



Astragalus replenishes qi and has a force that holds it outward, soAstragalus mainly goes to the muscle surface. Therefore, Astragalus is commonly used inspontaneous sweating due to weakness of the exterior(which acts as an antipyretic to stop sweating), andCarbuncles and gangrene caused by deficiency of qi and blood that do not ulcerate(It acts as a toxin generator).


Astragalus replenishes qi very quicklyTherefore, if the astragalus is too much, it will cause stagnation of qi, "qi surplus for fire", and even cause fire. In this case, you need to add some qi-moving Chen Pi to crack it.People with qi depressive constitution are not suitable to use astragalus alone in water, it is easy to have bloating feeling.


Also, because astragalus goes outward, if you use astragalus alone to tonify qi, theAlthough this qi is quick to replenish, it also disperses easilyIf it is not sufficiently persistent, it is usually necessary to add some licorice, jujube, or even white atractylodes and ginseng to fix it.


Characteristics of ginseng as a qi tonic



Ginseng also replenishes qi very quickly, but it mainly works on the five organs, which are the main reservoirs, so ginseng replenishes qi without dispersing it easily, and the effect is long-lasting. Similarly, ginseng alone should not be used for heavy Qi stagnation, as it will make the stagnation heavier.

Ginseng or Astragalus, which is a better Qi tonic?

If you ask ginseng and astragalus, which one is good for replenishing qi, then there is no doubt that ginseng is number one in terms of qi replenishment. Here is a brief introduction to these two herbs separately.

Ginseng belongs to the category of qi tonic and is a very famous and expensive Chinese medicine. It is warm in nature and belongs to the lung, spleen, heart and kidney meridians. It is characterized by tonifying the vital energy, tonifying the spleen and the lungs, generating fluids and quenching thirst, restoring the yang and rescuing the rebellious, and tranquilizing the spirit and benefiting the intellect. Ginseng is the first and foremost medicine for treating internal injuries caused by deficiency and labor, therefore, all cases of great blood loss, great sweating, great vomiting and defecation, as well as all illnesses resulting in a deficiency of vital energy and extreme desire to be detached, ginseng alone can be used to achieve the effect.

So not only does ginseng have the number one effect in tonifying qi, but it also treats deficiencies with the most dramatic results.

For astragalus, this is a very commonly used and relatively common a Chinese medicine, I believe that many people usually at home in the stew, soaking water have used it, indeed, astragalus is a good qi tonic, it is very suitable for daily people as health care and health care Chinese medicine to take.


And ginseng is not only expensive, but also taken with a lot of precautions, ginseng as a large tonic medicine, the general public can not be used indiscriminately, prone to the situation of deficiency not to be supplemented.

Follow the Spleen Fan to share some of the dry stuff with you!

Ginseng and Astragalus are both qi tonic medicines, both have the effect of tonifying qi, tonifying qi to generate fluid, tonifying qi to generate blood, and are often used in conjunction with each other to enhance each other's therapeutic effect. So what is the difference between the two drugs? Which one is more effective in replenishing qi? Let's learn together.

I. Ginseng

1. Medicinal properties and efficacy:Sweet and slightly bitter in nature, slightly warm but not hot and dry, it is an important medicine for tonifying qi and strengthening the body, and belongs to the lung, spleen and heart meridians, withReplenishing vital energy, tonifying the spleen and lungs, generating body fluid, calming the mind and benefiting the intellect.The role of the

2. Therapeutic applications:1. Evidence of deficiency of vital energy;

2. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea in weak spleen qi;

3. Shortness of breath and shortness of breath with weak lung qi, pulse deficiency and spontaneous sweating;

4. Thirst in fever with injury to the body fluids, thirst sickness;

5. Restlessness, insomnia and dreaming, palpitations and forgetfulness;

II. Astragalus

1. Medicinal properties and efficacy:Sweet in nature, slightly warm and capable of elevating and tonifying, it belongs to the lung and spleen meridians and has the ability toTonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen, elevating Yang and lifting the trap, benefiting Wei and consolidating the surface, inducing diuresis, subduing swellings, and supporting toxin and muscle growth.The role of the

2. Therapeutic applications:1. Lung and spleen qi deficiency, sinking of middle qi, qi not taking in blood, qi deficiency and fever;

2. Self-sweating and night sweating;

3. Sores caused by insufficient qi and blood are difficult to ulcerate and putrefy, or ulcers do not converge for a long time;

4、Qi deficiency and edema, urination is unfavorable;

5. Qi deficiency and double deficiency, blood deficiency and atrophy, blood paralysis and limb numbness, hemiplegia, thirst;

Third, the effect of qi replenishment which strong

Ginseng, Astragalus two drugs for gas tonic medicine, but ginseng role is stronger, known as "the first important medicine to tonify gas", and has the benefit of gas to save off the spirit of peace of mind, tonifying gas to help the work of Yang. Astragalus is not as strong as ginseng, but it is good for tonifying qi and Yang, benefiting Wei and consolidating the surface, supporting sores and muscles, and inducing diuresis and swelling, which is especially suitable for the evidence of false qi trapping and surface deficiency and spontaneous sweating.

Welcome to read! Please click to follow and share common sense on rational medication use and safe medication use.

Thank you for your invitation! Ginseng and Astragalus are both qi tonic herbs, and in terms of qi tonic power, ginseng is stronger than Astragalus. However, the main treatment function of the two medicines has its own strengths, and both of them have their own efficacy against the evidence. Let's take a look at the difference between the effects of ginseng and astragalus in tonifying qi.

Ginseng can not only replenish vital energy and strengthen the essence of life, but also solidify the deficiency, replenish the deficiency loss, promote the production of fluids to quench thirst, and tranquilize the mind. Therefore, in Chinese medicine clinic, it is often used in the treatment of all the symptoms of deficiency in both men and women, as well as the symptoms of deficiency of yin and yang, qi and blood. It is regarded as the first essential medicine for treating internal injuries caused by deficiency labor. Because of its powerful power to replenish qi, ginseng can save the critical cases of qi deficiency (represented by the formula Doshen Tang). Used together with Radix Panax Ginseng, it can cure the symptoms of Qi shedding and death of Yang. It is also effective in treating the weakness of spleen and stomach due to spleen and lung qi deficiency, which is manifested by loose food, tiredness, weakness, and pale color, as well as coughing and wheezing due to lung qi deficiency, spontaneous sweating, weak pulse, and susceptibility to wind-cold. Ginseng also has the effect of promoting the production of fluids to quench thirst, and calming the mind. For heat injury to qi and yin, body heat and thirst, as well as qi and blood deficiency caused by restlessness, insomnia and forgetfulness, also has a very good therapeutic effect.

Like ginseng, astragalus has the effect of tonifying the qi of the spleen and lungs. However, astragalus is mainly used to benefit qi and strengthen the surface, replenish qi and elevate yang. In Chinese medicine, it is mainly used for prolonged cough and asthma caused by insufficient lung qi, and Wei qi is not solid. It is also used to treat loose stools, tiredness and weakness caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach. It is also used in the treatment of prolapse of internal organs caused by the sinking of central qi, and spontaneous sweating caused by the lack of solidity of Wei qi. In addition, astragalus also has the effect of reducing edema and sores.

From the above effects of the two medicines in tonifying qi, both medicines have the effect of tonifying the qi of the spleen and lungs, and both can treat the symptoms of deficiency of qi of the spleen and lungs. Because of this, ginseng is often used in combination with astragalus to enhance the efficacy of tonifying the qi of the spleen and lungs. However, ginseng can replenish the vital energy, solidify the deficiency, replenish the deficiency of yin and yang qi and blood, but astragalus does not have. Therefore, ginseng and astragalus have stronger and more comprehensive effects in terms of tonifying qi.

Thanks for reading!

Which is a better Qi tonic, ginseng or astragalus?

First of all, this is not comparable, each has its own role and is not replaceable. People who ask this kind of question can be said to have no knowledge of Chinese medicine, or have a little bit of half-knowledge, which is a kind of downright Western medicine mind to ask the words, not Chinese medicine people.

Second, the role of ginseng. Ginseng is sweet, slightly bitter and slightly warm in nature. It belongs to the spleen, lung and heart meridians.

Functions and Indications: Replenishing vital energy, restoring veins and fixing loss, tonifying the spleen, benefiting the lungs, generating fluids, and tranquilizing the mind.

It is used for deficiency of body, cold limbs and weak pulse, spleen deficiency with little food, lung deficiency with wheezing and coughing, fluid injury with thirst, internal heat with thirst, prolonged illness with deficiency, palpitation and insomnia, impotence with cold uterus; heart failure, cardiogenic shock, etc.

Third, astragalus flavor: sweet, slightly warm; attributed to the lung, spleen, liver and kidney meridians;

Effect: Tonifying Qi and consolidating the surface, inducing diuresis and swelling, promoting toxin drainage and pus discharge, and promoting muscle growth.

Used in Qi deficiency sweating and night sweating; lung and spleen Qi deficiency, coughing for a long time, shortness of breath, fatigue, phlegm Yong in the lungs and inability to cluck out; Qi deficiency weakness, tiredness and fatigue, or in the Qi subsidence, prolapse of the anus, uterine prolapse and other evidence; edema of the lower limbs; traumas that have not been healed for a long time.

Fourth, the difference between ginseng and astragalus. Ginseng mainly replenishes vital energy, while Astragalus mainly replenishes yang qi; ginseng replenishes internal qi, while Astragalus replenishes external qi; ginseng promotes the production of fluids, while Astragalus is diuretic; Astragalus can support pus drainage and muscle growth, while ginseng promotes heat and exacerbates toxicity and heat; and the treatment of Chinese qi depression requires the synergistic effect of the two.

Fifth, to summarize, the two are not comparable, each has its own role, each has its own efficacy, there is no better, only collaboration.

poor man's ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Ginseng has the functions of replenishing qi to rescue extinction, tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen, generating body fluid to quench thirst, and tranquilizing the spirit and benefiting the intellect. Ginseng is usually used as a tonic for vital energy deficiency and for the relief of acute and serious diseases. It can be used alone or together with Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng to restore yang and save the vital energy. It can restore yang to save urgency, benefit qi and generate pulse.

Overall ginseng replenishes qi faster and more vigorously and is used in critical illnesses. It is also expensive.

Astragalus has the functions of tonifying Qi and elevating Yang, benefiting Wei and consolidating the surface, benefiting Qi and inducing diuresis, and supporting toxin and pus. It is used in treating qi deficiency, tiredness and fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. Qi deficiency and subsidence. The price is also more affordable, so more often when tonifying qi, astragalus, atractylodes, and codonopsis are used in combination.

The synthesis is that ginseng and astragalus both have a qi tonic effect. Ginseng focuses on restoring yang and rescuing reversal in acute and serious illnesses, while astragalus focuses on tonifying qi in general qi deficiency. In addition, the two can also be combined together to enhance the effect of qi tonic.




Ginseng replenishes vital energy and astragalus benefits qi. Ginseng replenishes qi and nourishes yin, while astragalus replenishes all five organs.

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