Acupuncture Awareness Week is the perfect time to explore the many elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that work alongside acupuncture to support overall wellbeing. Among these, Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) and Ginseng are two highly regarded herbs known for their long history in Eastern herbal traditions. Used in a variety of herbal tonics, these roots have been valued for centuries for their potential role in supporting natural balance and vitality.
At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we offer both Astragalus Root and a range of Ginseng varieties, ensuring you can incorporate these time-honoured ingredients into your daily routine. In this blog, we’ll explore their traditional uses, how they complement acupuncture, and how you can enjoy them as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Astragalus Root: A Traditional Support for Qi and Vitality
Astragalus Root, known as Huang Qi in TCM, has been used for generations in herbal formulations. It is traditionally associated with Qi, the vital energy believed to flow through the body. Astragalus Root is often selected for its role in supporting natural vitality and is frequently included in functional herbal blends.
Astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, Astragalus Root is often used alongside other herbs such as Ginseng and Prince Ginseng (Tai Zi Shen) to create balanced herbal formulations. It is considered a key ingredient in Eastern herbal traditions and is commonly brewed into teas, decoctions, or added to root-based tonics.
Traditional Uses of Astragalus Root
Herbal Decoctions: Astragalus Root is often simmered for long periods to create rich, potentially nourishing infusions.
Soups and Broths: It is a common addition to soups, traditionally used as part of a balanced diet.
Powdered Form: Conveniently mixed into warm drinks, smoothies, or porridge.
Combined with Ginseng: Often paired with Panax Ginseng or American Ginseng, Astragalus Root is used in traditional formulations to support natural balance.
Incorporating Astragalus into Daily Life
Astragalus is highly versatile and can be prepared in different ways to suit modern lifestyles. Whether enjoyed as a tea, added to food, or taken as a powder, it is easy to include in your daily routine. Many people who practise acupuncture also integrate Astragalus into their diet as part of their herbal tonic regimen.
Incorporating Astragalus Root into daily meals is simple with traditional recipes like Astragalus and Ginseng Tea or Astragalus and Shiitake Mushroom Soup. The tea combines dried Astragalus slices with Panax or Prince Ginseng, simmered for 30–45 minutes and could be sweetened with honey or goji berries.
For a warming soup, Astragalus Root is simmered with shiitake mushrooms, ginger and carrots in a flavourful broth, finished with soy sauce and sesame oil. These potentially nourishing preparations align with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices, making it easy to enjoy Astragalus Root as part of a balanced routine.
At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we offer high-quality Astragalus Root in three different forms – dried, capsules and granules. It has never been simpler to incorporate into your daily rituals.
Exploring the Different Types of Ginseng
Ginseng has long been valued in herbal traditions and comes in several different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we stock four distinct types of Ginseng, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.
Panax Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Often referred to simply as Ginseng, Panax Ginseng is one of the most well-known varieties. It is commonly included in herbal formulations and is often enjoyed as a tea or infusion.
American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen)
This variety is traditionally regarded as more cooling than Panax Ginseng. It is frequently used in adaptogenic herb blends and is popular in herbal infusions.
Siberian Ginseng (Ci Wu Jia)
Despite its name, Siberian Ginseng is not a true Ginseng but is often used in a similar way. It is traditionally included in herbal tonics and has been valued in Eastern traditions for centuries.
Prince Ginseng Root (Tai Zi Shen)
Known for its milder properties, Prince Ginseng is often used in traditional TCM formulations. It is sometimes combined with Astragalus Root for a balanced herbal blend.
Vita Herbal Nutrition offer four types of Ginseng, as we allow you to explore their traditional uses and discover how they might fit into your routine.
A simple Ginseng Tea involves simmering Panax, American or Prince Ginseng slices in water for 30–45 minutes, optionally adding goji berries for a touch of sweetness. Additionally, for a rich, comforting dish, Ginseng Chicken Soup combines Ginseng Root, ginger, garlic and jujube dates with slow-cooked chicken, creating a deeply warming broth.
Acupuncture and Herbal Tonics: A Complementary Approach
Acupuncture and herbal formulations often go hand in hand in TCM. The placement of fine needles along meridian points in acupuncture is traditionally thought to encourage the flow of Qi, while herbal tonics, including those containing Astragalus and Ginseng, have been used as a dietary addition to support natural balance.
Many individuals who practise acupuncture also incorporate adaptogenic herbs such as Astragalus and Ginseng into their routine, aligning with traditional Eastern practices. Whether enjoyed in teas, soups, or powders, these roots have been long valued in TCM for their role in supporting natural vitality.
Astragalus Root and Ginseng continue to hold a prominent place in Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly when combined with complementary practices such as acupuncture. At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we are proud to offer high-quality Astragalus Root and four types of Ginseng, allowing you to explore their traditional uses with ease.
If you’re interested in incorporating these time-honoured roots into your daily routine, browse our selection of Astragalus Root and Ginseng today.
FAQ
How do Astragalus and Ginseng support energy levels?
Astragalus Root and Ginseng have been valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. They are often used in herbal tonics and root-based infusions that have been traditionally consumed to support natural vitality.
Can I take Astragalus and Ginseng together?
Yes, Astragalus and Ginseng are frequently combined in TCM practices. Together, they are often included in traditional formulations designed to support Qi and overall wellbeing. At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we offer both roots in various forms, allowing you to explore different preparations.
What is the difference between Panax Ginseng and American Ginseng?
Panax Ginseng (Ren Shen) is traditionally used in warming herbal blends, while American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) is considered more cooling.
How can I include Astragalus and Ginseng in my daily routine?
Both herbs can be enjoyed in herbal teas, soups, or powdered blends. Many people incorporate them into their daily rituals as part of a balanced diet. Vita Herbal Nutrition provides high-quality options to make this process simple and convenient.
How do Astragalus and Ginseng fit into Acupuncture Awareness Week?
Acupuncture Awareness Week is a great time to explore the broader world of TCM, including the use of traditional herbs. Astragalus and Ginseng have been part of these practices for generations, often selected for their role in supporting Qi and natural balance.