Can we still eat Astragalus if it has worms in it?

In our lives, there are many Chinese medicinal materials. According to different diseases, we can choose different Chinese medicinal materials, so that we can effectively ensure our health. Take Astragalus for example. Although it does not seem to be a very precious Chinese medicinal material, in fact, its effects are very powerful. So, if some of the astragalus root left at home has been infested with worms, can it still be consumed?

Astragalus is prone to infestation due to its polysaccharide content. Yesterday a listener asked: Can Astragalus still be taken after it is infested with worms? The answer is yes, it is best not to use it. Why?

On the one hand, the efficacy of the medicine may become worse, and on the other hand, the insects themselves and their excrement may cause toxic effects such as allergies.

Like astragalus, many tonic Chinese medicines such as Codonopsis pilosula and Angelica sinensis contain polysaccharides, which are easy to attract insects. In order to extend the shelf life, they need to be dried in the sun for 1-2 days before placing in a sealed box, or baked in a microwave oven on low heat for 5-10 seconds, and then stored in a cool place at home. Of course, the best solution is to store it for no more than 1 year, and you should pay attention to controlling the purchase amount when buying.

Efficacy of Chinese medicine

1. Spontaneous sweating due to deficiency of exterior: mostly used for spontaneous sweating caused by deficiency of exterior. If the exterior Qi is not solid and sweating occurs, use Astragalus combined with Atractylodes macrocephala and Saposhnikovia divaricata to treat it. It will be effective if taken for a long time. Fang Ru Yu Ping Feng San; can also be combined with floating wheat, ephedra root, etc.

2. Night sweats due to Yin deficiency: It can be used together with Yin-nourishing medicines such as Rehmannia glutinosa and Ophiopogon japonicus.

3. Edema caused by acute nephritis: It is used for asthenic edema caused by insufficient Yang Qi, and is often used together with Fangji, Poria, Atractylodes, etc., such as Fangji Huangqi Decoction.

4. Edema in chronic nephritis, spleen and kidney deficiency: often used together with Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Poria cocos.

5. Weak Yang Qi: It is used for sores that have not ulcerated for a long time and have sunk inwards, which can promote ulceration and limit localization. If carbuncle does not break out for a long time, it is often used together with pangolin, soapberry thorn, angelica and Chuanxiong.

6. Ulcers and sores: If the sores do not heal for a long time, it can promote tissue regeneration and heal the sores. It is often used with honeysuckle, soapberry, and plantain. For cleaning pus, use together with Codonopsis pilosula, cinnamon bark, etc.

7. Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome: Chronic coughing and asthma, shortness of breath, fatigue, and phlegm in the lungs that cannot be coughed out. It is often used in combination with Aster tataricus, Coltsfoot, etc. to warm the lungs, relieve asthma, and strengthen lung qi. The spleen produces phlegm and the lungs store phlegm, so we need to strengthen Taiyin to eliminate phlegm. Astragalus replenishes Qi so it is especially good at treating Qi deficiency.