Various types of herbal roots are commonly used for their health benefits, and when steeped in warm water, they transform into a nourishing tea that is good for the kidneys and heart.
Health Benefits of Dandelion Root and Astragalus Root
1. Dandelion Root
Dandelion can be used both as a whole plant and root to brew tea that detoxifies the body and benefits cardiovascular health. Dandelion root has been used for many years to treat symptoms related to kidney stones and is effective at eliminating toxins in the liver and kidneys. Some effects of dandelion root tea include:
Diuretic, Enhances Kidney Function
Dandelion root can help prevent urinary tract infections.
Dandelion root acts as a diuretic, helping to eliminate accumulated toxins in the blood and supporting the liver and kidneys to function more effectively. This root also has the ability to prevent urinary tract infections.
Supports Blood Sugar Control
Dandelion root is rich in inulin, a soluble fiber found in plants that slows down the absorption of sugar in the blood, so regularly drinking dandelion root can improve long-term blood sugar control.
Reduces Blood Lipids, Good for the Heart
High cholesterol is one of the main contributors to coronary heart disease. Dandelion root has been shown to help reduce “bad” cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Cancer Prevention
Studies show that dandelion root is particularly high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and polyphenols, which help combat free radicals, reducing cellular damage and chronic diseases.
Some studies have found that dandelion root is beneficial in preventing and treating various types of cancer, including liver cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, and breast cancer.
2. Astragalus Root
According to traditional Chinese medicine doctor Hoang Anh Nhu, who has 65 years of experience, warm water brewed with astragalus root helps to promote blood circulation, nourish the blood, combat aging, prevent disease, and effectively control blood pressure. Scientifically proven effects of astragalus root include:
Good for the Kidneys
Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support kidney health. Astragalus root has been shown to improve conditions of proteinuria—where there is too much protein in the urine. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology indicated that adding astragalus root to the diet could improve kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Astragalus helps lower high blood sugar when used daily.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners often prescribe astragalus root as an herb for diabetes management. In modern medicine, scientists have analyzed 13 studies on the effects of astragalus on individuals with type 2 diabetes. The results show that astragalus helps reduce high blood sugar levels when used daily.
Some plant compounds such as flavonoids and polysaccharides have been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels. This research was published in the journal Ethnopharmacology in 2016.
Heart Support
In a study published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, researchers indicated that the antioxidants in astragalus have the ability to combat atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by hardening of the arteries and plaque accumulation that increases the risk of heart attacks. Trials show the heart-protective benefits of this root, supporting the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Cancer Prevention
Research by Chinese scientists indicates the anti-cancer effects of astragalus root against lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. This root has been found to shrink tumor size and prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.
Astragalus is also rich in antioxidants, inhibiting free radicals that cause cellular damage. Furthermore, astragalus root enhances the natural defense capabilities of the immune system, combating the development of cancer cells.
