Herbal & Flower Teas
Astragalus and Bupleurum Tea with Red Dates
traditionally supports qi lifting, stomach tone, and organ prolapse recovery
Why people make this tea
Gastroptosis — a condition where the stomach sits lower than its normal position — is more common than many people realize. It tends to affect those who are naturally lean and slender, have lost significant weight, or have experienced a long illness. The characteristic complaint is a dragging sensation after eating, as if the stomach is pulling downward, often accompanied by easy fullness, bloating, belching, and general fatigue. In traditional Chinese medicine, this is understood as “sinking qi” — the upward-holding energy of the middle body being insufficient. Astragalus root (bei qi, also called huang qi) is one of the most important qi-tonifying herbs in Chinese food therapy; bupleurum (chai hu) specifically helps to raise and lift this qi; and red dates support the spleen and stomach. The combination is classical and time-tested.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to people with a formal or suspected diagnosis of gastroptosis, or those who consistently experience a downward dragging sensation after meals, easy fatigue, and poor appetite
- The formula is also traditionally used for other conditions involving a sense of prolapse, such as uterine prolapse or chronic diarrhea with hemorrhoidal prolapse
- Those with damp-heat diarrhea (loose stools with a burning or foul character) should avoid this formula — it is warming and lifting in nature and not suited to that pattern
- Consult a doctor before beginning any herbal program
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi, Astragalus membranaceus): One of the most widely used tonic herbs in Chinese food therapy; traditionally considered to tonify the spleen qi, raise yang, and support the body’s ability to hold organs in proper position; used across centuries for all types of organ prolapse and sinking qi
- Bupleurum root (chai hu, Bupleurum chinense): A classic “ascending” herb that works specifically to lift clear yang; in combination with astragalus, it significantly amplifies the organ-lifting and qi-raising effect
- Red dates (hong zao): Nourish and harmonize the middle burner; support the spleen and stomach; make the formula gentler and more palatable
Ingredients (2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | ~37 g (1 liang) | Available at Chinese herb shops |
| Bupleurum root (chai hu) | ~6 g (2 qian) | Available at Chinese herb shops |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | |
| Water | 5 bowls (~1 L) |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients briefly under cold water.
- Place astragalus, bupleurum, and red dates in a pot. Add 5 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 hour until reduced to 2 bowls (about 2 cups).
- Strain and drink. The red dates can be eaten.
- Take once daily; consult a practitioner for longer-term use.
Bro Niu’s tips
- Beyond gastroptosis, this same formula is traditionally used for uterine prolapse and chronic rectal prolapse (rectum falling out after bowel movements). If the problem is rectal prolapse, increase the astragalus to 5 qian and add sheng ma (Cimicifuga racemosa / black cohosh) 3 qian for added lifting effect.
- This formula is not appropriate for people with damp-heat diarrhea — loose, burning, or foul-smelling stools. In that case, a different, cooling formula is needed.
- For everyday dietary management of gastroptosis: eat smaller meals more frequently, chew thoroughly, avoid gas-producing foods such as legumes, milk, onion, and potato, avoid carbonated drinks, and keep stools regular. Very vigorous exercise and prolonged standing are also best avoided during the recovery period.
- Those with both gastroptosis and gastritis may benefit from adding sha ren (cardamom, Amomum villosum) 2 qian and chao zhi ke (processed bitter orange shell) 3 qian to this formula; cook with crucian carp or lean pork for a more substantial soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (mina): I have chronic superficial gastritis and gastroptosis — frequent belching, bloating after eating, and back pain. What can I take? Bro Niu: For gastritis combined with gastroptosis, try sha ren (cardamom) 2 qian, bei qi (astragalus) 5 qian, and chao zhi ke (processed orange peel shell) 3 qian — cook with crucian carp or lean pork, twice a week. You can also try the proprietary medicine “Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan” (available at Chinese herb shops) for spleen-stomach weakness and bloating.
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Q (Yoyo): Is this formula safe for someone with a cold constitution? Bro Niu: Yes — the astragalus and sheng ma formula is suitable for people with a cold constitution.
Published February 6, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
