Astragalus (黄芪)

Sweet, slightly warmSpring–autumnTonifies qi, raises yang, stabilizes exterior, promotes urinationQi and blood deficiency patterns (syndrome differentiation; avoid in damp-heat hematospermia)

Basics

  • Latin name：Astragalus membranaceus
  • Common names：Huang qi, milkvetch root
  • Nature：Sweet, slightly warm
  • Part used：Root

Uses

  • Tonifies qi, raises yang, stabilizes exterior, promotes urination
  • Qi and blood deficiency patterns (syndrome differentiation; avoid in damp-heat hematospermia)

Harvest & storage

Dig root in spring or autumn; slice and dry.

How to identify

Cylindrical root, pale yellow-brown, fibrous fracture with yellow-white “chrysanthemum” core.

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