Astragalus (Huang Qi) is a commonly used Chinese herb. It was first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica) and classified as a superior herb, originally named Huang Qi. Li Shizhen stated: “Qi means long, and Huang means yellow; it is named so because it is the best among tonics.”
Astragalus is produced in many regions, and its commercial forms vary. Generally, it is classified into three categories based on its original plant and production area: Hei Pi Qi (Black Skin Astragalus), Bai Pi Qi (White Skin Astragalus), and Hong Qi (Red Astragalus).
1. Hei Pi Qi (Black Skin Astragalus)
Also known as: Bu Kui Qi, Guan Bu Kui Qi, Zheng Kou Qi.
Source: It is derived from the perennial herbaceous plant of the legume family, primarily from the dried roots of Membranous Astragalus, and also includes the dried roots of Inner Mongolia Astragalus. It can be wild or cultivated.
Production areas: Mainly produced in Qiqihar, Ning’an, Nenjiang, and Ewenki Autonomous Banner in Heilongjiang, as well as in Jiaohe and Yanbian Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin.
Identification: The root is cylindrical, with a bulbous top (rhizome) and a slightly tapered bottom, having a few lateral and fibrous roots, often broken at the end. It measures 30-90 cm in length and 1-3 cm in diameter. The thicker roots often have a hollow upper end. The surface is dark brown with distinct longitudinal wrinkles and radial patterns (commonly referred to as chrysanthemum heart). It has a faint fragrance, a sweet taste, and produces little residue when chewed.
2. Bai Pi Qi (White Skin Astragalus)
Also known as: Mian Huang Qi, Jian Qi.
Source: It is derived from the perennial herbaceous plant of the legume family, primarily from the dried roots of Inner Mongolia Astragalus, and also includes the dried roots of Membranous Astragalus. It is mostly cultivated, with some wild varieties.
Production areas: Mainly produced in Hunyuan, Yingxian, Fanzhi, and Daixian in Shanxi, as well as in Wuchuan, Xinghe, Zhenglan Banner, and Xilin Gol League in Inner Mongolia, and in the western part of Zhemen in Jilin. Shanxi is mostly cultivated, while Inner Mongolia is mostly wild.
Identification: The roots from Hunyuan are cylindrical, with a bulbous top, measuring 70-150 cm in length, some can reach 2 meters, and 2-4 cm in diameter. The root’s top is slightly swollen, often hollow, tapering towards the end, with fibrous roots and some lateral roots. The surface is yellowish-brown, with slight longitudinal wrinkles and speckles, the skin is relatively thin, and the net pattern is not obvious. The cross-section also shows a chrysanthemum heart. It is tough and heavy, with a faint aroma and a sweet, murky taste, having a bean-like odor and producing more residue when chewed.
The Inner Mongolia variety has a small bulbous top, uniform thickness, measuring 40-80 cm in length and 0.6-2 cm in diameter. The outer skin is gray-brown with a net-like texture, having fewer lateral and fibrous roots, and a distinct chrysanthemum heart. It has a sweet taste with a slight bean-like odor.
3. Hong Qi (Red Astragalus)
Source: It is derived from the dried roots of the perennial herbaceous plant Multi-Flowered Astragalus. It is mostly wild.
Production areas: Mainly produced in Min County, Dangchang, Zhouqu, Lintan, De’wu Lu City, Zhang County, Xihe, Lixian, Huichuan, and Wushan in Gansu. It is also produced in Maowen in Sichuan.
Identification: The roots are cylindrical, measuring 40-60 cm in length and 1-3 cm in diameter. The outer skin is reddish-brown, tight, with dense and deep wrinkles. The texture is hard and tough, with a cross-section showing a chrysanthemum heart, having small fibers and a large powdery texture. It has a faint aroma and a sweet taste, producing residue when chewed.
For both Bai Pi Qi and Hong Qi, the best quality is characterized by long, thick roots with a distinct chrysanthemum heart, small hollows, and minimal skin damage. For Hong Qi, the best quality has a bright red skin color, uniform thickness, and sufficient powdery texture.
Main Components: Contains alkaloids, folic acid, crystalline neutral substances, choline, amino acids, etc.
Pharmacological Effects: Tonifies Qi and raises Yang, stabilizes the exterior and stops sweating, promotes urination and reduces swelling, expels toxins and drains pus. The mechanisms include:
1. Strengthening effect. Known as “tonifying Qi,” it may be related to its hormonal effects and stimulation of the central nervous system.
2. Diuretic effect. It is significant, with an increase in urine output by 64% after administration, but the effective dosage range is narrow; too low a dose has no diuretic effect, while too high a dose may reduce urine output.
3. Anti-nephritis. It has a certain antagonistic effect on experimental nephritis, especially in reducing proteinuria. High doses of Astragalus powder administered to rats can inhibit the onset of serum nephritis and delay the occurrence of proteinuria and hypercholesterolemia. In cases of existing proteinuria, oral administration of Astragalus powder can lead to faster recovery compared to the control group. Additionally, high doses of Astragalus seem to improve edema and enhance overall nutritional status.
4. Hypotensive effect. Animal experiments have confirmed its blood pressure-lowering effect, possibly related to vasodilation.
5. Antibacterial effect. In vitro tests show antibacterial activity against Shigella dysenteriae, hemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Moreover, Astragalus also protects the liver and prevents the reduction of liver glycogen.
Preparation:
Remove impurities, sort by size, wash, soak, cut into thick slices, and dry.
Honey-fried Astragalus: Take Astragalus slices and fry them with honey until they no longer stick to the hands.
Taste and Properties: Sweet, slightly warm.
Meridians Entered: Enters the Lung and Spleen meridians.
Functions: Tonifies Qi, stabilizes the exterior, promotes urination, expels toxins, drains pus, and promotes wound healing.
Indications: Used for Qi deficiency and fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, prolapse of the middle Qi, chronic diarrhea, rectal prolapse, blood in stools, menorrhagia, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, Qi deficiency edema, difficult-to-heal carbuncles, chronic non-healing wounds, blood deficiency with atrophy and yellowing, internal heat and diabetes; chronic nephritis with proteinuria, diabetes.
Clinical Applications:
1. Used for chronic weakness, especially in patients with middle Qi deficiency, taking advantage of its stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Patients with fatigue, low voice, and weak pulse can take Astragalus, but it requires prolonged use to be effective.
2. Used for prolapse caused by middle Qi deficiency, such as rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and organ prolapse, by improving constitution and enhancing overall muscle tone. It is often combined with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum) in formulas like Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction).
3. Used to treat bi syndrome, such as peripheral nerve paralysis, hemiplegia after stroke, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, and periarthritis of the shoulder. These conditions are due to Qi and blood deficiency and stagnation, causing pain or numbness (known as blood bi). According to the principle “Qi movement leads to blood movement, treat Qi before blood,” Astragalus should be used to tonify Qi. If pain symptoms are prominent (as in arthritis and shoulder periarthritis), it can be combined with Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Jiang Huang (Turmeric), and Dang Gui (Angelica) to enhance analgesic effects, as in Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Ingredient Decoction). If paralysis is present, it should be combined with Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), and Di Long (Earthworm) for blood-activating and wind-dispelling effects, as in Buyang Huanwu Tang (Tonify Yang and Restore Five Decoction), where Astragalus is the main herb. This formula treats hemiplegia after stroke, but it must be used with caution: the patient should be alert, with normal temperature; for patients with cerebral hemorrhage, it must be confirmed that bleeding has stopped and the pulse is weak before use. It is not suitable for patients with ongoing bleeding or a strong, floating pulse. Generally, it is more effective when used within three months of onset, and less effective after that. Overall, Astragalus is less effective for central paralysis than for peripheral paralysis.
4. Used for spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency. Astragalus can tonify Qi and stabilize the exterior, serving as the main herb for “stabilizing the exterior,” often combined with Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) and Fang Feng (Siler), as in Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder), and can also be combined with Muli (Oyster Shell), Fu Xiao Mai (Elymus), and Ma Huang Gen (Ephedra Root).
5. Used to treat acute or chronic nephritis. Astragalus can promote urination and reduce swelling, as well as alleviate proteinuria and improve overall nutritional status. For acute nephritis with aversion to wind, joint pain, limb edema, and a floating pulse (known as “wind-water” syndrome), it can be combined with Fang Ji (Stephania), Bai Zhu, and Gan Cao (Licorice) in formulas like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Fang Ji and Astragalus Decoction); for limb edema, even with abdominal swelling, and a floating pulse but without aversion to wind or thirst (known as “skin-water” syndrome), it can be combined with Fang Ji, Gui Zhi, Fu Ling (Poria), and Gan Cao in formulas like Fang Ji Fu Ling Tang (Fang Ji and Poria Decoction). Since Astragalus can reduce proteinuria, if edema from nephritis has subsided but proteinuria remains positive, it can be combined with Dang Shen, Nuomi Gen (Glutinous Rice Root), and Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) for treatment, or taken as a single decoction, which has shown preliminary clinical effectiveness in reducing proteinuria. For chronic nephritis, it is often combined with other tonifying herbs.
6. Used to treat “long-failed” carbuncles. Ancients referred to Astragalus as the “essential medicine for sores,” but it is actually only suitable for “long-failed” conditions. “Long-failed” refers to sores that do not heal for a long time due to weak Yang Qi (low resistance) after rupture (should be combined with Dang Shen and Rou Gui (Cinnamon) for treatment), or those that do not rupture for a long time (should be combined with Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Zao Jiao Ci (Soapberry), and Hua Fen (Pollen) in formulas like Nei Tuo Huang Qi San (Internal Tuo Astragalus Powder). Astragalus treats sores by expelling toxins, draining pus, and promoting wound healing. From a modern medical perspective, Astragalus’s main effects in this regard are antibacterial and enhancing the body’s resistance, making it easier for sores to rupture and heal. However, it should be noted that for early-stage carbuncles with significant inflammation and severe toxicity, Astragalus is not suitable, as it may exacerbate the condition by adding heat to heat.
7. Used to treat diabetes (Xiao Ke). It is often combined with Huaishan Yao (Chinese Yam), Sheng Di (Raw Rehmannia), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) for treatment.
Precautions:
1. Although animal experiments have shown that Astragalus can enhance cardiac contractility, it is rarely used clinically for patients with heart failure and shortness of breath, as it has been observed that these patients often experience worsened shortness of breath after taking Astragalus. This may be related to Astragalus’s Qi-raising effect (stimulating the central nervous system and smooth muscle contraction), which warrants further investigation.
2. Although animal experiments have shown that Astragalus can lower blood pressure, it is rarely used clinically for treating hypertension, as it has been observed that due to Astragalus’s so-called “raising” effect, patients with liver Yang hyperactivity (such as hypertension) and upper body blood heat (such as inflammation and congestion in the head and face) may experience headaches, facial flushing, and tooth pain after use (due to vasodilation in the head and face). Therefore, patients with hypertension and infections in the head and face should use it with caution.
3. It is not suitable for patients with indigestion, upper abdominal distension, and those with excess or Yang conditions.
4. Compared to Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Dang Shen, Astragalus is better at tonifying the Qi of the muscle surface, suitable for those with exterior deficiency; while Ginseng (Dang Shen) is better at tonifying the Qi of the internal organs, suitable for those with internal deficiency. The combination of Ginseng and Astragalus enhances the tonifying effect.
5. Raw Astragalus is used to clear deficiency heat and expel sores; fried Astragalus is used to tonify Qi.
If long-term use of Astragalus is considered too “hot,” it can be combined with Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) and Xuan Shen (Scrophularia) for cooling effects.
Dosage: Generally, 9-15 g; for treating nephritis and severe bi syndrome, larger doses can be used, up to 30-90 g.
Storage: Store in a ventilated, dry place, preventing moisture and pests.
Example Formulas:
Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) (from Pi Wei Lun): Astragalus 6 g, fried Licorice 6 g, Codonopsis 12 g, Atractylodes 4.5 g, Angelica 3 g, Chen Pi 3 g, Sheng Ma 3 g, Chai Hu 3 g, decoct in water for oral administration.
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Ingredient Decoction) (from Jin Gui Yao Lue): Astragalus 18 g, Bai Shao 9 g, Gui Zhi 6 g, Sheng Jiang 9 g, Da Zao 4 pieces, decoct in water for oral administration.
Buyang Huanwu Tang (Tonify Yang and Restore Five Decoction) (from Yi Lin Gai Cuo): Raw Astragalus 30-120 g, Angelica tail 9 g, Chi Shao 4.5 g, Di Long 3 g, Chuan Xiong 3 g, Tao Ren 3 g, Hong Hua 3 g, decoct in water for oral administration.
Nei Tuo Huang Qi San: Astragalus 9 g, Chuan Xiong 6 g, Atractylodes 9 g, Yin Hua 9 g, Zao Jiao Ci 6 g, Hua Fen 6 g, Ze Xie 6 g, Licorice 3 g, decoct in water for oral administration.
Compound Formulas:
1. For spontaneous sweating due to deficiency: Yu Ping Feng San: Astragalus 5 qian, Atractylodes 3 qian, Fang Feng 2 qian. Decoct in water for oral administration.
2. For spleen and stomach deficiency leading to gastric prolapse, kidney prolapse, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse: Buzhong Yiqi Tang: Astragalus 4 qian, Codonopsis, Atractylodes, and Angelica each 3 qian, fried Licorice, Chen Pi, Sheng Ma, and Chai Hu each 1.5 qian. Decoct in water for oral administration.
3. For blood loss and body deficiency: Astragalus 1 liang, Angelica 2 qian. Decoct in water for oral administration.
4. For thrombocytopenic purpura: Astragalus 1 liang, Angelica, Longan flesh, and Schisandra each 5 qian, 10 pieces of red dates, 1 liang of black beans. Decoct in water for oral administration.
5. For cerebral thrombosis: Astragalus 0.5-1 liang, Chuan Xiong 2 qian, Angelica, Chi Shao, Di Long, Tao Ren, Niu Xi, and Dan Shen each 3 qian. Decoct in water for oral administration.
6. For leukopenia and anemia: Raw Astragalus and Ji Xue Teng each 2 liang, Angelica 1 liang, Codonopsis and Shu Di Huang each 5 qian. One dose daily, decoct twice, divided into two doses. Pregnant women should reduce the amount of Angelica.
7. For insufficient milk: Astragalus 1 liang, Angelica 5 qian, Wang Bu Liu Xing, Lu Lu Tong, Si Gua Luo, and Pao Shan Jia each 2 qian. Decoct in water for oral administration.
8. For various neurodermatitis: Astragalus, Codonopsis, and Chinese Yam each 5 qian, Angelica, Lotus Seed, Coix, Jing Jie, She Chuang Zi, Burdock Seed, Di Fu Zi, and Cicada Slough each 4 qian, Licorice 2 qian. If there is infection, add Raw Rehmannia 3 qian and Huang Bai 4 qian. For the elderly and children, reduce the amount. Decoct in water for oral administration twice a day, and apply the hot dregs to the affected area.
Notes:
1. Astragalus produced in the Mongolian People’s Republic is called Kulun Qi or Zheng Qi. The outer skin is yellow-brown, with a distinct net pattern, light in weight and high in powdery texture, with a fragrant and sweet taste, and is considered to be of superior quality.
2. In recent years, many related plants of Astragalus have been discovered in the southwest and northwest regions, including Hei Mao Guo Huang Qi (Black-Haired Astragalus), Jin Yi Huang Qi (Golden-Winged Astragalus), Duo Hua Huang Qi (Multi-Flowered Astragalus), Maowen Huang Qi (Maowen Astragalus), Yunnan Huang Qi (Yunnan Astragalus), and Suo Guo Huang Qi (Saddle Fruit Astragalus), which are used medicinally in different regions. Their properties are similar to those of Astragalus.
3. In some areas, roots of leguminous plants such as Alfalfa or Chamaecyparis are mistakenly used as Astragalus. Their common feature is a fibrous nature, and under microscopic observation, their vascular bundles do not contain crystals, while Astragalus does.