Astragalus (Huang Qi)
In a small county in Shanxi—Wuzhai County, there grows a wild medicinal herb that has been revered since the Song Dynasty—Astragalus (Huang Qi). Astragalus can tonify Qi and regulate immunity, serving both medicinal and dietary purposes, with good efficacy and high safety. Many renowned TCM practitioners prefer to use it for healing, making it one of the most commonly used herbs in prescriptions. How can we utilize it for health maintenance in our daily lives?
△Authentic Wild Astragalus
Did You Know: What is Authentic Medicinal Material? Authentic medicinal materials are a unique concept developed through long-term clinical practice in TCM. They refer to medicinal materials produced in specific regions, which, compared to the same species from other areas, have better quality and efficacy, stable quality, and higher recognition. Examples include Ningxia Goji Berries, Maoshan Atractylodes, Changbai Mountain Ginseng, and Shanxi Codonopsis.
Master Wang Xixing, a renowned TCM physician, tells us that Astragalus has many benefits beyond the well-known tonifying Qi and regulating immunity:
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When combined with Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum), it can strengthen the spleen and tonify Qi, and also tonify lung Qi.
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In cases of severe Qi deficiency, it can perform the function of lifting Yang and supporting the sinking.
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When paired with Dang Gui (Angelica), it enhances the blood tonifying effect; in fact, Astragalus itself also has blood tonifying properties.
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Astragalus has the ability to expel toxins and promote tissue regeneration, making it useful for conditions like sores, abscesses, and slow-healing wounds.
△Famous TCM Practitioners Discuss Astragalus
Why is Astragalus from Wuzhai County More Effective?The efficacy of Astragalus is primarily determined by two indicators—Astragaloside and Isoflavonoid Glycosides. Testing shows that the Astragalus from Wuzhai County has an Astragaloside content of 0.231%, which is about 2.9 times higher than the standard value; the Isoflavonoid Glycoside content is 0.134%, exceeding the standard by 6.7 times.
△Testing Report of Wuzhai County Astragalus
Yupingfeng San—A Good Formula for Cold Prevention
Some people are prone to colds, often due to insufficient Wei Qi. Astragalus can tonify Wei Qi, and there is a classic formula—Yupingfeng San (Astragalus, Bai Zhu, Fang Feng)—which acts like a protective screen, helping the body ward off external pathogens (wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire). It is particularly effective for those who sweat easily and are prone to colds. Medication should be taken as prescribed by a physician.
For daily maintenance, you can purchase proprietary Chinese medicines, such as Yupingfeng San oral liquid, or refer to the dosage and method below.
Home Remedy for Yupingfeng San
Ingredients:Astragalus 9g, Bai Zhu 9g, Fang Feng 5g
Method:Use 1.5 cups of water, add one jujube, and simmer for 40 minutes, strain, and take warm after meals.
Efficacy:Tonifies Qi and blood, beneficial for liver, kidney, and spleen-stomach health.
Reminder:This formula should not be used by those who are currently experiencing a cold; it can be taken to prevent colds.
Astragalus + Codonopsis, Dual Qi and Blood Supplementation
Astragalus is often paired with Codonopsis, which primarily tonifies the spleen and Qi. The authentic medicinal material is Shanxi Codonopsis, which belongs to the spleen-stomach meridian and is clinically used to strengthen the spleen and regulate gastrointestinal function.
Key Points for Identifying Good Shanxi Codonopsis: Lion’s Head The top of Codonopsis has small bumps, resembling the bumps on a lion’s head, and has a tough texture.
When purchasing sliced Codonopsis at the pharmacy, if you do not see the bumps, choose larger slices with a more flexible texture.
For daily chicken soup, you can add some Codonopsis. For those with Qi and blood deficiency, experts also recommend a tea substitute to help with dual Qi and blood supplementation.
Qi and Blood Supplementation Tea Substitute
Codonopsis 3-5g, Dang Gui 3-5g, Astragalus 3-5g, Goji Berries and Jujubes adjusted to personal taste. Those with spleen deficiency can drink it regularly.
① It has a bean-like aroma, the stronger the smell, the better the quality.
② Breaks like cotton, good authentic Astragalus is also called soft Astragalus, which feels soft and fibrous when broken.
③ Golden Well Jade Railing (white skin, yellow heart), the cross-section of Astragalus has a yellow heart in the center, surrounded by a white ring.
Astragalus can be sliced in various ways:round slices, melon seed slices, willow leaf slices, longan slices, etc.
Round slices, melon seed slices, and willow leaf slices are easier to extract medicinal properties. Generally, those with longer growth periods and thicker diameters are cut into round slices, while thinner Astragalus may be cut into willow leaf slices. Longan slices are usually from the head of Astragalus and are less commonly used in medicine.
Besides Astragalus, there is a similar herb called Red Astragalus. Have you seen it?
Guo Lanping
Deputy Director of the Institute of Chinese Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Red Astragalus and Astragalus are not the same; the original plant of Astragalus is Mongolian Astragalus or Membranous Pod Astragalus, while the original plant of Red Astragalus is Multiseriate Rock Astragalus. Both have similar effects and can tonify Qi, and they are sometimes used interchangeably. Generally, Astragalus is used more frequently.
How to Choose Between Ginseng, Codonopsis, and Astragalus?
- Ginseng:Greatly tonifies original Qi, suitable for those with severe Qi deficiency.
- Codonopsis:Tonifies both Qi and blood, has a mild nature, and is less potent than ginseng; requires long-term use.
- Astragalus:Raises Yang and tonifies Qi, acting upwards and outwards. Not suitable for those with Yin deficiency and excess heat or in the early stages of a cold.
It is recommended to consult a physician before selection.
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