Astragalus (Huang Qi), also known as Mian Qi, is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 50-100 cm. It has a thick, woody main root that is often branched and grayish-white in color. The stem is erect, with many branches in the upper part, featuring fine ridges covered with white soft hairs. This herb is found in regions such as Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Gansu, and Heilongjiang. Astragalus has a medicinal history of over 2000 years, known for its ability to enhance immune function, protect the liver, promote diuresis, combat aging, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. Let’s explore the efficacy and usage of Astragalus!
01
The Efficacy of Astragalus
1. Astragalus enhances immunity: The polysaccharides in Astragalus can accelerate the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells in our body, and promote the production of immune factors, thereby enhancing our immune function.
2. Astragalus lowers blood lipids and blood sugar: Due to the flavonoids contained in Astragalus, it can promote the activity of antioxidants in our body, accelerate lipid metabolism, thus lowering blood lipids. It also enhances insulin sensitivity and accelerates insulin secretion, which can lower blood sugar levels.
3. Astragalus protects the liver: The medicinal properties of Astragalus can eliminate proteinuria in liver patients, thereby protecting the liver and preventing the reduction of liver glycogen.
4. Astragalus assists in chronic ulcers: Because Astragalus has the effect of dilating blood vessels, it can improve skin blood circulation and nutritional indicators to some extent, thus assisting in the symptoms of chronic ulcers.
5. Astragalus alleviates fatigue and shortness of breath: Due to its immune-enhancing properties, Astragalus can strengthen the body’s constitution, dispelling fatigue and invigorating the spirit.
02
Usage and Dosage of Astragalus
1. Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. Ingredients: Astragalus (Huang Qi) 18g, Licorice (Gan Cao) 9g (roasted), Ginseng (Ren Shen) 6g (peeled), Angelica (Dang Gui) 3g (dried with wine or sun-dried), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) 6g (without white part), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) 6g, Bupleurum (Chai Hu) 6g, Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) 9g.
In this formula, the dosage of Astragalus is more than double that of other herbs, serving as the monarch to tonify Qi, lift Yang, and secure the exterior; Ginseng, Atractylodes, and Licorice are warm and tonifying, supporting the spleen and stomach as ministers; Tangerine Peel regulates Qi, while Angelica nourishes blood and harmonizes as an assistant; Cimicifuga and Bupleurum work together with Ginseng and Astragalus to lift clear Yang. Overall, this formula tonifies Qi and strengthens the spleen, ensuring the source of postnatal transformation, thus curing symptoms of spleen and stomach Qi deficiency; it also lifts the central Qi, restoring the function of ascending and descending in the middle burner, thus correcting symptoms of prolapse.
2. Yupingfeng Powder. Ingredients: 30g of Siler (Fang Feng), 60g each of Astragalus (Huang Qi, honey-roasted) and Atractylodes (Bai Zhu). Indications: Deficiency of the exterior with spontaneous sweating, and individuals with weak constitution prone to colds, sweating with aversion to wind, pale tongue with thin white coating, and floating, slow pulse. Usage: Grind the above herbs.
In this formula, Astragalus and Atractylodes are used in equal amounts to tonify the Qi of the spleen and lungs, securing the exterior and stopping sweating as the monarch; Atractylodes strengthens the spleen and benefits Qi, assisting Astragalus to enhance the function of tonifying Qi and securing the exterior as the minister; Siler disperses wind pathogens, combining with Astragalus and Atractylodes to benefit Qi and expel pathogens. Astragalus secures the exterior without allowing pathogens to linger; Siler expels pathogens without harming the righteous Qi, embodying the principle of combining tonification with dispersal.
3. Danggui Buxue Decoction. Ingredients: Astragalus (Huang Qi) 30g, Angelica (Dang Gui) 6g. The ratio of Astragalus to Angelica is 5:1; blood tonification cannot be rapid, but Qi tonification can generate blood.
4. Guipi Decoction. Ingredients: Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) 3g, Angelica (Dang Gui) 3g, Poria (Bai Fu Ling) 3g, Astragalus (Huang Qi, stir-fried) 3g, Longan Flesh (Long Yan Rou) 3g, Polygala (Yuan Zhi) 3g, Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren, stir-fried) 3g, Saussurea (Mu Xiang) 1.5g, Licorice (Gan Cao, roasted) 1.5g, Ginseng (Ren Shen) 3g.
5. Buyang Huanwu Decoction. Ingredients: Astragalus (Huang Qi) 125g; Angelica Tail (Dang Gui Wei) 6g; Red Peony (Chi Shao) 5g; Earthworm (Di Long) 3g; Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) 3g; Safflower (Hong Hua) 3g; Peach Kernel (Tao Ren) 3g. The heavy use of Astragalus greatly tonifies the original Qi of the spleen and stomach, ensuring vigorous Qi and smooth blood flow, removing stasis and unblocking channels.
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