Astragalus (Huang Qi) is a commonly used Qi-tonifying herb, first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica), classified as a superior herb. Astragalus is the dried root of the leguminous plant Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) or Huang Qi (Astragalus mongholicus), which is sweet and slightly warm in nature. It belongs to the Lung and Spleen meridians.

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The main components of Astragalus include saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and trace elements, which have the effects of tonifying Qi and raising Yang, stabilizing the exterior and stopping sweating, promoting urination and reducing swelling, generating fluids and nourishing blood, relieving stagnation and alleviating pain, expelling toxins and draining pus, and promoting wound healing.

Clinically, it is commonly used for symptoms of Qi deficiency such as fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, prolapse of the rectum, blood in stools, excessive menstrual bleeding, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, Qi deficiency with edema, internal heat with thirst, blood deficiency with sallow complexion, hemiplegia, numbness and pain, difficult-to-heal sores, and chronic ulcers.

6 Major Benefits of Astragalus

1. Enhancing Immunity: Astragalus significantly promotes the antibody production function of the normal body. Studies have shown that Astragalus polysaccharides can enhance the host’s immunity to protect against intracellular bacterial infections.

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2. Anti-Aging: The total flavonoids in Astragalus have a strong scavenging effect on free radicals, exhibiting anti-aging properties.

3. Improving Stress Resistance: The Shen Qi (Ren Shen) and Huang Qi (Astragalus) combination has been shown to accelerate recovery from fatigue, enhance myocardial contractility, and improve cardiac function, leading to a decrease in urinary protein after intense training. It can also prolong sleep and increase appetite.

4. Anti-Tumor: Astragalus polysaccharides have a significant inhibitory effect on various cancer cell lines.

5. Reducing Blood Viscosity: Astragalus has a beneficial effect on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood viscosity.

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6. Antiviral and Antibacterial: Astragalus exhibits inhibitory effects against various bacteria, such as Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Additionally, Astragalus has broad-spectrum antiviral effects against viruses such as the influenza virus and oral inflammation virus.

3 Common Astragalus-Based Formulas

1. Shen Qi Fu Zheng Injection

Composed of Astragalus and Ginseng, it has the effects of tonifying the middle and benefiting Qi, activating blood and resolving stasis, and dissipating masses. It is a prescription medication.

In recent years, Shen Qi Fu Zheng Injection has been widely used in clinical practice with good efficacy.

Contraindications: Not to be used in those with internal heat to avoid promoting heat and moving blood. Use with caution in those with bleeding tendencies.

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• Patients without Qi deficiency may experience mild bleeding after use.

• A few patients may experience low fever, oral inflammation, or drowsiness after use.

• Occasionally, rashes, chills, high fever, vomiting, chest tightness, or palpitations may occur.

2. Shen Qi Granules

Tonifies the middle Qi, used for weakness and fatigue caused by Qi deficiency.OTC Class A.Contraindicated for diabetic patients.

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• Avoid spicy, cold, and greasy foods.

• Not suitable for patients with colds and fevers.

• This product should be taken before meals.

• Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease should take it under medical supervision.

• Children and pregnant women should take it under medical supervision.

• If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of use, consult a hospital.

3. Shen Qi Oral Liquid

Tonifies Qi and nourishes blood, benefiting the kidneys and assisting Yang.Used for symptoms of Qi and blood deficiency, insufficient kidney Yang leading to shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and weakness in the lower back and knees.Not for use in children; contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and Yang excess.

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• Avoid spicy, cold, and greasy foods.

• Not suitable for patients with colds and fevers.

• This product should be taken before meals.

• Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and kidney disease should take it under medical supervision.

• If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of use, consult a hospital.