Astragalus Root
黄芪 · Huángqí
Astragalus membranaceus
Family: Fabaceae · Part used: Root (4+ year) · Origin: Inner Mongolia & Shanxi (Hengshan), China
Nature
Warm
Flavor
Sweet
Meridian
Spleen, Lung
Astragalus is regarded as the premier qi-tonifying herb in Chinese medicine, with a documented history reaching back to the Shennong Ben Cao Jing. Harvested from four-year-old roots in Inner Mongolia, the fibrous yellow root strengthens defensive qi, supports healthy immune response, and promotes the generation of flesh and blood after illness.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Tonifies spleen qi and raises the yang
- •Strengthens defensive (wei) qi and stabilizes the exterior
- •Promotes the discharge of pus and generation of tissue
- •Supports fluid metabolism and reduces edema
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Fatigue and lack of appetite
- •Spontaneous sweating
- •Frequent colds and weak immunity
- •Chronic non-healing ulcers
- •Edema from qi deficiency
- •Prolapse conditions
📖 Usage & Dosage
9–30 g in decoction. Simmer sliced root for 30–40 minutes in soups and broths; commonly combined with dang gui inBu Zhong Yi Qi-style tonics.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Huang Qi Chicken Soup
Astragalus 30 g simmered with whole chicken and red dates for 90 minutes. The classic immune-building family soup.
Fu Zi Li Zhong Style Broth
Astragalus 15 g + Chinese yam 15 g + poria 10 g, decocted 30 minutes as a daily spleen tonic.
🔬 Modern Research
Astragalus polysaccharides and cycloastragenol are among the most studied herbal immunomodulators, with research exploring effects on immune cell activity, cardiovascular health, and telomerase activity in preliminary models.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid during acute infections with heat signs or excess conditions. Not recommended during the active stage of a cold or flu.
