Astragalus
root (Huangqi)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Astragali
Botanical Name: 1. Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.; 2. Astragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongolicus (Bge.) Hsiao
Common Name: Astragalus root
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong
Bencao Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The four year old roots are dug in spring or autumn, but
autumn ones are of better quality. After the fibrous roots are removed, the
roots are dried in the sun, soaked again in water and cut into slices.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and
slightly warm.
Meridians: Spleen and lung
Functions: 1. To replenish qi and cause
yang to ascend; 2. To benefit qi and stabilize the exterior; 3. To release
toxins and promote healing; 4. To promote water metabolism and reduce edema
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficient qi of the spleen and lungs
manifested as poor appetite, loose stool, shortness of breath and lassitude:
Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Ginseng (Renshen) and White atractylodes
(Baizhu).
2. Deficient qi and weakened yang manifested
as chills and sweating: Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Prepared
aconite root (Fuzi).
3. Qi sinking in the middle jiao due to
weakness of the spleen and stomach manifested as prolapsed anus, prolapsed
uterus and gastroptosis: Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Ginseng
(Renshen), White atractylodes (Baizhu) and Cimicifuga rhizome (Shengma) in the
formula Buzhong Yiqi Tang.
4. Failure of deficient qi of the spleen in
controlling blood manifested as blood in the stool and uterine bleeding:
Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Ginseng (Renshen) and Chinese angelica
root (Danggui) in the formula Guipi Tang.
5. Deficiency of qi and blood manifested as
palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and forgetfulness: Astragalus root
(Huangqi) is used with Longan aril (Longyanrou), Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren)
and Polygala root (Yuanzhi) in the formula Guipi Tang.
6. Spontaneous sweating due to exterior
deficiency: Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Oyster shell (Muli),
Light wheat (Fuxiaomai) and Ephedra root (Mahuanggen) in the formula Muli San.
7. Night sweating due to yin deficiency and
excessive fire: Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Fresh rehmannia root
(Shengdihuang) and Phellodendron bark (Huangbai) in the formula Danggui
Liuhuang Tang.
8. Deficiency of the spleen leading to
dysfunction in transportation and transformation of water manifested as edema
and scanty urine: Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Tetrandra root
(Fangji) and White atractylodes (Baizhu) in the formula Fangji Huangqi Tang.
9. Boils and ulcers due to qi and blood
deficiency manifested as sores that have formed pus but have not drained or
healed well: Astragalus root (Huangqi) is used with Cinnamon bark (Rougui),
Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Ginseng (Renshen).
10. Retardation of circulation of the blood
due to deficiency of qi and blood manifested as hemiplegia: Astragalus root
(Huangqi) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Chuanxiong rhizome
(Chuanxiong) and Earthworm (Dilong) in the formula Buyang Huanwu Tang.
Dosage: 10-15 g (The maximum dosage can
be 30-60 g.)
Cautions & Contraindications: This
herb is contraindicated during yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang, qi
stagnation and accumulation of dampness, retention of food, exterior excess
syndrome, and the early stage of carbuncles and furuncles.
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