Astragalus, first documented in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, was historically written as "黄耆." Li Shizhen explained in the Compendium of Materia Medica: "Qi means longevity. Astragalus, with its yellow hue, is the supreme herb for tonification, hence its name." It can be used raw or honey-fried. The variety from Mianshan, Shanxi, is considered the most authentic.
Clinical Applications
Astragalus has a sweet taste and slightly warm nature. Its key actions include:
Tonifying qi and elevating yang
Securing the exterior and stopping sweating
Reducing edema
Generating fluids and nourishing blood
Dispelling stagnation and relieving pain
Expelling toxins and promoting wound healing
It is used for conditions such as qi deficiency fatigue, poor appetite, prolapsed organs, chronic diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, edema, internal heat with thirst, anemia, hemiplegia, painful obstructions, and non-healing ulcers.
10 Key Formulations with Astragalus
Qi Deficiency with Fatigue and Loose Stools:
Pair with Atractylodes macrocephala or Ginseng.
Lung Qi Deficiency with Shortness of Breath:
Combine with Schisandra and Ginseng.
Middle Qi Collapse with Chronic Prolapse:
Use in Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Boost Qi Decoction) with Ginseng, Atractylodes, and Cimicifuga.
Qi Deficiency Edema:
Pair with Stephania tetrandra and Atractylodes in Fangji Huangqi Tang.
Qi Deficiency with Yang Decline:
Combine with Aconite to tonify qi and warm yang.
Exterior Deficiency with Spontaneous Sweating:
Use in Yupingfeng San (Jade Screen Powder) with Atractylodes and Saposhnikovia (Fángfēng).
Qi-Blood Deficiency:
Pair with Angelica Sinensis (Dāngguī) in Danggui Buxue Tang (Angelica Qi-Blood Tonic Decoction).
Yin Deficiency Night Sweats:
Combine with Rehmannia and Phellodendron (Huángbǎi) in Danggui Liu Huang Tang.
Uterine Bleeding or Non-Ulcerating Abscesses:
Use in Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) with Ginseng and Longan (Lóngyǎn ròu).
Non-Healing Chronic Ulcers:
Pair with Angelica, Ginseng, and Cinnamon (Ròuguì) in Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Complete Great Tonification Decoction).
Dietary Recipes
1. Ginseng-Astragalus Glutinous Rice Congee
Method: Decoct Astragalus, Codonopsis, and Licorice. Cook glutinous rice and jujubes into congee, then mix with the decoction.
Benefits: Addresses fatigue and spontaneous sweating; ideal for weak elderly individuals.
2. Amomum-Astragalus Pork Belly
Method: Stuff pork belly with Amomum and Astragalus, then stew.
Benefits: Strengthens spleen qi and aids digestion; suitable for gastric prolapse or chronic gastritis.
3. Angelica-Astragalus Crucian Carp Soup
Method: Simmer carp with Astragalus, Angelica, and spices (pepper, fennel, ginger).
Benefits: Treats malnutrition, anemia, nephritis edema, or postpartum weakness. Reduce salt for edema.
Critical Contraindications
Yixue Rumen: Bencao:
"Contraindicated for robust, dark-complexioned individuals, those with exterior excess pathogens, or yin deficiency."
Bencao Jingshu:
"Avoid in cases of external pathogens, qi excess, intestinal stagnation, yang excess with yin deficiency, upper jiao heat with lower jiao cold, liver qi stagnation, or febrile rashes."
Yaopin Huayi :
"Contraindicated for qi excess, exterior pathogens, excessive triple burner fire, or wind-stroke with phlegm obstruction."
Bencao Xinbian:
"Avoid in bone-steaming fever, consumptive heat, or abdominal fullness."
Final Notes
Astragalus is a cornerstone of TCM for qi tonification, but its use must align with pattern differentiation. Consult a licensed practitioner to tailor formulations to your constitution and avoid adverse effects.
Harness its power wisely, and let your vitality flourish!
