As autumn deepens and the Autumn Equinox approaches, the cooling weather calls for nourishing the body to strengthen immunity, improve constitution, and prepare for winter. Among Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs, astragalus stands out as a quintessential autumn tonic.
Astragalus: The "Supreme Qi-Tonifying Herb"
Known historically as Huangqi, astragalus was hailed by Li Shizhen as the "supreme qi-tonifying herb". Its yellow hue aligns with the Spleen meridian, making it a cornerstone for replenishing spleen qi. However, TCM emphasizes holistic health—balancing all five organs. While astragalus excels at tonifying the spleen, its full potential unfolds when paired with other herbs to harmonize the entire body.
Four Golden Astragalus Pairings for Organ Health
Astragalus + Angelica Sinensis
Actions: Dual qi-blood tonification.
Indications: Heart qi deficiency with palpitations, insomnia.
Astragalus + Goji Berries
Actions: Strengthens liver-kidney yin.
Indications: Liver-kidney yin deficiency.
Astragalus + Ophiopogon
Actions: Enhances lung yin and immunity.
Indications: Chronic cough, asthma, dry throat.
Astragalus + Sour Jujube Seed
Actions: Calms the mind and strengthens the heart.
Indications: Anxiety, insomnia, heart qi deficiency.
Who Benefits Most from Astragalus?
Qi-Deficient Individuals:
Elderly with asthma.
Spleen-stomach qi deficiency with bloating, fatigue, loose stools.
Liver qi deficiency causing social anxiety.
Kidney qi deficiency with organ prolapse.
Spontaneous Sweating: Excessive sweating due to weak defensive qi.
Edema: Chronic swelling from inefficient fluid metabolism. Astragalus boosts lung-spleen-kidney qi to regulate water.
Qi-Deficiency Constipation: Straining with thin stools, post-defecation exhaustion.
Delicious Astragalus Recipes
Stuffed Eggplant Rolls
Thinly slice eggplant, roast until pliable. Mix pork with astragalus powder, roll into eggplant strips, coat with cornstarch, pan-fry, and glaze with soy-vinegar sauce.
Astragalus Steamed Chicken
Rub whole chicken with salt, stuff with 30g astragalus, scallions, ginger, and steam with cooking wine.
Astragalus-Angelica Carp Soup
Simmer carp with 30g astragalus (wrapped in cloth), 10g angelica, ginger, and salt for 1 hour. Ideal for edema, anemia, or heart issues (avoidwith high uric acid).
Four "No-Go" Rules for Astragalus
Avoid During Heat Excess: Sore throat, mouth ulcers.
Limit in Hot Weather: Risk of nosebleeds; optimal in autumn/winter.
Not Before Bed: Diuretic and circulation-boosting effects disrupt sleep.
Hypertension Caution: Low doses (<15g) may raise blood pressure; consult a TCM practitioner.
Managing Astragalus-Induced Heat
If astragalus triggers internal heat:
Balance with Cooling Herbs: Pair with Angelica Sinensis or Anemarrhena.
Neutralize with American Ginseng: Combines astragalus’ warmth with ginseng’s coolness.
Final Note
Astragalus is a potent ally for autumn wellness, but its use demands pattern differentiation. Consult a TCM practitioner to tailor formulations to your unique constitution.
Nourish wisely, thrive seasonally!
