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Huang Qi (黃耆), the root of Astragalus membranaceus, is one of the principal qi tonics. It is especially valued for tonifying the qi of the Spleen and Lung, raising sunken yang qi, strengthening the defensive (wei) qi, and promoting urination and the healing of sores.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Astragalus membranaceus (Radix Astragali)
Common English Name
Astragalus root
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Slightly warm
Channels Entered
Lung, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies the qi and raises the yang (lifts sinking qi)
- Strengthens the defensive qi and secures the exterior (stops sweating)
- Tonifies qi and blood together
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
- Promotes the discharge of pus and the healing of sores
Indications
Spleen and Lung qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite and shortness of breath; sinking qi with prolapse (of the uterus, rectum or stomach); spontaneous sweating from deficient wei qi; oedema and difficult urination; and chronic, non-healing sores.
Dosage
9-30 g in decoction (higher doses used to raise qi or treat oedema).
Common Combinations
With Dang Gui (Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang) to tonify qi and generate blood; with Ren Shen and Bai Zhu to tonify the Spleen and raise qi (as in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang).
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in exterior excess conditions, excess heat, and yin deficiency with heat, and in the early stage of sores with toxic heat.
