Description

Astragalus（黄芪） has core functions such as tonifying qi and raising yang, consolidating the exterior and stopping sweating, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, supporting tissue regeneration and detoxification, and nourishing blood and generating fluids. It is suitable for various conditions including qi deficiency and fatigue, spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to illness, edema and scanty urine, chronic ulcers, and deficiency of both qi and blood.

1. Tonifying Qi and Raising Yang: Astragalus is a key herb for tonifying qi, especially effective in tonifying the qi of the spleen and lungs. It has a lifting effect on fatigue, loss of appetite, and chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and stomach weakness, as well as conditions such as gastroptosis, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse caused by qi sinking. It is often used in combination with Cimicifuga and Bupleurum.

2. Consolidating the Exterior and Stopping Sweating: It can strengthen the defensive qi and improve spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, and recurrent colds caused by exterior deficiency. The classic formula Yu Ping Feng San uses astragalus as the main herb, combined with Atractylodes macrocephala and Saposhnikovia divaricata to enhance immunity.

3. Promotes diuresis and reduces swelling: By tonifying Qi, it promotes fluid metabolism, suitable for edema caused by Qi deficiency, such as lower limb edema, eyelid edema accompanied by difficulty urinating. It is often used for patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure, and can be used in combination with Fangji (Stephania tetrandra) and Fuling (Poria cocos).

4. Promotes tissue regeneration and detoxification: It can promote blood circulation, accelerate the rupture and healing of sores, and is used for diabetic foot, postoperative wound non-healing, and chronic ulcers. Astragalus can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and improve tissue repair capacity.

5. Nourishes blood and generates fluids: Qi generates blood. Astragalus indirectly assists blood generation by tonifying Qi, and is often combined with Danggui (Angelica sinensis) (such as in Danggui Buxue Tang) for Qi and blood deficiency syndromes such as chlorosis, palpitations, and dizziness.

Furthermore, modern research has confirmed that astragalus polysaccharides can regulate immunity, combat fatigue, protect the cardiovascular system, and assist in lowering blood sugar, but should be used under the guidance of a doctor.