Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is from the root of Astragalus membranaceus and A. mongholicus, family Leguminosae. The medicinal material is harvested in spring and autumn. It is sliced and dried, with the head and fine roots being removed. It is used in either its crude form or after being roasted with honey.
Category: Tonifying – Qi Tonifying.
Common Name: Astragalus Root; Milk-Vetch Root.
Channels Entered: Lung and Spleen.
Properties and Functions: Huang Qi is sweet in flavour and slightly warm in nature. Its functions are as follows:
- Tonifies Qi and Blood.
- Raises Yang Qi.
- Benefits the lung to boost Wei Qi (Protective Qi) and strengthen the exterior.
- Promotes diuresis and relieves oedema.
- Promotes the discharge of pus and promotes tissue regeneration.
Indications: Huang Qi is clinically indicated for use in treating the following:
- Qi deficiency of the Spleen and Lung manifesting as fatigue and weakness due to prolonged illness; For yang deficiency manifesting as chills and fatigue; For Spleen Qi deficiency marked with poor appetite, loose stool or diarrhoea; For descending Yang Qi with prolapse of the uterus, or prolapse of the rectum with chronic diarrhoea.
- For cough due to Lung deficiency with profuse sweating or night sweating; Lung-Qi deficiency with cough or shortness of breath.
- Maltransformation of water and dampness due to Qi deficiency presenting as superficial oedema, palpitations and reduced urination.
- Chronic ulceration; deficiency related sores; ruptured or unruptured carbuncles which do not heal due to Qi & Blood deficiency.
- Numbness of limbs and hemiplegia due to deficiency of Qi and Blood stagnation.
- It is also used in the treatment of diabetes.
Dosage: 9 – 15g
Cautions and Contra-Indications: Huang Qi is inappropriate to use for the early stages of sore and when there is significant heat-toxin present after sores have ulcerated. It is contra-indicated in cases of excess pathogenic factors, stagnation of Qi with Dampness and hyperactivity of Yang due to Yin deficiency.