Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge
Category
Tonifying
Properties
Sweet, slightly warm
Meridians
Lung, Spleen meridians
Dosage
Decoct for oral administration, 9-30g
Functions
To tonify the Qi, consolidate the exterior, detoxify and promote tissue regeneration, and reduce edema
Indications
Qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools, prolapse of the rectum, chronic diarrhea, uterine bleeding, spontaneous sweating due to deficiency, slow-healing sores, edema, anemia, thirst due to internal heat, chronic nephritis with proteinuria, diabetes
Contraindications
It is not suitable for patients with exterior excess, qi stagnation and dampness obstruction, food retention, yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity, and those with initial or post-rupture carbuncles with strong heat and toxicity, as well as those with yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity
Description
Astragalus is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge or A. membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bunge) Hsiao. It is harvested in spring and autumn, the fibrous roots and the root heads are removed, and it is dried in the sun or cleaned to remove impurities, then stored separately by size in a ventilated and dry place to prevent insect damage.