Herb Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots | 黄芪

Astragalus membranaceus

Huang Qi (Milkvetch roots) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Lungs, Spleen

Parts Used

Dried root

Explore More About This Herb

TCM Actions & Uses Research Studies Preparation & Dosage Safety & Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Huang Qi

Traditional Actions

Tonify Qi
Raise Yang
Strengthen the Defensive Qi
Secure the Exterior
Heal sores and ulcers
Promote tissue and skin growth
Promote urination
Reduce edema

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Huang Qi belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Qi tonics are typically sweet and they tend to enter the Spleen and Lungs because these Organs are most involved with the production of Qi.

 

Furthermore Huang Qi is Warm in nature. This means that Huang Qi tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Huang Qi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Huang Qi also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Huang Qi tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Huang Qi is thought to target the Lung and the Spleen. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. The Spleen on the other hand assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body.

Common Applications

Anorexia Diarrhea Rectal prolapse Abnormal uterine bleeding Albuminuria Acute nephritis Diabetes Night sweats Uterine prolapse Edema Spontaneous sweating Chronic diarrhea Chronic nephritis Chronic ulcers Persistent sores

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Huang Qi

Milkvetch root can improve the immune function of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.1

An extract of A. propinquus called TA-65 may activate telomerase, extending the lengths of the shortest telomeres which protect the terminal DNA at the ends of all chromosomes.2

Huanglan Granule (containing milkvetch root) has obvious inhibitory effect on rubella virus, both in vitro and in vivo, it can also raise the immunity of organism.3

Calycosin (the major bioactive chemical in the dry root extract of Radix astragali) exhibits promising effects for the treatment of tumors, inflammation, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.4

The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids of Radix astragali, and the whole extract of Radix astragali have been widely reported with their anticancer effects in preclinical studies and showed a potential application as a adjunctive cancer therapeutics with the activities of immunomodulation, anti-proliferation and attenuation of adverse effects induced by cytotoxic therapy.5

Radix Astragali could significantly relieve the clinical symptoms such as hidrosis and palpitation, regulate the immune function of Graves disease patients, playing an important role in the adjuvant therapy for Graves disease.6

Sources:

1. Jiang D, Wang X, Su Q, Jiang S, Yuan F, Zhang C, Gong F, Dong Q, Shi J, Chen B. (2015). Milkvetch root improves immune function in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Biomed Mater Eng. , 26 Suppl 1:S2113-21. doi: 10.3233/BME-151517.

2. Harley, C. B.; Liu, W.; Blasco, M.; Vera, E.; Andrews, W. H.; Briggs, L. A.; Raffaele, J. M. (2011). "A Natural Product Telomerase Activator As Part of a Health Maintenance Program". Rejuvenation Research. 14 (1): 45–56. doi:10.1089/rej.2010.1085.

3. He Y, Hao XP, Yang D. (2008). Clinical and experimental study on effects of huanglan granule in inhibiting rubella virus]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. , 28(4):322-5./small>

4. Gao J, Liu ZJ, Chen T, Zhao D. (2014 ). Pharmaceutical properties of calycosin, the major bioactive isoflavonoid in the dry root extract of Radix astragali. Pharm Biol. , 52(9):1217-22. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2013.879188.

5. Jung Y, Jerng U, Lee S. (2016). A systematic review of anticancer effects of radix astragali. Chin J Integr Med. , 22(3):225-36. doi: 10.1007/s11655-015-2324-x.

6. Wu J, Liu DF, Chen Y. (2011). Effects of Radix Astragali on IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and antigen expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with Graves disease. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. , 31(11):1487-90.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Huang Qi

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities and smaller roots, dry and cut into sections.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9 - 30 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Huang Qi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Huang Qi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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