Huáng Qí

Huáng Qí. Astragalus Root. Milk-Vetch Root.

* As a DAcHM student (Doctorate of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine) I am highlighting single herbs but in TCM herbs for educational purposes only. Single herbs are almost ALWAYS used with other herbs (formulas). These are basic ideas to get you started and to inform/educate but they should never be a substitute for consulting with a professional TCM practitioner. All my information is sourced from Eastland Herb Materia Medica and class notes. ALWAYS do your research and make informed decisions.

Huáng Qí 黄芪

Astragali Radix/Astragalus Root/Milk-Vetch Root

The herb Huáng Qí (also known as 北芪 (bei qi)) is grown in the Chinese provinces of Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and other northeastern regions of China. Plants that are four years or older are often harvested in Spring or Autumn.

Huáng Qí is a Sweet and Slightly Warm herb that comes from the Tonifying Qi category. It enters the Lung and Spleen channel thus reaching to the surface of the body, as the Lung correlates to the Wei Qi 围棋 and the skin. From the Lung, the direction of the Qi is to descend so as we inhale clear Qi to be used throughout the body it descends and disperses throughout. From the Spleen, the direction of the Qi is to ascend so as we digest food the Spleen transforms + transports the Qi (In TCM Spleen correlates to the digestion of food whereas in BioMedicine we correlate it to the Immune system).

The energetics of Huáng Qí raises the Yang Qi, Tonifies the Lung and Spleen Qi, Tonifies the Protective Qi (Wei Qi 围棋), and stabilizes the exterior (the first line of defense in TCM). This herb also promotes urination and reduces edema as well as promotes discharge or pus + generates flesh. This herb is also used to Tonify Qi + Blood.

Huáng Qí is often used for conditions such as hemorrhoids, Qi failing to contain the blood, sinking and collapse of Middle Qi (In TCM, the Yang Qi sinking is also known as Spleen Qi Sinking), and can be used for postpartum fever due to Qi + Blood Deficiency and/or used in the recovery stage from severe loss of blood.

As with all herbs, there can be toxicity. This often happens with 30g or more, which is why it is vital to consult with your qualified TCM practitioner.

Have you ever used Huáng Qí and what other herbs did you pair it with?

Talk soon…

LoLo