Astragalus (Huang Qi, or Yellow Vetch) is one of main medical herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used as one of the primary immune boosters in China for over two thousand years.
According to the traditional medicine guidelines, Huang Qi generates qi (life force, or energy tonic) to promote the functions of lung, treat chronic lung weakness, protect liver, strengthen digestion, and improve circulation.
Scientists have found that, Huang Qi contains many active components, including flavonoids, alkaloid, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, free amino acids, trace minerals (including selenium, zinc, iron, etc) and polyphenols. In the United States, studies have shown that astragalus can increase T-cell counts that may help improve immunity function in cancer patients.
Astragalus increases the energy and helps to fight against weakness and disease. For thousands of years, Chinese doctors use Huang Qi to increase energy, stimulate immune function, improve circulation, prevent colds, cleanse and protect liver, strengthen digestion, and treat other diseases.
Astragalus (Huang Qi) can be combined with ginseng. This combination is a very strong “Qi generator” (immune booster) for a patient who has the symptoms of short breath, lassitude, loss of voice, weak pulse, cold limbs, weak digestion or fatigue.
Astragalus (Huang Qi) can be combined with Angelica (Dang Gui). This combination is a very strong “Blood generator” which can be used for generating blood after excessive bleeding due to an injury or childbirth or heavy period.
Precautions:
1. Astragalus (Huang Qi) is not recommended for use during acute, feverish conditions.
2. Astragalus (Huang Qi) is not recommended for a patient who has high blood pressure.
