Description
Astragalus Membranaceus / Bei Qi【北芪】 : The Great Tonifier
In TCM, Astragalus Membranaceus is one of the most important and widely used herbs.
Slightly warm in nature. Sweet in taste. It enters the lungs and spleen meridians.
Tonifies Qi (Spleen & Lung), Raises Yang, Secures the Exterior, Reduces Swelling, Promotes Healing.
Modern Use Immune support, adaptogen, cardioprotective, anti-fatigue, adjunct cancer support.
Health Benefits
Tonifies the Spleen and Lung Qi, raises Yang Qi, improves respiratory health, strengthens the spleen,, promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, nourishes blood, improves blood circulation, alleviates fatigue, strengthens immunity & improves physical strength. Commonly used to nourish and regulate the body in traditional Chinese medicine.
Astragalus Membranaceus is primarily a Qi Tonic. Its actions are centered around boosting the body’s defensive and foundational energy.
Tonifies the Spleen and Lung Qi
· This is its core function. It strongly boosts the Qi of the Spleen (the source of postnatal Qi) and the Lungs (which govern Qi and respiration).
· Spleen Qi Deficiency : Used for fatigue, low energy, poor appetite, loose stools, and chronic diarrhoea.
· Lung Qi Deficiency : Used for shortness of breath, a weak voice, spontaneous sweating, and a tendency to catch colds.
Raises the Yang Qi
· Astragalus Membranaceus has an “ascending” property, which helps lift sinking Spleen Qi.
· Uses : Crucial for treating conditions like organ prolapse (e.g., uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse), chronic diarrhoea, and hemorrhoids.
Consolidates the Exterior and Secures the Wei Qi
· It strengthens the body’s defensive barrier (Wei Qi), which protects against external pathogens like wind and cold.
· Uses : Excellent for people who catch colds easily and for spontaneous daytime sweating (without exertion), which is a sign of weak Wei Qi.
Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling
· It helps the Spleen transform and transport fluids, resolving dampness and edema.
· Uses : For swelling or puffiness, especially in the limbs, often associated with Spleen Qi deficiency.
Promotes Blood Generation and Circulation
· By strongly tonifying Qi, it helps generate Blood (as Qi is the commander of Blood). It also helps move Qi and blood in cases of Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
· Uses : Used in formulas for blood deficiency (anaemia) and for chronic, non-healing wounds.
Assists in Pus Discharge and Tissue Regeneration
· It helps “expel pus and generate flesh,” directing the body’s Qi to the surface to heal sores and ulcers.
· Uses: For slow-healing wounds, chronic skin ulcers, and abscesses that are difficult to heal.
Modern Research and Active Compounds
Modern science has identified several key components in Astragalus that support its traditional uses:
· Astragalus Polysaccharides (APS) : The most studied compounds, known for their powerful immune-modulating effects. They can enhance the activity of various immune cells.
· Saponins (e.g., Astragaloside IV) : Known for their cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Astragaloside IV is particularly noted for its potential anti-aging properties and support for mitochondrial health.
· Flavonoids : Provide antioxidant benefits, protecting cells from damage.
· Modern Applications : Supported by research for its use as an immune booster, adaptogen (helps the body resist stress), and for supporting heart, kidney, and liver health. It is often studied as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment to counter the side effects of chemotherapy.
Precautions
Astragalus Membranaceus is very gentle and safe for long-term use. Due to its warming nature, Astragalus should be used with caution or avoided in the following conditions :
· An Acute / Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat : Symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, and irritability. The warm nature of Astragalus can worsen these symptoms.
· Pregnancy : Should be used only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.
· Autoimmune Diseases : It is immunostimulant, individuals with autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS) should consult a doctor before use, as it may potentially over-activate the immune system.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
· It’s best to Avoid taking food and beverage that are contraindications to Qi-tonifying herbs ( Ginseng, Astragalus Root, Radix Codonopsis ) as they are considered to dissipate Qi and reduce the tonic effect of the herbs. Food such as :
· Cooling & Raw Food : raw vegetable & salad, cold drinks & ice-cream, certain fruits such as watermelon, pear & grapefruit, certain seafood such as crab and clams.
· Dampness-Producing Food : Dairy products, sweeteners & sugary food, greasy & fried food, wheat & highly processed grains & food
· Pungent & Dispersing Food & Herbs : Radish, mint & peppermint, hot spices in excess.
· Specific Food-Drug Interactions : Coffee & tea.
or strictly separate intake by several hours.
Qi-tonifying herbs, are often warming and ascending. They work by boosting your body’s Yang and raising energy upward and outward to combat fatigue and weakness.
The cool, descending nature of these food & beverage is to counteract or diminish the warm, ascending therapeutic effect of the Qi tonic. It’s like trying to light a fire (the herb) while someone is sprinkling water on it.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
General Dietary Advice While Tonifying Qi
When you are prescribed a course of Qi-tonifying herbs, it is a signal that your body needs focused support. Adhering to these dietary guidelines, even for a short period, will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the herbs and speed up your recovery.
1. Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods : Soups, stews, congee (rice porridge), and well-cooked vegetables are ideal. They are easy to digest and warm the Spleen and Stomach.
2. Eat at Regular Intervals : Don’t skip meals. The Spleen thrives on routine.
3. Chew Thoroughly : This is the first and most crucial step of digestion.
4. Don’t Overeat : Overeating is one of the quickest ways to injure Spleen Qi.
5. Use Spleen-Tonic Foods in Cooking : Incorporate small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, rice, oats, and ginger into your meals.
Common Usage and Preparation
Astragalus Membranaceus is very gentle and safe for long-term use. It is a staple in both clinical formulas and home kitchens.
· Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
· Wine Tincture : An alcohol-based extract. Steeped in alcohol to extract its properties.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups and stews for a tonic effect.
