Astragali Radix, also known as Huang qi, is a medicinal material with a long history. Its medicinal history can be traced back to before the Han Dynasty. It was first recorded in the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and was listed as a top-grade product. The scientific name of Astragalus is Astragali Radix, which mainly comes from the dried roots of the leguminous plants Astragalus mongolica and Astragalus membranaceus . The main producing areas include Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and other places.
In the Shennong Bencaojing, Astragalus is described as " sweet in taste, slightly warm; used to treat carbuncle, long-term wounds, pus discharge and pain relief, severe wind, dysentery, hemorrhoids, fistula, tonic, and all kinds of children's diseases ". In the Qing Dynasty, Wang Ang's "Compendium of Materia Medica" believed that Astragalus " can be used raw to strengthen the exterior, roasted to nourish the middle and replenish the vital energy ". Li Shizhen mentioned in the "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Qi means long, and Astragalus is yellow in color, which is the best tonic, hence the name." The records in these ancient books fully affirm the important position of Astragalus in traditional Chinese medicine.
Plant characteristics and species differences of Astragali
The plant characteristics of Astragali are very unique. Its roots are taproot cylindrical, some with branches, thicker at the top, 30~90 cm long, 1~3.5 cm in diameter. The surface is light brown or light brown with irregular longitudinal wrinkles or longitudinal grooves, hard and tough with powdery texture, yellow-white and loose; the wood is chrysanthemum-like, with a bean-like smell and slightly sweet. The center of the old root is occasionally rotten, dark brown or hollow. The smell is slight, the taste is slightly sweet, and there is a slight bean smell when chewed.
Astragali membranaceus, ...
Astragali, also known as Beiqi, is mainly produced in northern China , such as Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei and other places. Beiqi is known as the " holy medicine for replenishing qi ". It has the effects of replenishing qi and strengthening the exterior, promoting diuresis and expelling toxins, expelling pus, and astringing ulcers and promoting tissue regeneration. It is often used to treat symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools, sinking of qi in the middle, and long-term diarrhea and prolapse of the anus.
Nanqi, in fact, is the five-fingered peach, mainly produced in southern China , such as Guangdong and Guangxi. Its root is thin, the surface is gray-brown or brown , the texture is loose, and the taste is sweet and slightly bitter. Nanqi has the effect of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, removing dampness and resolving phlegm, and is often used for symptoms such as spleen deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools, diarrhea, and edema. Nanqi has a mild medicinal property and is suitable for long-term use, especially for people living in the humid and hot climate in the south.
Astragali membranaceus is the dried root of Astragalus polysaccharides, while Astragalus membranaceus is the dried root of Astragalus mongolicus or Astragalus membranaceus. Although Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus membranaceus have similar names, they are actually two different medicinal materials. There are obvious differences in appearance between the two: Astragalus membranaceus has a light brown or light brown surface with irregular longitudinal wrinkles or longitudinal grooves; Astragalus membranaceus has a gray-red-brown surface with longitudinal wrinkles, transverse lenticel-like protrusions and a few root scars. The outer skin is easy to fall off, and the peeled part is light yellow.
Many Astragali root products on the market are replaced by the root of Red Astragali, so if you want to buy the genuine product, you should ask for "Northern Astragalus" . The texture of Northern Astragalus is solid, the outer skin is yellow-white or yellow-brown, the central wood is bright , the outer circle of the inner cortex is light yellow, and the taste is slightly sweet, with a plant bean smell .
Red Astragalus is also known as Jin Astragali. Its outer skin is yellow-brown or gray-red-brown with walnut texture. The central wood is light yellow-white. It has a strong sweet taste, no bean smell, and a heavy oily texture .
Raw and Roasted Astragalus
Raw Astragalus refers to unprocessed Astragali . It is sweet and slightly warm in nature and enters the spleen and lung meridians. The main effects of raw Astragalus are to replenish qi and strengthen the exterior, promote diuresis and expel toxins, expel pus, and heal ulcers and promote tissue regeneration. It is often used to treat symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools, qi sinking, long-term diarrhea and prolapse of the anus, bloody stool and metrorrhagia, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, carbuncle that is difficult to drain, and long-term drainage. Raw Astragalus has a wide range of applications and is particularly suitable for situations where qi and exterior need to be replenished and the exterior needs to be strengthened .
Roasted Astragalus is made by mixing Astragalus slices with honey, frying until they are no longer sticky, taking them out and drying them before using them as medicine. Roasted Astragalus is milder in nature and flavor than raw Astragalus, and its main effects are to replenish qi and moisten the lungs, strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach . Roasted Astragalus is often used for symptoms such as weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite and loose stools, sinking of middle qi, and long-term diarrhea and prolapse of the anus. It is particularly suitable for situations where it is necessary to replenish the middle qi . Roasted Astragalus has a stronger effect of replenishing qi and has a certain effect of moistening the lungs. It is often used for symptoms such as weakness, sweating, shortness of breath and fatigue.
The storage of Astragalus also requires attention. To prevent moisture and insect infestation, Astragalus should be stored in a dry, cool place or refrigerated in the refrigerator, and be especially careful not to expose it to sunlight for a long time .
Pressed tablets, round tablets, and nail-shaped tablets: Different ways to cut Astragalus
The following are all tragali, but they are cut in different ways, so they look like completely different herbs. Due to the different origins of tragali, the skin of tragali may appear yellow or black. Traditionally, it is believed that the black skin is more effective, and it is also called "black tragali".
Long strips: This is the most common shape of tragali in Hong Kong. Because it looks like an arrow, it is also called arrow tragali. The original plant of tragali is like a branch. Long strips of tragali are cut straight and then flattened by a machine. In the industry, it is called "pressed slices" or "longitudinal slices".
Grains: This is the common cutting method in the Mainland. Tragali is cut into grains directly. It is easier to handle. This is a flat-cut "round slice". Now in Hong Kong, many tragali are sold in this shape.
Slices: This is also the common cutting method in mainland China. Slanting cuts become "nail-shaped slices", making the tragali look a little thicker.
Indications and effects of Astragali
Astragali is known as the "number one herb for replenishing qi". Its main effects include replenishing qi and strengthening the exterior, promoting diuresis and expelling toxins, expelling pus, and healing ulcers and promoting tissue regeneration. It is suitable for symptoms such as qi deficiency and fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools, sinking of qi in the middle, long-term diarrhea and prolapse of the anus, bloody stool and metrorrhagia, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, carbuncle that is difficult to heal, long-term heal, blood deficiency and sallow complexion, internal heat and thirst, etc.
Modern medical research shows that astragalus has many functions, including reducing blood viscosity, reducing thrombosis, lowering blood pressure, protecting the heart, regulating blood sugar in two directions, and enhancing the body's immunity. Astragalus can also enhance Yang Qi, prevent colds, protect the body surface from invasion by evil Qi, have the effect of diuresis and swelling, remove toxins and promote tissue regeneration, and cure long-term carbuncle wounds. It is used for spontaneous sweating, diarrhoea, anemia, internal injuries, fatigue, spleen deficiency diarrhea, prolapse of the anus, and all diseases of decline and blood deficiency.
Modern Research and Application of Astragali
Astragali has shown a wide range of application potential in modern medical research. Studies have shown that astragalus contains a variety of active ingredients, such as saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides and amino acids , which have a variety of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and cardiovascular protection . The polysaccharide components of astragalus have been found to enhance the function of the immune system and promote the production of white blood cells, thereby improving the body's resistance.
In clinical applications, astragali is used in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. For example, astragalus is used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and heart failure, protecting heart function by reducing blood viscosity, reducing thrombosis and improving myocardial blood supply.
In addition, astragali is used in diabetic patients to help control blood sugar by regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. The polysaccharide components of astragalus have also been studied for cancer treatment, showing some anti-tumor activity.
The application of Astragali is not limited to the medical field, but also extends to the health and beauty industry. Astragalus is made into various health and beauty products, such as Astragalus tea, Astragalus mask and Astragalus oral liquid. These products use the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Astragalus to help delay aging, improve skin conditions and strengthen the body. Astragalus tea has become a daily drink for many people because it is easy to make. It is especially suitable for strengthening immunity and preventing colds during the change of seasons.
Astragali diet therapy
Astragali is widely used in modern medicine. It is not only used to treat various diseases, but also made into medicinal food, becoming a part of people's daily life. The following are the clever combinations of Astragalus with five other medicinal herbs and their effects:
Astragali combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza : relieve chest pain and palpitations, inhibit proliferation, and fight thrombosis.
Astragali combined with yam : lowers blood sugar, replenishes qi and stops bleeding, and heals ulcers.
Astragali and Pueraria root : dilate blood vessels, improve myocardial oxygen metabolism, treat insomnia and forgetfulness, and beautify and enlarge breasts.
Astragali combined with Angelica dahurica : regulate menstruation and relieve pain, inhibit arteriosclerosis, and promote the growth of red blood cells in the blood.
Astragali and wolfberry : anti-aging, improve sleep quality, and enhance memory.
Notes
Although Astragali has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. The following groups are not recommended to consume Astragalus on their own:
Acne prone face
Often stay up late
Dry mouth
Mouth Broken
Easy thirst
Abdominal distension
In addition, if you already have ulcers in your mouth and tongue, it means that there is heat in your body and you should not drink Astragalus tea as it will make the ulcer problem worse.
Conclusion
As a medicinal material with a long history, Astragali has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its effects of replenishing qi and strengthening the exterior, promoting diuresis and detoxification, expelling pus, and eliminating ulcers and promoting tissue regeneration. Whether it is the evaluation of ancient medical books or the research of modern medicine, the medicinal value of Astragalus has been fully affirmed. However, when using Astragalus, we also need to pay attention to its indications and precautions to ensure its best therapeutic effect. I hope this article can help everyone better understand and use Astragalus, so that this "Qi-replenishing holy medicine" can protect our health.
