Source Milkvetch Root is the dried root ofAstragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge var.mongholicus (Bunge) Hsiao, andA. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, and the other species of the same genus andHedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz., (Fam. Leguminosae)
Producing Areas Mainly produced in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Shanxi and Heilongjiang, etc.
Properties Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Neutral
Channels Spleen, Lung
Action
- Invigorates vital energy and spleen
For spleen-deficiency with poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue and bleeding; for deficiency of both vital energy and blood. - Invigorates vital energy to activateyang
For collapse of middle-jiao energy manifested as prolapse of rectum, hysteroptosis or gastroptosis - Invigorates vital energy to strengthen the body
For common cold in debilitated patient, superficies-asthenia with profuse sweating. - Relieves skin infection and promotes tissue regeneration
For unruptured abscess, unhealed carbuncle, skin erosion, unhealed wound, eruptive diseases and skin infection ofyin type. - Promotes diuresis and relieves edema
For edema of spleen-deficiency type. In addition, it can invigorate vital energy to promote the production of body fluid and quench thirst and is indicated for diabetes; hemiplegia due to deficiency of vital energy and blood stasis. Also used for asthma and leukocytopenia.
Usage and Dosage
- 10 – 15g or up to 30 – 60g is used in decoction for oral use, or in pills or powder.
- Roasted Huang qi with honey: For internal injury, fatigue and deficiency of the spleen, qi and blood.
- Crude Huang qi: For spontaneous sweating, unruptured carbuncle or ruptured but unhealed,bi of blood, edema.
Notes Contraindicated in the case of superficial sthenia syndrome with excessive pathogenic factors, stagnation of qi and dampness, indigestion, hyperactivity ofyang due to deficientyin or onset of carbuncles with excessive heat-toxin.
It is cylinder-shaped, with a thick upper part and thin lower part, 25 – 70cm long, 1 – 3cm in diameter. The surface of the skin is gray yellow or beige with apparent wrinkles and crosswise long pores. Huang qi is hard and tough. The broken surface is powdery, with yellowish white skin and a light yellow wooden part. It is light in nature. The flavour is slightly sweet with a bean smell while chewing.
Storage
- Keep in a ventilated, dry place.
- Protect it from mould and moths.
Description of Quality Herb
Huang qi that is long and thick in size, yellowish white in broken surface, sweet and powdery has the good quality. Huang qi produced in Mongolia is of good quality.
Milkvetch Congee
Effects
Nourishes the liver and kidneys and benefits qi and blood. It is a remedy for spermatorrhea and premature ejaculation in men. It also alleviates tiredness, lack of energy and spontaneous perspiration, and is recommended for middle-aged and elderly who suffer from weakness of the body.
Ingredients
Young milkvetch 30g, pilose asiabell root 30g, liquorice 15g, japonica rice 1 OOg, Chinese dates 10.
Preparation
1.Pan-fry the ingredients with water to extract the herbal essence. Drain the essence and set aside.
2.Cook the ingredients as congee. Before the cooking process completes, add the herbal essence obtained earlier. Finish cooking and serve.
Black Chicken Stewed with Milkvetch
Effects
Milkvetch is effective for nourishing qi and black chicken is beneficial to the kidneys and blood. When stewed together they benefit the qi and liver, and have the effect of boosting the immune system, hydrating the kidneys and improving the blood. After consuming this preparation, there will be a marked improvement in overall immunity.
Ingredients
Milkvetch 50g, black chicken 1000g, leeks 10g, ginger 10g, cooking wine.
Preparation
1.Clean the chicken, blanch in a pot of boiling water and clean again.
2.Rinse the mil kvetch and stuff the chicken with it. Place the chicken in a stewpotwith onions, ginger, chicken stock, cooking wine and salt to taste. Stew on low heat until the chicken is tender. Season and serve.