Source Flatstem Milkvetch Seed is the dried ripe seed ofAstragalus complanatus R. Br. (Fam. Leguminosae).
Producing Areas Shaanxi, Anhui, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, etc
Properties Sweet, Warm
Channels Kidney, Liver
Action
- Benefits the liver and kidney, arrests seminal discharge
Back pain, nocturnal emission and premature ejaculation in deficiency syndromes of the kidney, turbid discharge with urination. - Restrains urination and improves eyesight
Excessive leukorrhoea; dribbling of urine after urination; dizziness and blurred vision.
Usage and Dosage
10-15g is used in decoction. It can be used crudely or stir-baked with salty solution.
Notes Use with caution in patient with heatiness due to deficiency of yin, or with difficulty in urination.
It is kidney-shaped, slightly flat, 2 – 2.5mm long, 1.5 – 2mm in diameter and about 1mm thick. The surface is green brown or grey brown and glossy with a round umbilicus. It is hard and not easy to break. The two cotyledons are light yellow and the radicle, about 1mm long, is curved. It is light in nature. The flavour is bland with bean smell when chewed.
Storage
Keep in a well-ventilated and dry place.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Shayuanzi is full-grained, green brown in colour and without impurity.
Professional Advice
The seeds of Huahuangqi and Ziyun ying are used as Shayuanzi. Huahuangqi is irregularly kidney-shaped, used in Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, etc. Ziyun ying is rectangularly kidney-shaped, used in Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan.
Milkvetch and White Chrysanthemum Tea
Effects
Replenishes and regulates the liver and kidneys, and lowers blood cholesterol. It can help to relieve faintness, dizziness, pain in the loins, incontinence and other ailments associated with high blood cholesterol levels.
Ingredients
Milkvetch seeds 30g, white chrysanthemum flowers 10g.
Preparation
1.Place the milkvetch seeds and white chrysanthemum flowers in a pan with an adequate amount of water.
2.Cook until about 300ml of liquid is obtained.
Liver and Milkvetch Soup
Effects
This dish moistens and replenishes the liver and kidneys, and benefits the eyes. It is recommended for preventing the deterioration of eyesight.
Ingredients
Pork liver 150g, milkvetch seeds 30g, cinnamon 6g.
Preparation
- Wash and slice the liver.
- Place an adequate amount of water in a pot and bring to a rolling boil. Rinse the milkvetch seeds and the cinnamon, and place in the boiling water.
- Boil the herbs for approximately 2 hours over a medium fire, then add the sliced liver and some ginger. When the liver has cooked through, add salt and season to taste, and serve.