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Huang Qi黄芪

Astragali Radix · Astragalus Root

Herbs that Tonify the Qi 补气药《神农本草经》

Overview

The premier qi tonic of the exterior and the middle: it raises what sinks, secures what leaks, generates flesh and moves water — chief of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Yu Ping Feng San.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet · Slightly warm

Channels

Spleen · Lung

Typical Dosage

9–30 g in decoction
黄芪Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Tonifies qi, raises yangMiddle-qi sinking: prolapse, chronic diarrhea, fatigue.
  • Secures the exterior, stops sweatingQi-deficient spontaneous sweating and easy catching of colds.
  • Promotes urination, reduces edemaQi-deficient edema.
  • Generates fleshChronic sores slow to close.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Huang Qi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Fatigue, prolapse, chronic loose stools
    - Spontaneous sweating, recurrent colds
    - Qi-deficient edema
    - Non-healing sores

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Contraindications

Cautions

Lifting and warming: avoid in exterior excess, qi stagnation with damp, yin deficiency with heat, and early-stage hot sores.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.