Huang Qi黄芪
Astragali Radix · Astragalus Root
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 warmChannels
Spleen · LungTypical Dosage
9–30 g in decoctionActions
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
- Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan艾附暖宫丸→
- Bao Yuan Tang保元汤→
- Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang补阳还五汤→
- Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang补中益气汤→
- Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang当归补血汤→
- Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang当归六黄汤→
- Dang Gui Yin Zi当归饮子→
- Dong Yuan Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang东垣清暑益气汤→
- Fang Ji Fu Ling Tang防己茯苓汤→
- Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang防己黄芪汤→
- Gui Pi Tang归脾汤→
- Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang黄芪桂枝五物汤→
- Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang黄芪建中汤→
- Ju Yuan Jian举元煎→
- Juan Bi Tang蠲痹汤→
- Mu Li San牡蛎散→
- Nei Bu Huang Qi Tang内补黄芪汤→
- Nei Bu Wan内补丸→
- Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin清心莲子饮→
- Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang人参养荣汤→
- San Bi Tang三痹汤→
- Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang升阳益胃汤→
- Sheng Yu Tang圣愈汤→
- Shi Quan Da Bu Tang十全大补汤→
- Tai Shan Pan Shi San泰山磐石散→
- Tou Nong San透脓散→
- Tuo Li Xiao Du San托里消毒散→
- Yu Ping Feng San玉屏风散→
- Zai Zao San再造散→
- Zi Cui Yin滋膵饮→
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
- 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.
