Huang Qi - 黄芪 - Radix Astragali - Astragalus Root / Mongolian Milkvetch Root

Properties: Sweet, warm

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung and Spleen
Extraordinary Vessels: Du, Yin Wei, Yang Wei

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Tonifies Qi and Blood
Postpartum fever due to Qi and Blood Deficiency
Recovery from severe Blood loss
Strengthens the Spleen and raises the Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach
Spleen Qi Deficiency with anorexia, fatigue and diarrhoea
Central Qi Sinking (prolapse)
Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency
Qi Failing to contain Blood
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Fever from Qi Deficiency
Tonifies Wei Qi, stabilizes the Exterior and tonifies the Lungs (aids circulation of moisture downward from the face)
Wei Qi Deficiency with spontaneous sweating
Lung Qi Deficiency with frequent colds or shortness of breath
Excessive sweating associated with Qi, Yang or Yin Deficiency
Dampness in the head
Promotes urination and reduces oedema
Spleen Deficiency oedema or superficial oedema with reduced urination (It can be used as a stand-alone herb for this)
Promotes the discharge of pus, generates flesh and expels toxins
Chronic ulcerations and sores that either have trouble forming pus or have formed pus but are not draining well
Generates Body Fluids
Wasting and thirsting disorder (消渴 Xiao Ke)
Bi Syndrome with numbness of the limbs and paralysis
Relieves numbness and pain
Numbness and pain due to Deficiency of Qi and Blood
Tonifies the Qi while suppressing Parasites
Gu Sydnrome (Fruehauf, 1998)
Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)

Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-15g in decoction. Large dosages of up to 30g can be used for severe debilitation, Blood deficiency or unhealing sores (e.g. Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang).

Cautions: It is contraindicated in cases of exterior excess with excessive pathogen, internal obstruction, yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity, early stage of sores and ulcers of excessive pathogen and no deficiency of heathy qi, because it can tonify qi, raise yang and strengthen superficial.Caution with patients on immunosuppressents due to its immune modulating effects.

Notable Constituents:

Cycloastragenol
Purported to activate the human enzyme telomerase which has been controversially linked to claims of reducing the effects of ageing. It is the active ingredient in TA-65 marketed for cell rejuvenation (PR Web, 2014, RevGenetics Shares Findings of TA-65 Active Ingredient).

Appears in 88 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan (Mugwort and Cyperus Pill to Warm the Palace)
From: Straight Directions from Ren-Zhai (1264) by Yang Shi-Ying / Ren-Zhai

Ba Wei Huang Qi Jiu (Eight Flavours Astragalus Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, White Atractylodes and Gastrodia Decoction)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Bao Chan Wu You Fang (Worry Free Formula to Protect Birth)
From: Fu Qing-Zhu's Women's Disorders by Fu Qing-Zhu (1826)

Bao Yuan Tang (Preserve the Primal Decoction)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Bu Fei Tang (Tonify the Lungs Decoction)
From: Everlasting Categorisation of Inscribed Formulas (1331)

Bu Pi Wei Xie Yin Huo Sheng Yang Tang (Tonify Spleen and Stomach, Drain Yin Fire and Raise Yang Decotion)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Tonify Yang to Restore Five Tenths Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle to Augment the Qi Decoction)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Chong He Tang (Flush and Harmonise Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Dan Shen Shi Hu Jiu (Salvia and Dendrobium Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Tangkuei Decoction to Tonify the Blood)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Dang Gui Huo Xue Jian (Invigorate the Blood with Angelica Pills)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (Tangkuei and Six Yellows Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Dang Gui Yin Zi (Tangkuei Drink)
From: Formulas to Aid the Living by Yan Yong-He (1253)

Dang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Experimental Formulas Composed by Hanaoka Seshu (1760-1835) by Hanaoka Seshu

Di Huang Yin Zi (Rehmannia Drink)
From: A Simple Book of Formulas (1191) by Wang Shuo

Fang Ji Fu Ling Tang (Stephania and Poria Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Fang Xin Xing Guan Zhuang Bing Du Gan Ran De Fei Yan Er Hao Fang (Second Pneumonia Prevention Formula for New Coronavirus Infection)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Guide by Hu Ke (2020)

Fang Xin Xing Guan Zhuang Bing Du Gan Ran De Fei Yan Yi Hao Fang (First Pneumonia Prevention Formula for New Coronavirus Infection)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Guide by Hu Ke (2020)

Fu Ling Ju Hua Jiu (Poria and Chrysanthemum Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang (Stabilise the Root and Stop Excessive Uterine Bleeding Decoction)
From: Fu Qing-Zhu's Women's Disorders by Fu Qing-Zhu (1826)

Gu Biao Zhi Han Tang (Stabilise the Exterior and Stop Sweating Decoction)
From: Case Histories of Huang Wen-Dong (2001) by Huang Wen-Dong

Gu Chong Tang (Stabilise Gushing Decoction)
From: Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western by Zang Xi Chun / Zang Shou Fu (1918-1934)

Gu Zhen Tang (Stabilise the True Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Guan Zhuang Bing Du Yu Fang Pei Fang Yi (Coronavirus Preventative Formula 1)
From: Phoenix Medical Newsletter by Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (2020)

Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)
From: Categorised Essentials for Normalising the Structure (1529) by Xu Da-Chun / Ling-Tai

Gui Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Tangkuei and Astragalus Decoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Experimental Formula Composed by Hanaoka Seshu (1760-1835) by Hanaoka Seshu

Hua Shi Bai Du Tang (Transform Dampness and Resolve Toxins Decoction)
From: Trial Version 6 and 7 of Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 (2020)

Hua Tan Xiao He Wan (Transform Phlegm and Reduce Nodules Pill)
From: Treatment Strategies and Formulas in Chinese Medicine (1975) by Ai Ru-Di

Huang Qi Dang Gui Jiu (Astragalus and Tangkuei Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Huang Qi Du Zhong Jiu (Astragalus and Eucommia Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astagalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Substance Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Docoction to Construct the Middle)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Huang Qi Jiu (Astragalus Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Huang Qi Shi Hu Jiu (Astragalus and Dendrobium Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Hui Fu Qi Fei Pi Xu Fang (Convalescent Stage Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency Prescription)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7), Chinese Medical Journal 2020, 133(9): 1087-1095. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000819 by Wei Pei-Fang (editor), National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020)

Jia Jian Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Modified Tonify the Middle to Augment the Qi Decoction)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Jia Jian Su He Tang (Modified Perilla and Menthol Decoction)
From: New Methods for the Treatment of Gu Syndrome by Lu Shunde (Qing Dynasty)

Ju Yuan Jian (Lift the Source Decoction)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Juan Bi Tang (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction)
From: Yang Family Formulas (1178) by Yang Tan

Lei Zhu Wan (Thunder Pearl Pills)
From: Classical Pearls by Heiner Fruehauf (2025)

Miao Xiang San (Marvellously Fragrant Powder)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Mu Li San (Oyster Shell Powder)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Nei Bu Huang Qi Tang (Astragalus Decoction to Tonify the Interior)
From: Formulas Bequeathed by the Unorthodox Genius Liu Jian-Zi (499) by Liu Jian-Zi

Nei Zhang Wan (Cataract Pill)
From: Journal of Ethnopharmacology 324, 117786 by Xiao-min Liu, Hui Shi & Wei Li (2024)

Niu Xi Ren Shen Jiu (Achyranthes and Ginseng Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Qi Fu Tang (Astragalus and Aconite Decoction)
From: Formulas Kept by the Wei Family (1227)

Qi Wu Jiang Xia Tang (Seven Substance Decoction for Directing Downward)
From: Practice of Syndrome Treatment in Kampo (1963) by Otsuka Keisetsu

Qian Jin Nei Tuo San (Powder to Support the Interior Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Augment the Qi Decoction)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin (Clear the Heart Drink with Lotus Seed)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Ren Shen Huang Qi San (Ginseng and Astragalus Powder)
From: Precious Mirror of Health by Luo Tian-Yi (Yuan Dynasty)

Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (Ginseng Decoction to Nourish Luxuriance)
From: Discussion of Illnesses, Patterns and Formulas Related to the Unification of the Three Aetiologies (1174)

San Bi Tang (Three Painful Obstruction Decoction)
From: Fine Formulas for Women (1237)

Shen Qi Di Huang Tang (Codonopsis, Astragalus and Rehmannia Decoction)
From: Illuminating the Origins of Miscellaneous Diseases with a Rhinoceros Candle: Colorectal Disease by Shen Jinao (1773)

Shen Xiao Tuo Li San (Miraculous Powder for Supporting the Interior)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Sheng Xian Tang (Raise the Sunken Decoction)
From: Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western by Zang Xi Chun / Zang Shou Fu (1918-1934)

Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang (Raise the Yang and Augment the Stomach Decoction)
From: Clarifying Doubts About Damage from Internal and External Causes by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1247)

Sheng Yu Tang (Sage-Like Healing Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin (Sixteen Ingredient Drink for Qi Flow)
From: Introduction to Medicine (1575) by Li Chan / Jian-Zhai

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (All Inclusive Great Tonifying Decotion)
From: Transmitted Trustworthy and Suitable Formulas (1180)

Shi Wei Xiang Ru Yin (Ten Ingredient Drink with Mosla)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Shu Di Dang Shen Tang (Prepared Rehmannia and Codonopsis Decoction)
From: Journal of Ethnopharmacology 324, 117786 by Xiao-min Liu, Hui Shi & Wei Li (2024)

Su He Tang (Perilla and Menthol Decoction)
From: New Methods for the Treatment of Gu Syndrome by Lu Shunde (Qing Dynasty)

Suan Zao Ren Jiu (Zizyphus Spinosa Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Tai Shan Pan Shi San (Mount Tai Bedrock Powder)
From: Systematic Great Compendium of Medicine (1556)

Tiao Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Regulate the Middle to Augment the Qi Decoction)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Tong Sai Pian (Unblock Obstruction Pill)
From: Journal of the Nanking College of Chinese Medicine (1984)

Tou Nong San (Discharge Pus Powder)
From: Orthodox Lineage of External Medicine by Chen Shi-Gong (1617)

Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin (Support the Interior and Eliminate Toxin Drink)
From: Orthodox Lineage of External Medicine by Chen Shi-Gong (1617)

Wu Tou Tang (Aconite Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xie Pi Chu Re Yin (Drain the Spleen to Clear Fire Drink)
From: Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea by Unknown, attributed to Sun Si Miao (Maybe composed in the Song - Ming Dynasty, published ~1579)

Yang Xin Tang (Nourish the Heart Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Yang Zheng Xiao Ji Jiao Nang (Support the Upright and Eliminate Accumulations Capsules)
From: Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010, volume I

Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang (Augment the Qi and Increase Acuity Decoction)
From: Dong-Yuan's Tried and Tested Formulas by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1202)

Yi Shen Ming Mu Tang (Augment the Kidneys and Brighten the Eyes Decoction)
From: Journal of Ethnopharmacology 324, 117786 by Xiao-min Liu, Hui Shi & Wei Li (2024)

Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
From: Researching Original Formulas (1213)

Yu Quan Wan (Jade Spring Pill)
From: Straight Directions from Ren-Zhai (1264) by Yang Shi-Ying / Ren-Zhai

Yu Ye Tang (Jade Fluid Decoction)
From: Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western by Zang Xi Chun / Zang Shou Fu (1918-1934)

Zai Zao San (Renewal Powder)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Zhong He Tang (Even-Handed Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Zhong Man Fen Xiao Tang (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Zhong Zheng Qi Yi Du Bi Fei Fang (Severe Stage Epidemic Poison Blocking the Lung Prescription)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7), Chinese Medical Journal 2020, 133(9): 1087-1095. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000819 by Wei Pei-Fang (editor), National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020)

Zhou Gong Bai Sui Jiu (Master Zhou's Hundred Years Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Zi Gen Mu Li Tang (Arnebia/Lithospermum and Oyster Shell Decoction)
From: New Book on Syphilis and Leprosy (1787)

Zong Zi Yao Jiu (Boosting Progeny Medicinal Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

黄 芪  Huang Qi

Pharmaceutical: Radix Astragali
Taxonomy: Astragalus membranaceus

Other names: Astragalus Root / Mongolian Milkvetch Root

Category: Herbs that Tonify Qi

Research Links:

Reference Notes: