Astragalus
Astragalus mongholicus · 黄芪
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Huang qi, Milk vetch root, Mongolian milk vetch
Pinyin: Huáng Qí
Spanish: Astrágalo
Immune and diabetes medicine interactionsA yellow root used in Chinese medicine to boost energy and defenses, now sold as a supplement.
Did you know? Chinese herbalists have used it for over 2,000 years, and it is one of the most common herbs in Chinese tonic formulas.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Kidneys, bladder & UTIs. A 2014 Cochrane review found lower protein in the urine of people with chronic kidney disease. The studies were small and of weak quality, and results varied widely.Early proof
- Heart health. Chinese studies of astragalus added to standard care for heart failure report better heart pumping. Most trials are small, and quality is mixed.Early proof
- Colds, flu & immunity. A few small trials suggest fewer colds in some people. Larger, better trials are lacking.Early proof
- Energy & tiredness. Long traditional use for tiredness. Mostly lab and animal studies.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Kidneys & bladder, Heart & vessels, Immune system, Energy & metabolism
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses huang qi to tonify Qi (vital energy) for fatigue, poor appetite and frequent colds. It is often combined with other herbs in classic formulas such as Yu Ping Feng San.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Immune balancer, Adaptogen, Tonic, Diuretic. Energy: warming.
- Chinese medicine
- 黄芪 Tonify Qi. Nature: warm. Flavour: sweet. Enters the Lung and Spleen channels.
How people take it
Studies vary widely in dose and length. Traditional users simmer the sliced root in soups or teas.
Decoction, capsule, tea, tincture and powder.
Where to get it
Grown mainly in northern China and Mongolia. Sold as dried root slices, powder, capsules and tinctures. Some products are sold as mixed blends.
Be careful
Usually well tolerated. Rare side effects include stomach upset and allergic skin reactions. Astragalus may stimulate the immune system, which could worsen autoimmune disease. Use with care alongside diabetes or immune-suppressing medicines.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; autoimmune disease; diabetes medicines.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Huang qi and bai zhu are the two main herbs in Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder), used to strengthen defenses.
- Works well together
Both boost Qi in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Center-Supplementing Qi Decoction), a classic formula for tiredness and low appetite.
- Works well together
Huang qi with a small amount of dong quai is the classic Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Blood Building Decoction) for weakness.
- Works well together
Huang qi and jujube are both in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, used to build Qi and support the stomach.
- Works well together
Longan and huang qi are both in Gui Pi Tang, which builds Qi and blood.
- Works well together
Eleuthero and huang qi are both used as Qi tonics in Chinese and Western herbal blends.
- Works well together
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) combines it with astragalus and atractylodes to support defenses against colds.
- Works well together
Also in Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, where astragalus supports energy.
- Works well together
Both are immune-support herbs in Chinese practice, often combined in tonic formulas.
- Works well together
Paired for stamina and Qi (vital energy) in tonic blends.
- Use cautionImmune-suppressing medicine (transplant drugs, some arthritis drugs)
May work against immune-suppressing drugs, since it can stimulate immune activity.
- Use cautionDiabetes medicine (metformin, insulin, glipizide, Ozempic)
Small studies suggest astragalus may lower blood sugar. Monitor levels if you take diabetes medicine.
Adds up with others that may lower blood sugar: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 39 more.
Found in these formulas
Jade Windscreen (TCM), Restore the Spleen (TCM)
The honest take
Astragalus has the most promising evidence for kidney protein loss and heart failure add-on care, but the trials are mostly small and of mixed quality. Its claim to boost immunity is weak in humans. Many products on the shelf contain little or no real astragalus, so check the label.