A Western Astragalus variety similar to
the Chinese Astragalus Huang Qi
the Chinese Astragalus Huang Qi
Astragalus exscapus
Medical Botany, Woodville, Vol III, 1810
Medical Botany, Woodville, Vol III, 1810
Astragalus Huang Qi is an important tonic medicine in TCM. It is derived primarily from A. membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, although there are a number of local species used including A. ernestii, A. monadelphus, A. floridus, A. chrysopterus and others.
It supplements Qi, and increases immunity for which purpose its use has become popular in the West in the past couple of decades. It is of the same genus that supplies Tragacanth, the gum of various species of Astragalus from the Middle East, but until now it has not been noticed that there is a species of European Astragalus whose root was used as a tonic in decoction form, similarly to Huang Qi.
The Primary effects of Astragalus Huang Qi:
1. Tonifies Qi and Blood–strengthens in weakness, and after loss of blood
2. Lifts Yang Qi–severe weakness of digestion, diarrhea, prolapses
3. Increase Protective Qi and secures the Exterior–lowered immunity, spontaneous or excess sweating
4. Promotes Urine–Edema, reduced urination
5. Promotes Healing–chronic sores and ulcers that are slow healing
Astragalus exscapus
Astragalus exscapus (syn. A. syphilitica) is a species of Astragalus native to Europe. Its root began to be used in Europe in the 18th century after it was noticed it was beneficial for Syphilis. It was noted to be beneficial in several other conditions including Rheumatism.
This and other species of western Astragalus are used for the following conditions:
1. Chronic skin diseases, Syphilis
2. Diuretic in Edema
3. Joint disease, Rheumatism, Sciatica
Explanation of Effects
To put this in context, Astragalus Huang Qi is regarded as having a special effect on the skin. It enhances the initial protection (Wei Qi) which is active throughout the skin. This same effect can help promote sweat to through off a cold or flu, can strengthen it to prevent attack (increase immunity) and regulate it to prevent excess or spontaneous sweating.
Astragalus Huang Qi is well known for its immune-enhancing effects which makes it of use in various chronic diseases, and this can explain the western varieties being used for Syphilis and skin diseases. It is worth noting that some classical TCM texts said it 'transports toxicity [out of the body]' (Bensky). All the listed Astragalus species including Huang Qi are emollient and demulcent (partly due to the gum, but also saponin content).
Both Eastern and Western varieties are found to be Diuretic. It strengthens the Kidney function and improves diuresis to pass of fluid and damp, and this is implicated it the Western use for Rheumatism. Astragalus Huang Qi appears in some TCM formulas for similar conditions, particularly when there is general weakness and spleen deficiency.
The tonic effects are not as noted in the Western Tradition, and this is typical. The organisation of the Tonic Materia Medica in TCM is quite unique and is not as readily seen in the Western Tradition. However, the text below notes that the decoction is sweet like Licorice. Further, the use in chronic disease like Rheumatism and Syphilis always hints at some tonic properties, as strengthening the patient in chronic illness is always a priority of treatment.
One anomaly is the use to promote Breast Milk noted for various Western species. This is quite possibly related to lack of Milk in deficiency, as Huang Qi can also be useful in such instances. In fact, Huang Qi is useful as a postpartum tonic in deficiency, lack of milk or postpartum fever. It will be noted several western species are indicated to stimulate labor, again being useful in deficient conditions.
From Medical Botany (Woodville, Vol. III, 1810):
It supplements Qi, and increases immunity for which purpose its use has become popular in the West in the past couple of decades. It is of the same genus that supplies Tragacanth, the gum of various species of Astragalus from the Middle East, but until now it has not been noticed that there is a species of European Astragalus whose root was used as a tonic in decoction form, similarly to Huang Qi.
The Primary effects of Astragalus Huang Qi:
1. Tonifies Qi and Blood–strengthens in weakness, and after loss of blood
2. Lifts Yang Qi–severe weakness of digestion, diarrhea, prolapses
3. Increase Protective Qi and secures the Exterior–lowered immunity, spontaneous or excess sweating
4. Promotes Urine–Edema, reduced urination
5. Promotes Healing–chronic sores and ulcers that are slow healing
Astragalus exscapus
Astragalus exscapus (syn. A. syphilitica) is a species of Astragalus native to Europe. Its root began to be used in Europe in the 18th century after it was noticed it was beneficial for Syphilis. It was noted to be beneficial in several other conditions including Rheumatism.
This and other species of western Astragalus are used for the following conditions:
1. Chronic skin diseases, Syphilis
2. Diuretic in Edema
3. Joint disease, Rheumatism, Sciatica
Explanation of Effects
To put this in context, Astragalus Huang Qi is regarded as having a special effect on the skin. It enhances the initial protection (Wei Qi) which is active throughout the skin. This same effect can help promote sweat to through off a cold or flu, can strengthen it to prevent attack (increase immunity) and regulate it to prevent excess or spontaneous sweating.
Astragalus Huang Qi is well known for its immune-enhancing effects which makes it of use in various chronic diseases, and this can explain the western varieties being used for Syphilis and skin diseases. It is worth noting that some classical TCM texts said it 'transports toxicity [out of the body]' (Bensky). All the listed Astragalus species including Huang Qi are emollient and demulcent (partly due to the gum, but also saponin content).
Both Eastern and Western varieties are found to be Diuretic. It strengthens the Kidney function and improves diuresis to pass of fluid and damp, and this is implicated it the Western use for Rheumatism. Astragalus Huang Qi appears in some TCM formulas for similar conditions, particularly when there is general weakness and spleen deficiency.
The tonic effects are not as noted in the Western Tradition, and this is typical. The organisation of the Tonic Materia Medica in TCM is quite unique and is not as readily seen in the Western Tradition. However, the text below notes that the decoction is sweet like Licorice. Further, the use in chronic disease like Rheumatism and Syphilis always hints at some tonic properties, as strengthening the patient in chronic illness is always a priority of treatment.
One anomaly is the use to promote Breast Milk noted for various Western species. This is quite possibly related to lack of Milk in deficiency, as Huang Qi can also be useful in such instances. In fact, Huang Qi is useful as a postpartum tonic in deficiency, lack of milk or postpartum fever. It will be noted several western species are indicated to stimulate labor, again being useful in deficient conditions.
From Medical Botany (Woodville, Vol. III, 1810):
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'This species of Astragalus is a native of Hungary, growing in mountainous situations. It was first introduced into the Royal Garden at Kew by Jacquin in 1787.
The root, which is the medicinal part of the plant is, in its dried state, rough, and wrinkled, in long slender pieces, externally brown, internally white, and easily dividing longitudinally into filamentous fibres. It is destitute of odour, but to the taste it is bitterish, and somewhat astringent. In decoction its taste approaches to that of liquorice; some however compare its flavour to that of bitter almonds. It yields about a third part of its weight of extract by means of water, but by spirit a very inconsiderable quantity is obtained. Since the year 1786 this plant has been much celebrated as a remedy in Syphilitic complaints. It was first brought into notice by Professor Winterl, at Pest, who wrote to his friends in Vienna, that on the borders of Hungary it was in common use as a remedy for the Venereal disease; in consequence of this information it was tried with success at the General Hospital by Quarin. From Vienna its reputation spread all over Germany; nor does its character rest wholly on the testimony of foreigners, as Dr. Crighton, during his residence at Vienna had occasion to witness its efficacy. This root is employed in decoction in the proportion of half an ounce to a pint of water, and taken warm night and morning: it is also occasionally to be used externally. By persevering a few weeks in the use of this decoction, we are told that, without Mercury [the primary treatment of Syphilis at the time] the various symptoms of the most inveterate syphilis, as nodes, exostoses, tophi, scabies, venereal botches, buboes, ulcers, &c. have been effectually cured. Besides the authors have noticed, we may remark, that the subsequent publications of Endter, Wegerish, Girtanner, Werner, Tictz, Carmanti, all tend in some measure to confirm the efficacy of this root. Its use is perfectly safe; and Carmanti and others found it necessary to make the decoction much stronger than that before mentioned. Professor Hunczowsky, though unable to discover its anti-venereal powers, admits it to be an useful remedy in Rheumatism. Its sensible effects are an increase of the cutaneous and urinary discharges'. |
It has been used in France and Ukraine for syphilis, rheumatism, skin disorders, joint pain, and as a diuretic in Edema and as a diaphoretic. (Lysiuk)
The indications, while not identical to Astragalus Huang Qi, certainly show similar features. The fact that the decoction tastes sweet like Licorice supports this being a Qi tonic as for both Licorice and Astragalus Huang Qi. In addition, the constituents throughout the genus seem to be fairly similar, saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides being common constituents, along with greater or lesser amounts of gum Tragacanth.
Formulas using Western Astragalus:
1. For Blood and Skin diseases:
Astragalus root 6 drams
Sassafras bark
Sarsaparilla
Yarrow
Burdock
Cleavers
Guaiacum half oz. each
This is boiled in a quart (approx. 1 liter) of water for 15 minutes, the strain. Boil again in 1 pint (approx half liter) of water again for 5 minutes, strain. Mix the 2 decoctions, and when cold, add the juice of half a lemon. Take a wine-glassful three times daily. (Valuable Herbal Prescriptions, late 1800's)
2. Indigestion:
'The following with many people is wonderful in counteracting acid and creating assimilation of the food, in numerous instances digesting food as if by magic ; it is also possessed of great cleansing properties, is sweet, pleasant to the taste, and feeds the constitution ; a wine-glassful is more beneficial than the same quantity of port wine, and can be taken easily by people who do not like medicines of a bitter nature'.
Sassafras bark
Mezereon root
Guaiacum shavings
Stillingia root
Burdock root
Sarsaparilla half oz. each
Astragalus root 6 drams each
Boil in a quart down to a pint, then boil again in a pint of water for 15 minutes, strain; add the 2 decoctions together. Take a wineglassful three times daily.
1. For Blood and Skin diseases:
Astragalus root 6 drams
Sassafras bark
Sarsaparilla
Yarrow
Burdock
Cleavers
Guaiacum half oz. each
This is boiled in a quart (approx. 1 liter) of water for 15 minutes, the strain. Boil again in 1 pint (approx half liter) of water again for 5 minutes, strain. Mix the 2 decoctions, and when cold, add the juice of half a lemon. Take a wine-glassful three times daily. (Valuable Herbal Prescriptions, late 1800's)
2. Indigestion:
'The following with many people is wonderful in counteracting acid and creating assimilation of the food, in numerous instances digesting food as if by magic ; it is also possessed of great cleansing properties, is sweet, pleasant to the taste, and feeds the constitution ; a wine-glassful is more beneficial than the same quantity of port wine, and can be taken easily by people who do not like medicines of a bitter nature'.
Sassafras bark
Mezereon root
Guaiacum shavings
Stillingia root
Burdock root
Sarsaparilla half oz. each
Astragalus root 6 drams each
Boil in a quart down to a pint, then boil again in a pint of water for 15 minutes, strain; add the 2 decoctions together. Take a wineglassful three times daily.
Other Medicinal Species of Astragalus:
Tragacanth
The following species are important sources of Gum Tragacanth.
A. tragacanthus, A. verus, A. gummifer, A. ascendens, A. brachycalyx, A. creticus, and various others have supplied Gum Tragacanth, used as a Yin and Qi tonic. Gum Tragacanth is a constituent of Astragalus Huang Qi and is at least partly responsible for many of its effects. It is rich in polysaccharides.
The following Roots of Astragalus species have been used with properties somewhat similar to Astragalus Huang Qi:
Conclusion
The main medicinal Astragalus of the Western Tradition is the Gum of various species to produce Gum Tragacanth, regarded as an important tonic medicine in the Western Tradition.
However, it has been widely overlooked that there is in fact medicinal Astragalus species whose root has been used similarly to Astraglaus Huang Qi in TCM. Further, description of its taste, similarity of basic constituents and uses suggest some western species could be acceptable substitutes or anologues for Astragalus Huang Qi used in TCM.
Bibliography and Further Reading:
–Bensky, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica, 3Ed. 2004
–A Dictionary of Medical Sciences, Dunglison, 1893
–Observation on the Effects of Various Articles of the Materia Medica, Pearson, 1807
–Crichton, An Account of the Effects of the Astragalus Exscapus Linn. In the Cure of the Venereal Disease, London Med J, 1788
–A Supplement to the Pharmacopoeia, Gray, 1821
–Lysiuk, Pharmacology and Ethnomedicine of the Genus Astragalus, International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine, 06, 2016
–Valuable Herbal Prescriptions, late 1800's (author and exact date uncertain)
Tragacanth
The following species are important sources of Gum Tragacanth.
A. tragacanthus, A. verus, A. gummifer, A. ascendens, A. brachycalyx, A. creticus, and various others have supplied Gum Tragacanth, used as a Yin and Qi tonic. Gum Tragacanth is a constituent of Astragalus Huang Qi and is at least partly responsible for many of its effects. It is rich in polysaccharides.
The following Roots of Astragalus species have been used with properties somewhat similar to Astragalus Huang Qi:
- A. adsurgens is used in Russian Folk medicine and Tibetan Medicine for Edema, Wound-healing, and to stimulate Labor.
- A. corniculatus is used in Bulgarian folk medicine; it is diuretic, used for hypertension, kidney disorders, nervous diseases and rheumatism. It is also diaphoretic. It has similar indications to Astragalus Huang Qi.
- A. dahuricus is used in Russia and Tibet for Edema, and to stimulate Labor.
- A, danicus, Purple Milk-Vetch, used for Hypertension
- A. glycyphylloides is used for Edema, to stimulate Labor. It is anti-oxidant, hepato-protective. and galactogogue.
- A. glycyphyllos (Licorice Vetch) is regarded as Diuretic and Tonic; used for gastroenteritis, hypertension, Sciatica and various skin diseases, and also Strangury and retention of Urine. The root is sweet and has been used as Licorice.. It is also galactogogue.
- A. hamosus is used for inflammatorion and pain, and as a diuretic. It is used for nervous diseases in Iran. Demulcent, emollient, laxative and galactogogue.
- A. monspessulanus is diuretic, sudorific, used for Rheumatism, gout, skin diseases and syphilis. (Europe)
- A. poterium grows in Granada; its root was used as a tonic and nervine.
- A. suffruticosus (syn. A. fruticosus) is used for Edema in Russia.
- A. syriacus; the root is astringent, diuretic.
Conclusion
The main medicinal Astragalus of the Western Tradition is the Gum of various species to produce Gum Tragacanth, regarded as an important tonic medicine in the Western Tradition.
However, it has been widely overlooked that there is in fact medicinal Astragalus species whose root has been used similarly to Astraglaus Huang Qi in TCM. Further, description of its taste, similarity of basic constituents and uses suggest some western species could be acceptable substitutes or anologues for Astragalus Huang Qi used in TCM.
Bibliography and Further Reading:
–Bensky, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica, 3Ed. 2004
–A Dictionary of Medical Sciences, Dunglison, 1893
–Observation on the Effects of Various Articles of the Materia Medica, Pearson, 1807
–Crichton, An Account of the Effects of the Astragalus Exscapus Linn. In the Cure of the Venereal Disease, London Med J, 1788
–A Supplement to the Pharmacopoeia, Gray, 1821
–Lysiuk, Pharmacology and Ethnomedicine of the Genus Astragalus, International Journal of Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine, 06, 2016
–Valuable Herbal Prescriptions, late 1800's (author and exact date uncertain)