Astragalus-Huang Qi Dr. Zhongzhen Zhao, Dr. Li LIANG
Keywords:
Astragalus, Shennong’s Herbal Classic, Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, 52 Prescriptions for Diseases, Chrysanthemum Heart, Golden cup and silver plate， Southern Astragalus, Northern Astragalus, Red Astragalus, Dietary Therapy for All Diseases
Botany of Angelica
Astragalus, also known as Mongolian milkvetch, is included in the twelfth volume of the Compendium of Materia Medica in the “mountain herb” category. Shizhen: Qi is senior/elder (zhang).
Among the Chinese medicine prescriptions for the prevention of Covid-19, astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used frequently. It is one of the components in the Huashibaidu Prescription for the treatment of the severe type of the new coronary pneumonia. This formula is one of three formulas and three proprietary Chinese medicines endorsed by the National Health Commission and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine as having demonstrable curative effects.
Astragalus is derived from the root of either Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongolicus (Bge.) Hsiao, or A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Both are in the Fabaceae or legume family. The astragalus plant likes cool, dry climates; it tolerates cold and drought, but not heat or waterlogging. It is mainly distributed in northern China.
Originally, astragalus was wild. When over harvesting reduced resources drastically, cultivation was begun and is working well.
A few years ago, Professor Wang Wenquan, Professor Chen Hubiao and I went to investigate wild astragalus growing near Mount Wutai. There, we found much wild astragalus. Local farmers harvested and kept wild astragalus in their yards, and some people even treated it as a treasure and kept it indoors. One old man surnamed Zhang was such a man; He returned one day to find his astragalus gone, even though the front gate had been locked. It turned out that the thieves had driven a tractor through the back wall of Zhang’s house, and took all the astragalus. This robbery shows the value of astragalus. Even so, the potential reward of having this expensive material to sell is worth the trouble—and the risk– for many people.
Astragalus in the Markets
Astragalus has different commercial names depending on the place of origin. The one produced in Hunyuan County, Yanbei Region of Shanxi Province is called “Hunyuan Qi”; the one produced in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia is called “Bu Kui Qi” or “Zhengkou Qi”.
The traditional Chinese medicine industry describes the quality of astragalus in terms of its cotton-like and wood-like properties. From the perspective of plant anatomy, “cotton”-ness refers to the amount of bast fibers, and woodiness refers to the amount of wood fibers. Wild Mongolian astragalus and astragalus cultivated in Shanxi and Inner Mongolia are of better quality because they have more “cotton”-ness (more bast fibers) and less woodiness (fewer wood fibers).
Several metaphorical terms are used to describe the macroscopic features of astragalus when dried for use in medicine. “Chrysanthemum center”(菊花心 ju hua xin) refers to radial lines seen on the fractured surface of medicinal material; these lines look very much like an open chrysanthemum flower. “Golden cup and silver plate” (金盞銀盤 jin zhan yin pan) refers to a colorful pattern seen on the cut surface of medicinal material. The inner, woody portion is yellow, like a cup, while the outer cortex is white, thus creating the contrast of gold and silver.
Medicinal Value: Supplementing Qi
Astragalus is a good medicine for tonifying Qi. According to Chinese medicine theory, astragalus can supplements Qi, strengthen the spleen, and secure the exterior. Among these functions, the ability to tonify Qi without side effects is considered its most valuable property.
Actually, there are many traditional Chinese medicines that can tonify Qi. Ginseng is one example; but ginseng focuses on replenishing vitality and quenching thirst. Astragalus is mainly used to invigorate Qi and raise yang, and it also stops sweating.
Qi-tonifying drugs that are too sweet can cause side effects such as abdominal fullness and bloating. Astragalus generally does not cause such effects; therefore, it is often used in traditional Chinese medicine, Qi-tonifying formulas, and daily meals; it is indispensable when Qi is weak.
Deng Tietao, a master of traditional Chinese medicine in Lingnan, lived for 103 years. He used astragalus efficiently while he was living. As a Honorary Doctorate at the School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, he once gave a lecture and introduced the experience of treating myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune disease marked by weakness) with astragalus. Deng’s prescription calls for a large amount of astragalus, taken over a long period of time. This is consistent with “Shen Nong’s Materia Medica”, which states that long-term use of astragalus can lighten the body, as well as slow the aging process.
Astragalus in Formulas
The book “Fifty-two Prescriptions for Diseases (Wu Shi Er Bing Fang)” unearthed from the Han Tomb in Mawangdui, Changsha, includes prescriptions that contain astragalus. Astragalus is also used in eight formulas in Zhang Zhongjing’s famous book “Jin Kui Yao Lue”.
Buzhong Yiqi Decoction is a famous formula created by Li Dongyuan, one of the four masters of the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, based on the theory of the spleen and stomach. In that formula, astragalus serves as a chief, which means it plays the main therapeutic role, cannot be omitted and is the most effective ingredient. Astragalus is used for treating diseases such as rectal prolapse and gastroptosis caused by sinking of center Qi. It can also be used for treating fever caused by Qi deficiency
Nowadays, many commonly used classic prescriptions have astragalus as the main ingredient. One of these is Dang Gui Bu Xue Decoction. This formula calls for only two herbs: Astragalus and angelica (Dang Gui) in the proportion of five parts astragalus to one part angelica. It is a famous formula which achieves the purpose of nourishing blood by nourishing Qi.
Yu Ping Feng San is another classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine that includes astragalus. “Ping Feng” means “screen” in Chinese; the screen is a traditional object that can shield a person from the wind and partition the space. The effect of Yu Ping Feng San is to resist external wind devils (“feng”). The effect is good and as precious as jade (“yu”), so it is called Yu Ping Feng.
Astragalus as Food
While astragalus can be used for medicinal purposes, it can also be brewed in water instead of tea and it can be used in cooking soup, porridge, and daily meals.
In 2003, Professor Bian Zhaoxiang and I co-authored a book “Dietary Therapy for All Diseases”. This book is published in traditional and simplified Chinese versions. This book contains several medicinal recipes containing astragalus.
For example, for Shen Qi chicken, use 30 grams of Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen in Chinese; sometimes called poor man’s ginseng) and 60 grams of astragalus. Put both into a cloth bag, and put the bag into the stomach of an old hen to stew. You can add appropriate seasonings according to your personal taste. After the chicken has simmered, discard the medicine packet, and enjoy it. You can eat the chicken and drink the soup. It has good efficacy, tastes delicious, nourishes Qi and blood, and is especially suitable for patients with spleen deficiency.
Astragalus is also good for cooking porridge. Su Dongpo, a famous gourmet in history and a great poet, was seriously ill in his seventies. After recovering from the illness, he used astragalus to slowly recuperate. As evidenced by poetry, Su Dongpo wrote: “Astragalus porridge is recommended for spring dishes.”
There is a folk saying: “Drinking astragalus soup frequently can prevent diseases and protect health”. No matter whether it is an astragalus decoction or simply astragalus soaked in water, both will invigorate Qi and relieve fatigue quickly.
Take me as an example, I like long-distance running, and I participated in full marathons when I lived in Japan. In 2000, I participated in the “Trailwalker” long-distance running event in Hong Kong. This activity requires participants to traverse 100 kilometers of mountain roads in 48 hours.
I ran a whole day and night within 24 hours, which was indeed a big challenge to my physical strength and perseverance. After the run, I was really exhausted. At that time, my student Peng Yong was very thoughtful. He boiled a large pot of astragalus soup for me. After I drank it and slept, I was fully recovered the next day.
Northern Qi and Southern Qi
The Chinese name of astragalus is “Huang Qi”. In the southern part of China it is also called “Bei Qi”, which means Northern Qi. Since there is a Northern Qi, there is a Southern Qi.
Although astragalus is a tonic herb and has many fine qualities, its warm nature may cause excessive heat of the inner body. People who live in the southern part of China, especially those living in Guangdong and Hong Kong, sometimes feel that astragalus is a bit dry and too strong in its properties. Thus, their habit is to use a substitute, which is, the herb known as “Nan Qi”, or South Qi. Nan Qi’s other name, “Wu Zhi Mao Tao” tells us more about its origin. The leaves of this plant are five-lobed, like five fingers, thus the Chinese name “Wu Zhi”, which means five fingers in English; and its fruit is hairy, thus the Chinese name “Mao”, which means furry.
South Qi can be found in supermarkets and market stalls in Guangdong and Hong Kong. It is derived from the root of a small shrub of a species of fig (Ficus sp.) in the Moraceae family. It is one of the common medicinal materials in Lingnan area (southern part of China). It is used for making soup there. Pork soup with South Qi has a milky flavor. Thus, South Qi (Wu Zhi Mao Tao) is also called “five-finger milk (Wu Zhi Mao Nai)”. I once supervised a Ph.D. student to conduct research on Nan Qi.
Huang Qi and Hong Qi
While astragalus is known as “Huang Qi” in Chinese (“Huang” means yellow; “Qi” means senior/elder), there is also a medicinal herb called Hong Qi (“Hong” means red; the Qi is the same). These two might be confused by their names, but they have different appearances. The bark of Huang Qi (astragalus) is light yellowish brown to dark brown, whereas the bark of Hong Qi is reddish brown.
Hong Qi is also included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is listed as a separate entry from Huang Qi. Both Huang Qi and Hong Qi belong to the legume family, but they are in different genera. Hong Qi is the dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.- Mazz. Both Huang Qi and Hong Qi have a strong beany flavor; the difference is that Hong Qi is a little sweeter. In TCM classic formulas, Hong Qi is seldom mentioned; however, in Taiwan, Hong Qi is popular and commonly used.
About the author：
Dr, Zhao Zhongzhen， Former deputy dean and professor of the School of Chinese Medicine of Hong Kong Baptist University, distinguished professor of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and founding director of the Compendium of Materia Medica Research Institute.
Dr. Li Liang, Hong Kong Baptist University, 7 Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
黃耆——補氣固表此為先
趙中振博士 梁鸝博士
關鍵字：
黃耆、神農本草經、金匱要略、五十二病方、菊花心、金盞銀盤、南耆、北耆、紅耆、百病食療
黃耆植物
黃耆被收錄於《本草綱目》草部第十二卷，屬於山草類。
李時珍謂之：“耆者，長也。”
在預防新冠肺炎的中醫處方當中，黃耆是出現頻率很高的一味中藥。用於新冠肺炎重症治療的化濕敗毒方中就有黃耆，此方是國家衛健委、國家中醫藥管理局篩選出來有明顯療效的中醫藥抗疫的「三藥三方」之一。
從植物來源來說，黃耆的兩個基原都來自豆科植物，一個是蒙古黃耆Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var.mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao，另一個是膜莢黃耆Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. 。黃耆耐寒耐旱，怕熱澇，喜歡涼爽氣候，主要分佈在中國的北部。
Plant of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var.mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao
Leaves and flowers of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.
歷史上，黃耆以野生為主，由於過量採挖野生資源，致使重點產區也發生了變化。近年來人工栽培的力道在加強，已經有了一定成效。
Wild astragalus medicinal materials
Extra large astragalus specimens
幾年前，我和王文全、陳虎彪教授一起到五臺山附近采黃耆。那有很多野生黃耆，當地的農民把挖來的野生黃耆當作寶貝存在自家院子裡，有的乾脆就存放在屋裡。但是有個姓張的老漢，家院前門的鎖還好好的，屋裡的黃耆卻不翼而飛。原來是盜賊把他家後牆掏開了，開著拖拉機進去，直接把家裡的黃耆全給拉走了。這個事故說明野生的黃耆奇貨可居。盜賊以身犯險，看來搶黃耆等於「搶錢」。
黃耆特徵
因產地的不同，黃耆擁有不同的商品名。產於山西雁北地區渾源應縣等地的稱為渾源芪；產在黑龍江、內蒙地區的稱為蔔奎耆或正口耆。
中藥產業也常用綿綿和柴性來形容黃耆的品質。從植物解剖學的角度來看，綿性指的是韌皮纖維的多少，柴性則是指木質纖維的多寡。野生蒙古黃耆和栽培在山西、內蒙的黃耆，都以綿性大、柴性小著稱，品質為佳。
中藥產業內有幾個經驗用語來表述黃耆的性狀。 「菊花心」：指黃耆的橫斷面有放射狀的紋理與裂隙，類似一朵菊花的形狀。 「金盞銀盤」：指黃耆橫斷面中心木質部呈黃色、外緣皮部呈白色，像金銀相映的盤子一樣。
補氣之長
黃耆不只藥名裡有玄機，本身確實是一味補氣的良藥。中醫認為，黃耆味甘，性微溫，有補氣健脾、益衛固表的作用。
具有補氣功效的中藥不少，人參也是補氣的，但人參重在大補元氣，兼生津止渴，用在補氣救脫時。黃耆重在補氣升陽，兼具固表止汗。
黃耆的特徵是補氣不壅氣。有些過甜的補氣藥容易產生腹滿氣脹等副作用，但黃耆一般不會。所以常用在中醫補氣方和日常食療保健膳食中，需要補氣時都離不開黃耆。
嶺南的中醫泰斗鄧鐵濤老先生活了103歲，生前就善用黃耆。老人家是我們浸信會大學中醫學院的榮譽博士，有一次他來講學，特別介紹了用黃耆治療重症肌無力的經驗。鄧老使用黃耆的量很大，而且是長期使用。說明黃耆就像《神農本草經》所說的那樣，久服下氣、輕身、耐老。
黃耆方劑
長沙馬王堆漢墓出土的帛書《五十二病方》當中，就有以黃耆為主的組方。張仲景的名著《金匱要略》中有八首方劑用到了黃耆。補中益氣湯是金元四大家李東垣以脾胃立論，創建的名方。君藥是黃耆，除了常治療中氣下陷所致脫肛、胃下垂等病症外，還能達到以甘溫之品治療氣虛發燒的目的。是為甘溫除熱法，也稱為甘溫除大熱。
現在以黃耆為主的常用經典方劑還有很多，例如當歸補血湯。當歸補血湯只有兩味藥：黃耆和當歸。它是補血的著名方劑，其中黃耆的用量是當歸的五倍，透過補氣來達到補血的目的。
玉屏風散是中醫扶正固本的經典名方。屏風是傳統的可以遮風、隔間空間的物件。玉屏風散的功效就是可以抵禦外來的風邪，功效之好，珍貴如玉，因而叫玉屏風。黃耆是一味補氣藥的代表，可藥用、可日常泡水代茶飲。
黃耆食療
2003年卞兆祥教授和我共同編寫了一本小冊子《百病食療》，出版後很受歡迎，有繁體版、簡體版。此書中就收載了幾隻含有黃耆的藥膳方。
例如，參耆雞，用黨參30克、黃耆60克，裝入一個布袋，放到一隻處理好的老母雞肚子裡燉煮，可以根據個人的口味加適當的佐料，雞肉燉爛後，拿走藥包，就可以享用了。可以吃雞肉，也可以喝雞湯，功效好，味道也香，益氣補血，特別適合脾虛的患者。
黃耆用來煮粥也很好。歷史上著名的美食家、大詩人蘇東坡在不惑之年曾大病了一場，病癒後就用黃耆來慢慢調理虛弱的身體。有詩為證，蘇東坡寫到：“黃耆煮粥薦春盤。”
民間有：「常喝黃耆湯，防病保健康」。以黃耆煎湯或泡水飲用，可補氣、迅速解乏。
以我個人舉例，我喜歡長跑，以前住在日本的時候跑過全程的馬拉松。 2000年我在香港參加了「毅行者」長跑活動。這個活動要求參與者在48小時內穿越100公里山路－香港著名的麥理浩徑山路，沿途都是養眼的青翠風景。
我當時整整跑了一天一夜，將近24個小時，對體力、毅力的確是一大挑戰。跑完了以後，我真是精疲力盡。當時我的博士生彭勇想得很周到，他為我撐了一大鍋黃耆湯。我喝下去以後睡了一覺，第二天疲勞就都解除了。
Finishing contestants in HK’s Trailwalker – 100km Race in 2000. I am on the far left.
南耆北耆
在南方藥局一般民眾都稱黃耆為「北耆」。
黃耆雖好，但性溫，容易助火。南部人，特別是在廣東、香港生活的人會覺得黃耆有點偏燥，勁兒太大了。南方有一種慣用替代品，那就是有「南耆」之稱的五指毛桃。粗葉榕的葉子是五裂的，像五個手指一般，是為“五指”；果實毛茸茸的，是為“毛桃”，名字十分形象。
在廣東、香港的超市里、街市菜攤都可見到五指毛桃。五指毛桃來自一種桑科小灌木粗葉榕的根，是嶺南常見藥材之一。南方人喜歡用五指毛桃來煲湯。五指毛桃和豬肉一起煲湯帶有牛奶香味，所以五指毛桃又被叫作五指牛奶。我也曾指導一個博士研究生做五指毛桃這個課題。
Plant and medicinal materials of Southern Qi (Wu Zhi Mao Tao)
黃耆與紅耆
市面上也可見到一種叫紅耆的藥材。黃耆的皮為淺黃棕色至棕色，紅耆的皮為紅棕色。
紅耆在《中國藥典》中也有收載，並單獨列了條目。紅耆和黃耆都來自豆科家族，但屬不同。黃耆是黃耆屬的；紅耆是岩黃耆屬的植物多序岩黃耆，因其根部表面偏紅色，所以叫紅芪，功效類同黃耆。其實黃耆和紅耆吃起來都有濃郁的豆腥味，差別在於紅耆更甜一點。紅耆在中國臺灣最受歡迎，藥膳裡也常用紅耆。
作者簡介：
趙中振，教授，香港浸信會大學中醫藥學院原副院長， 北京中醫藥大學特聘教授，本草綱目研究所創始所長。
樑鸝，博士，香港浸會大學，香港九龍塘浸會大學道7號
