Astragalus / Astragali Radix (huang qi) 黃耆

Nature: Slightly warm; sweet and slightly sour; attributive to spleen and lungs.

Characteristics: A superior tonic with a tough, fibrous, yellowish brown skin. It enhances immunity by stimulating the production and circulation and by protecting the body from invasion of the six evils or the six excesses. The American Cancer Society's study on this herb has reported 90% of restoration of normal immune response in cancer patients.

Therapeutic effects: Strengthen body for general weakness; invigorate vital energy and spleen; relieve skin infection and promote tissue regeneration; diuretic; impede perspiration for profuse sweating; lower blood pressure and blood sugar; improve circulation in flesh and skin.