Astragalus

overall appearance

Perennial herbaceous plant growing 1-3 feet tall with pinnately compound leaves and yellow pea-like flowers; develops a deep, thick taproot that is the primary medicinal part.

roots

Large, thick taproot that can grow 2-3 feet long and 1-2 inches in diameter; roots are yellowish-white with a sweet taste and fibrous texture when dried.

stem

Erect, branching stems that are slightly hairy and hollow; stems are green to reddish-brown and can reach 2-4 feet in height with multiple branches.

leaves

Pinnately compound leaves with 12-18 pairs of small, oval leaflets; leaves are alternate and covered with fine hairs; leaflets are 1/2 to 1 inch long.

flowers

Small, yellow pea-like flowers arranged in dense, spike-like clusters (racemes); flowers bloom from June to August and are followed by inflated seed pods.

fruits/seeds

Inflated, membranous seed pods (legumes) about 1 inch long containing several kidney-shaped seeds; pods are hairy and bladder-like when mature.

9-30 grams dried root per day, simmered 30-60 minutes

1-2 teaspoons powdered root per cup hot water, steep 15 minutes

1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol, 3-5 ml three times daily

1-3 grams powdered root daily in water or food

Traditional Chinese preparation with other herbs and foods