Taiwan Astragalus

Taiwan Astragalus

　　Taiwan Astragalus

　　Taiwan Astragalus, or Wutai Mountain Astragalus, is a type of astragalus that grows in the Wutai Mountain region at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters.

　　The area features vast slopes with fertile soil and a favorable climate. Over 300 types of usable wild medicinal herbs have been identified here, among the more than 140 that have been collected, wild astragalus stands out as the best in quality—with robust roots and rich medicinal content. It is widely sold across China and exported to Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Singapore, and other regions and countries, with an annual sales volume of over 50 tons. It serves as an ideal tonic for strengthening the body, especially for middle-aged and elderly individuals. The product is cylindrical in shape, thicker at the upper end, measuring 40–90 cm in length and 1–3.5 cm in diameter. Its total ash content is less than 5%, acid-insoluble ash does not exceed 1%, and the dried product contains no less than 0.04% astragaloside (C44H68O4) as measured. By the water-soluble extract determination method, the extract content is no less than 17%. This herb is sweet and warm in nature, moistens the lungs, replenishes qi, consolidates the exterior, regulates urination, detoxifies, drains pus, and promotes vitality. It is used for symptoms such as qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite and loose stools, sinking of middle qi, chronic diarrhea with prolapsed anus, bloody stools and uterine bleeding, spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, edema due to qi deficiency, difficult-to-rupture sores and abscesses, non-healing long-term ulcers, blood deficiency with yellowish complexion, internal heat and thirst, proteinuria in chronic nephritis, and diabetes. Honey-prepared astragalus supplements qi and invigorates the middle, and is used for symptoms such as qi deficiency with fatigue and poor appetite and loose stools.