Witnessed by: TCM
Flatstem milkvetch (Astragalus complanatus), of the Fabaceae family. Sprawling leguminous perennial of arid sandy ground; native range: dry sandy plains of northern China, notably Shaanxi. Globally recognized as sha yuan zi (沙苑子) in Chinese, and flatstem milkvetch seed, tong ji li in English. The part used is seed. Small flattened kidney-shaped green-brown seeds, faintly sweet with a mild astringency.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
FLATSTEM MILKVETCH
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- flatstem milkvetch
- Scientific name
- Astragalus complanatus R.Br. ex Bunge
- Family
- Fabaceae
Form
- Part used
- seed
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the Kidney, secures the essence, nourishes the Liver, improves vision
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in yin-deficient fire or where damp-heat causes the discharge
- Toxicity
- non-toxic in normal dose
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