Witnessed by: TCM
Hedysarum (Hedysarum polybotrys), of the Fabaceae family. Erect perennial legume of dry uplands; native range: north-western China, chiefly Gansu. Globally recognized as hong qi (红芪) in Chinese, and red astragalus in English. The part used is root. Long cylindrical root with reddish-brown skin, sweet and slightly beany, tough and fibrous.
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.
HEDYSARUM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- hedysarum
- Scientific name
- Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz.
- Family
- Fabaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- warm (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Spleen
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the qi and raises the yang, secures the exterior and stops sweating, promotes urination to reduce edema, generates flesh and promotes the healing of sores
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in excess patterns, exterior conditions with unresolved pathogen, and heat from yin deficiency
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