Wholesale Astragalus

01.
Where in the World

habitat and range for astragalus

Astragalus is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea.

02.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information about astragalus

description
Astragalus membranaceus is a flowering herbaceous perennial of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) or Legume family that grows 16-36 inches tall. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12-18 pairs of leaflets. Small, light yellow pea-like flowers arise from leaf axils.

common names
& nomenclature
Astragalus membranaceus is known in China as "huang-qi" which means "yellow leader". "Huang" means "yellow," referring to the yellow interior of the root. "Qi" means "leader," referring to this herb as one of the superior tonics in Chinese medicine.

Also known as:
milk vetch, huang qi, bei qi, and huang hua,

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing astragalus

climate
Prefers a sunny location, but also found along forest margins, in shrub thickets, in open woods, as well as in grasslands near the edge of forests. It appears to be quite hardy and adaptable.

soil
It thrives in a deep, sandy, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil.

growing
The seeds have a hard seed coat. If the small kidney-shaped seeds are nicked with a file, or rubbed between sandpaper, then soaked in water overnight, they germinate easily, usually within a week.

harvesting
The roots are collected after growing for four to seven years, harvested in the Spring and then dried.

preserving
Root can be dried as diagonal slices or as a powder. Can also be brewed into a tea. Store dried forms in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of The Story

astragalus history, folklore, literature & more

Astragalus is a traditional botanical with a long history of use in Chinese herbal traditions. It has been referenced for centuries in classical writings and is valued for its cultural and historical significance within these systems.

Astragalus root is the part of the plant most commonly referenced in traditional preparations. It is available in a variety of forms, including powders, teas, capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts, reflecting its versatility as a botanical ingredient.

Today, astragalus is primarily discussed in historical, cultural, and botanical contexts rather than for specific functional purposes. Its continued use reflects long-standing traditional practices and interest in classical herbal knowledge."