Background: Used in China for centuries according to records over 200 years old. Its Chinese name, Huang Qi, means "yellow leader" because of the yellow hue of the root.
Description: Grown in China in sandy soil and lots of sunlight, its roots are collected after growing for four to seven years and dried when they're harvested in the spring. There are more than 2,000 types worldwide.
Extract: Root is made into a liquid herbal extract by boiling the root and brewing into a tea.
Root: Sliced up, it can be added to liquid meals such as soups or chewed on like licorice.
Safety: Do not use Astragalus if you suffer from skin disorders.