TCMHigh GBS Score (84)

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)

Tradition of Use: TCM, Western adaptation

Mechanism of Action

Immunomodulation via polysaccharides, adaptogenic, cardiotonic, antioxidant

Key Conditions & Uses

Immune support

fatigue

diabetes

heart disease

kidney disease

cancer adjunct

Preparation

Decoction, tincture, capsule, added to soups

Dosage

9-30g dried root decoction or 2-4ml tincture 3x daily

Active Compounds

Polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, astragalosides

Interactions

May interact with immunosuppressants; theoretically with anticoagulants

Contraindications

Autoimmune disorders; acute infections (TCM contraindication); bleeding disorders

Evidence Level & Clinical Notes

Evidence Level:

Good - well-studied immunomodulator

Clinical Notes:

Qi tonic; safe long-term; used in cancer therapy in China; sweet taste

Traditional Chinese Medicine Context

Huang Qi

Strengthens immune function and supports thyroid health by tonifying Qi and reducing autoimmune inflammation

Pattern:Kidney Yang Deficiency with Phlegm Accumulation

Huang Qi

Strengthens immune defense and helps the body fight chronic infection

Pattern:Toxic Heat with Qi and Blood Deficiency

Huang Qi

Strengthens the body during chemotherapy and radiation, helping maintain energy and immunity

Pattern:Qi and Blood Deficiency with Toxic Heat

Huang Qi

Balances immune function rather than suppressing it, helping restore healthy immunity

Pattern:Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Heat Toxin

Huang Qi

Strengthens lung defenses to reduce allergic sensitivity

Pattern:Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency with Wind

Huang Qi

Strengthens immune function to fight parasitic infection

Pattern:Toxic Heat with Qi and Blood Deficiency

Huang Qi

Strengthens immune defense against tick-borne bacterial infection

Pattern:Damp Heat in Qi Level with Blood Deficiency

Huang Qi

Strengthens lung function and supports immune defense against cancer

Pattern:Lung Qi Deficiency with Phlegm and Toxin

Huang Qi

Protects kidney function and reduces protein loss in urine

Pattern:Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency with Dampness

Huang Qi

Boosts immune system to fight viral infections

Pattern:Damp Heat with Qi and Blood Deficiency

Huang Qi

Strengthens immune recovery and reduces fatigue

Pattern:Qi and Yin Deficiency with Residual Heat

Huang Qi

Boosts immune defense and helps suppress EBV reactivation

Pattern:Spleen Qi Deficiency with Damp Heat

Huang Qi

Supports lung strength and reduces respiratory infections

Pattern:Lung and Kidney Qi Deficiency with Phlegm

Conditions This Helps

Chronic EBV / Mono Reactivation Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Type 2 Diabetes Reversal Heart Disease / Cardiovascular Health Chronic Kidney Disease Cancer (Integrative Support)

Used In These Protocols

Immune System Rebuild Protocol

View protocol→

Chronic Lyme Herbal Protocol (Buhner Core)

View protocol→

Quick Overview

TraditionTCM

GBS Score84/100

Key Uses6

Key Points

Evidence-based information

Traditional wisdom

Safety information

Clinical applications

Get This Herb

Professional-grade from Fullscript

This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal protocol or supplement regimen.

Related Herbs from TCM

Artemisia

Artemisia annua (Qing Hao)

Artemisinin disrupts parasite membranes, antimalarial, antiviral, anticancer

View details→

Ginseng

Panax ginseng (Ren Shen)

Adaptogenic, modulates HPA axis, neuroprotective, improves glucose metabolism

View details→

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi)

Immunomodulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, HPA axis modulation

View details→