Chuan Xiong Rhizome

• Chuan xiong rhizome is made from the dried rhizome or tuberous root of the Ligusticum sinense plant. The whole plant is dug up in the fall after two years of cultivation. The rhizome is then cleaned and dried by leaving it in a shady location or by baking. The rootlets are then removed and processed to make Chuan xiong. Ligusticum sinense plants can be grown in sandy, loamy or clay soils. They are not particular about soil pH, but they do require a sunny location with uniformly moist soil that drains well. These plants are winter hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6.
  
  Chuan xiong rhizomes or roots in their unprocessed state are 3/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with an irregular shape and lumpy surface. They are dark brown, gray-brown or yellow-brown on the surface. The inside of the root when cut open is yellow-white to gray-yellow with yellow-brown oil cavities and a strong fragrance. When eaten they have a bitter acrid taste at first with a somewhat sweet aftertaste, and they produce a slight numbing effect.
  
  

Chuang Xiong Uses

• Chuang xiong has anodyne (pain relieving), antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue (supports healthy menstruation), diaphoretic (induces healthy perspiration), hypotensive and sedative properties. It is commonly used to treat menstrual disorders, post-partum bleeding, coronary heart disease, poor circulation, gout and headaches.
  
  

Astragalus

• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), also known as Huang Qi and milk vetch, is an herbaceous perennial shrub. The plants are dug up and processed usually after they have been growing for four years. The roots are most often used, but the leaves and flowers may also be used. The elongated roots are tan or light brown with a yellow center and easily pull apart into strips. They may be purchased in their natural form or in processed powdered form. Astragalus is sold in capsule, tablet, topical or liquid forms as well, and has a sweet taste. These plants can be grown in dry, sunny locations in sandy to loamy soil with a neutral or alkaline pH. They are winter hardy to USDA's Zone 6.
  
  

Astragalus Uses

• Astragalus is used as an adaptogen, which provides protection from the effects of stress, boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and sugar levels and promotes healthy menstruation. It is also used in the treatment of viral infections, such as colds and influenza, persistent infections, fevers, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, appetite loss and fatigue due to chemotherapy treatment, anemia, wounds, heart and kidney disease, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, digestive problems and prolapse of the uterus and anus.
  
  

Caution

• There are some species of Astragalus that will accumulate toxic amounts of selenium if the soil in which it is grown is high in selenium. Many species contain toxic glycosides. The seedpods of edible species are fleshy and round or oval. Astragalus has been shown to interfere with the immune suppressing drug cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids. A physician should be consulted prior to taking Astragalus while on these medications.