Flattened milkvetch seed (sha yuan zi)

Astragalus complanatus

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang, holds in the essence and strengthens the eyesight.

Safety notes

Not with heat in kidneys or bladder. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Seed, crushed. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics for kidney yang'. According to the doctrine of signatures the small, kidney-shaped seeds were used for the kidneys: for frequent urination, seminal emission and blurred vision. In China tea is also made from them.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, warm
Meridians: kidney, liver

Attributed effects

For lower back pain, loss of semen, impotence, premature ejaculation, involuntary urination, discharge and weak eyesight.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 9–15 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Compress, poultice and paste
Formulas: Jin suo gu jing wan

Sources

All herbs from Asia →