Huang Qi

Astragalus membranaceus

Evidence: AFamily: Fabaceae

Pregnancy:Likely safeNursing:Likely safeChildren:Safe

Premier TCM immune tonic — builds Wei Qi (defensive energy). For chronic fatigue, frequent colds, and recovery from illness. TONIC herb — take between illnesses, NOT during acute infections. Sliced root simmered in soups.

Herb Card

Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancylikely safe

Breastfeedinglikely safe

Pediatricsafe

Contraindications: Autoimmune diseases. Active infections (tonic, not acute). Organ transplant.

Interactions: Immunosuppressants, lithium, cyclophosphamide.

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

Immunosuppressants, lithium, cyclophosphamide.

Contraindications

Autoimmune diseases. Active infections (tonic, not acute). Organ transplant.

Side Effects

Very safe. GI upset rare. Allergic reactions rare.

How to Prepare Huang Qi

Decoction (Roots, Bark & Seeds)Easy · 25-45 minutes

Equipment

Pot with lid (non-aluminum), Strainer, Measuring spoon, Stove

Instructions

1Place 1 tablespoon of dried root, bark, or seeds per 12 oz of cold water in a pot.
2Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
3Cover and simmer for 20-40 minutes. Harder roots (like Astragalus) may need up to 45 minutes.
4The liquid should reduce by about one-third.
5Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the herbs to extract all liquid.
6Drink 1-3 cups daily. Can be combined with honey or blended with an infusion.

Tips

• Use a non-aluminum pot — aluminum can react with plant compounds.
• Decoctions are necessary for roots, bark, seeds, and mushrooms — these are too tough for simple steeping.
• You can simmer mushrooms (Reishi, Chaga) for 2+ hours for stronger extraction.

Some roots are very potent — follow specific dosing guidelines for individual herbs. Avoid decocting herbs with volatile oils (peppermint, chamomile) as you will lose the beneficial compounds.

Refrigerate and use within 48-72 hours. Can be gently reheated.

Capsules (Powdered Herb)Moderate · 30-60 minutes per batch

Equipment

Herb grinder or pre-powdered herb, Empty vegetarian capsules (size 00 or 0), Capsule filling machine (optional but recommended), Small bowl, Scale (optional for precision)

Instructions

1If using whole dried herb, grind to a fine powder using a dedicated herb grinder.
2Pour the powdered herb into a small bowl or capsule filling tray.
3Separate the capsule halves. Fill the larger half with powder, tapping to pack gently.
4Press the smaller half onto the larger half to seal.
5A size 00 capsule holds approximately 500-700mg of powdered herb.
6Standard dosing varies by herb — typically 1-3 capsules, 2-3 times daily with food.

Herbal PowderEasy · 5 minutes

Equipment

Measuring spoon, Blender or cup for mixing

Instructions

1Measure the recommended amount of herbal powder (typically 1/4 to 1 teaspoon).
2Mix into warm water, juice, smoothie, or warm milk (for golden milk-style preparations).
3Stir or blend thoroughly — some powders don't dissolve and need blending.
4For Ayurvedic herbs (Ashwagandha, Turmeric), mixing with warm milk and a fat (ghee, coconut oil) improves absorption.
5Drink immediately or add to food (oatmeal, yogurt, soups).

Tips

• Adding a fat source (coconut oil, ghee, whole milk) helps absorb fat-soluble compounds.
• Black pepper significantly increases Turmeric/Curcumin absorption.

Alcohol TinctureModerate · 4-6 weeks (passive)

Equipment

Glass mason jar with lid, High-proof alcohol (80-100 proof vodka), Measuring cup, Cheesecloth or fine strainer, Dark glass dropper bottles, Labels

Instructions

1Fill a clean mason jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herb (or 2/3 full with fresh herb).
2Pour 80-proof (40%) vodka over the herbs until the jar is full, covering herbs by at least 2 inches.
3Seal tightly and label with the herb name, alcohol type, and date.
4Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or two.
5After 4-6 weeks, strain through cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out all liquid.
6Pour the finished tincture into dark glass dropper bottles. Label with herb, date, and menstruum.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information on Healix Natural Solutions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare provider.

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• A capsule filling machine makes the process much faster and more consistent.
• Pre-powdered herbs from reputable suppliers save significant effort.
• Store finished capsules in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Capsules bypass taste, which can be important — bitter taste stimulates digestion. For digestive herbs, teas or tinctures may be more effective. Always follow recommended dosing.

Store in airtight containers away from moisture. Use within 6-12 months for best potency.

• Honey can mask bitter flavors — add after the liquid has cooled below 104°F (40°C) to preserve honey's properties.

Start with smaller amounts and increase gradually. Powdered herbs are concentrated — measure carefully.

Store in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Use within 6-12 months.

7Standard adult dose is typically 30-60 drops (1-2 dropperfuls) in a small amount of water, 2-3 times daily.

Tips

• Use at least 80-proof (40%) alcohol — this extracts both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds.
• For resins and tough roots, use 100-proof (50%) or higher.
• Fresh plant tinctures use a higher ratio of alcohol to prevent spoilage from plant moisture.

Tinctures are concentrated — follow dosing guidelines carefully. Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol (use glycerites instead). Some herbs are only safe as tinctures in very small doses.

Alcohol tinctures last 3-5 years or more when stored properly in dark glass away from heat and light.