Astragalus
Astragalus has been used in China for thousands of years. The herb is native to northern China. The root is used for medicinal purposes and is collected in the spring after it is 4-7 years old. While there are over 2000 types, the only one that has extensive research on it is the Chinese version. The Chinese name “Huang Qi” means yellow leader because of its importance to Chinese medicine and the color of the root. Also known as “Milk Vetch,” Astragalus is used as food and fodder crops. Astragalus belongs to the Leguminosae family and has seed pods that resemble beans.