The source is from the ripe seed of the herbage Astragalus complanatus R. Br, family Leguminosae. The plants are mainly produced in the areas of Shanxi, Shaanxi, etc., cut and collected at the end of autumn and the early stage of winter, dried in the sun, and then threshed and the seeds are got in. The seeds can be used crudely or stir-baked with a salt solution for medication. Medicinal Properties Sweet in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the liver and kidney meridians. Actions Invigorate the kidney to arrest spontaneous emission and nourish the liver to improve vision. Application 1. It is indicated for deficiency of the kidney manifested as impotence, emission, premature ejaculation, dripping discharge of urine, excessive leucorrhea and soreness of loins since it can tonify kidney-yang, benefit kidney-yin, arrest spontaneous emission and decrease the frequency of micturition. In treating impotence, emission, frequent micturition and leucorrhea, it is usually used together with Longgu ( Os Draconis), Lianxu ( Stamen Nelumbinis ), and Qianshi ( Semen Euryales ), etc., such as Jinsuo Gujing Wan (Bolus); in treating soreness of loins due to deficiency of the kidney, it can be pounded singly into powder for oral use, or also combined with Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata ) and Duzhong ( Cortex Eucommiae ). 2. It has the action of nourishing the liver and kidney to improve vision, so it can be used for insufficiency of the kidney manifested as dizziness and blurred vision, it is usually combined with Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii ), Tusizi ( Semen Cuscutae ), and Juhua ( Flos Chrysanthemi ), etc.. Usage and Dosage 10 -15 g is used in decoction for oral use.
