🏕️Mongolian Traditional Medicine

Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus)

Astragalus mongholicus

About Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus)

Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus) (Astragalus mongholicus) is a herb used in the Mongolian Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Immune Support, Fatigue, Heart Health, and Kidney Support. The seeds are the part traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Astragalus mongholicus, synonyms including Astragalus propinquus and Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as Mongolian milkvetch in English; 'Хунчир' in Mongolian; huáng qí (Chinese: 黃芪), běi qí (Chinese: 北芪) or huáng huā huáng qí (Chinese: 黃花黃耆), in Mongolia, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Mongolian medicine. It is a perennial plant and it is not listed as being threatened.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Seeds · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
  • Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, southern Siberia

Climate

Continental steppe

Habitat

Vast steppes, mountain meadows, and forest edges of the Mongolian plateau

🌿 To see Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.