Astragalus membranaceus , also known as Taiwanese milkvetch or Huang qi , is a recurrent used for medicative purposes . The industrial plant grows 3 to 4 feet high and has fernlike leaf . pocket-sized , icteric flower bloom in the summer . Astragalus , a indigen to China , has a long history of manipulation in traditional Chinese medicine . The root , used as an immune system booster , contains antioxidants . With its mildly sweet flavor , the dry root pee-pee an interesting additive to soups , stews or teas .
Step 1
harvest home talus plants between 3 and 5 years of years . If you do not know the age of your plants , do not worry ; you’re able to use the root at any age . However , the impression is that larger , older origin have more potency .
Step 2
Cut back the shank and leaves of the astragalus to the ground using pruner . This will make it easier to work around the flora . Chop up the fore and leaves and add them to a compost bank identification number or pile , if you have one . Otherwise , just discard them .
Step 3
Use a excavator to get the picture a shallow circle around the root of the astragalus . The plant has a taproot , a root that grows comparatively straight down and deep into the soil . Remove the top layer of soil so that you’re able to see the root word . This will guide you as you dig the root the rest of the manner out of the ground .
Step 4
Dig deeper around the root , removing the soil from the mess . Grasp the top of the tooth root and wiggle it to loosen it as you dig . Continue the summons until the root pull free .
Step 5
rinse the astragalus theme with warm water , removing all the dirt . Use a scrub clash to rid the main antecedent of the small rootlet and clean any crevices .
Step 6
Lay the root on a cut circuit board and slice up it into about 1/4 - column inch pieces with a sharp tongue . Astragalus root resembles a thin , yellowish carrot .
Step 7
disseminate the chopped root on a cookie sheet . Place the piece of paper in the oven at the down temperature to dry the root piece . This can take several minute . A food for thought dehydrator work well , if you have one available . you’re able to also process the root by do a tone .
Step 8
put in the root word piece in an airtight container , such as a Mason jar . Before using , chop the root sections into smaller pieces or grind them into a pulverization .
Warning
assay the guidance of a dependant professional before using any medicative herb .