_Astragalus membranaceus._ **Astragalus is a bushy member of the pea family with pendulous yellow flowers. The sweet roots are one of the main tonics used in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Known as Huang Qi, it is a renowned protector from infection and a reliable source of energy.** Strictly speaking the correct botanical name for this species is now _Astragalus mongholicus,_ but for now we continue to use the original name _Astragalus membranaceus_ as this is the name that most herbalists still know it by. The name astragalus is derived from a Greek word to describe its reputation for increasing production of goat milk. Traditionally grown in the North East and East of China with theDi Dao- or geoauthentic varietycoming from inner Mongolia and Shanxi (Di Dao is a concept akin to theterroirtheme used in viticulture to qualify the best quality). It is now cultivated widely in America too as it has become a vulnerable species in the wild. Its favoured ecosystems are steppes, m