The difference between the effects of astragalus and ginseng is that astragalus is mainly used to replenish deficiency, while ginseng is used to replenish vital energy (replenish the root qi of the body). Both astragalus and ginseng are common qi tonic herbs, in which astragalus has the effects of tonifying qi and elevating yang (tonifying qi in order to elevate yang qi), fixing the epidermis and stopping sweating (stopping sweating by reinforcing the epidermis), supporting toxin and draining pus (draining pus and toxins from the body), and astringing sores and regenerating the muscle (helping sores to heal more quickly, and promoting the growth of new flesh). It is mainly used in the treatment of qi deficiency, superficial deficiency and spontaneous sweating (due to the weakness of muscle surface and frequent natural sweating), blood deficiency and atrophy, carbuncle and gangrene (a kind of poisonous sores, acute suppurative diseases occurring on the body surface, limbs and internal organs), which are difficult to be ulcerated and long time ulcerated and do not converge. Ginseng has the effects of tonifying vital energy, replenishing qi and benefiting the lungs, generating fluid and nourishing blood (replenishing the body’s water and blood), tranquilizing the spirit and benefiting the intellect (stabilizing the mind and promoting intellectual development), and is used in the treatment of qi deficiency and wanting to be free from the body, cold limbs with a weak pulse, coughing and wheezing in the lungs, lung deficiency, coughing and wheezing in the lungs, impotence with coldness of the uterus, and insomnia with forgetfulness. Ginseng has a strong qi tonic effect. Long-term overdose of ginseng or ginseng preparations may cause adverse reactions such as headache, palpitation (rapid heartbeat, often accompanied by panic), elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and insomnia. Astragalus should not be taken by those who are suffering from surface solidity and evil, or whose sores are still full of heat and toxicity at the beginning or after ulceration, while ginseng needs to be prohibited for those who are suffering from solidity, heat and internalized dampness-heat. Astragalus and ginseng have certain differences in efficacy and contraindications, such as the need for medication, it is recommended to use under the guidance of a doctor, not blindly self-medication, so as not to cause discomfort.