Steamed astragalus belongs to the water-fire method of preparation, and can also be taken by decoction. Its effects include tonifying qi and raising yang (tonifying qi to raise yang qi), consolidating the surface and stopping sweating (stopping sweating by consolidating the surface of the muscle), and inducing diuresis and eliminating edema (relieving urination and eliminating edema). Astragalus is sweet in flavor and slightly warm. It belongs to the lung and spleen meridians. Its effects include tonifying qi and elevating yang (replenishing qi so as to elevate yang qi), stopping sweating (stopping sweating by consolidating the muscle surface), inducing diuresis and eliminating swelling (facilitating urination and eliminating oedema), generating fluid and nourishing blood (replenishing the body’s water and blood), promoting stagnation and paralysis, supporting toxin and draining pus (draining out pus and toxin from the body), and restraining the sores and muscle (helping sores to heal more quickly and facilitating the growth of new flesh). It is used in treating qi deficiency and weakness, loose stools (thin and unformed feces), sinking of qi in the middle chamber (deficiency of qi in the spleen and stomach, with the appearance of falling organs), prolonged diarrhea and prolapse of the anus, blood in the stool and leakage of menstrual flow (excessive menstrual flow or dripping), sweating due to deficiency of the surface (due to the weakness of the surface of the body and the frequent and natural sweating), edema due to deficiency of qi, thirst and internal heat (fever accompanied by excessive food, drink, and urination), paralytic pain and numbness, and wounds with long-time ulceration that do not converge. It is recommended to consult a physician for specific concoctions and take Chinese medicine under the guidance of a physician.