Shā Yuàn Zǐ (沙苑子) — Flattened milkvetch seed
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Shā Yuàn Zǐ (沙苑子) — Astragalus complanatus — is known in English as Flattened milkvetch seed. It belongs to the category of herbs that tonify Kidney Yang and secure Essence in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Shā Yuàn Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shā Yuàn Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 沙苑子 |
| Latin name | Astragalus complanatus |
| English name | Flattened milkvetch seed |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Yang tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies the Kidneys and secures the Essence
- Nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes
Indications
- Aching and weakness of the lower back and knees
- Frequent urination and nocturia
- Seminal emission and premature ejaculation
- Blurred vision and dizziness from Liver and Kidney deficiency
4. Key formulas containing Shā Yuàn Zǐ
Shā Yuàn Zǐ is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Astragalus complanatus seed contains flavonoids and phytosterols, examined preclinically for antioxidant activity and effects on lipid metabolism. Clinical data on the isolated herb are limited.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Shā Yuàn Zǐ in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Being warm and securing, it is avoided where there is Yin deficiency with marked Heat signs, or where urinary difficulty arises from Damp-Heat rather than deficiency.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate in acute urinary tract infection or Damp-Heat in the lower burner, where clearing rather than securing is required.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Shā Yuàn Zǐ at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Shā Yuàn Zǐ within tailored formulas for Kidney deficiency patterns with lower back weakness and urinary frequency.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
