Astragalus and Lablab Flower Boiled Eggs: Strengthen Spleen and Boost Qi

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) and Biandouhua (Lablab purpureus flower) boiled eggs is a traditional medicinal food originating from folk medicine, combining the dual actions of strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, as well as tonifying qi and securing the exterior. This formula skillfully combines three common ingredients: Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), Biandouhua (Lablab purpureus flower), and eggs. Huangqi tonifies the middle qi and secures the exterior to check sweating; Biandouhua aromatically transforms dampness and harmonizes the middle burner to strengthen the spleen; eggs nourish yin and moisten dryness, and supplement qi and blood. Through their synergistic action, this medicinal food is able to tonify deficiency without being cloying, making it suitable as a restorative during the transition from spring to summer or during long summer (Changxia) when dampness is abundant. This medicinal food is popular in the Jiangnan and Lingnan regions, where locals commonly use it to regulate conditions such as poor appetite and mental fatigue due to summerheat-dampness encumbering the spleen.

The uniqueness of this medicinal dish lies in the simultaneous decoction of qi-tonifying herbs and aromatic dampness-transforming herbs, with the nourishing nature of eggs serving to moderate and slowly release the medicinal effects. *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi) exerts its sweet, warm, and ascending action, while *Lablab purpureus* flower (Biandouhua) functions through its light, clear, and dispersing properties. The two work together—one ascending and one descending, one tonifying and one transforming—to promote the smooth flow of qi and thus dispel dampness on its own. The egg, as a substance of blood and flesh, neutralizes the medicinal properties, making them more easily absorbed by the body. This medicinal soup has a clear, faintly yellow color, a subtle herbal aroma, and a balanced, mild taste. It serves not only as a choice for daily dietary nourishment but also as an auxiliary recuperative regimen for those recovering from illness with underlying deficiency.

Efficacy of Medicated Diet

The main effects of boiling eggs with Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) and Lablab purpureus flower (Hyacinth Bean Flower) focus on two aspects: tonifying qi and securing the exterior, and strengthening the spleen to transform dampness. Astragalosides and astragalus polysaccharides can significantly enhance immune function, improving symptoms of qi deficiency such as fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and susceptibility to colds. Lablab purpureus flower, rich in volatile oils and flavonoids, has the properties of aromatically transforming dampness and harmonizing the middle to stop diarrhea; it is especially effective in relieving chest oppression, nausea, and loose stools caused by summer-heat dampness. Eggs provide high-quality protein and lecithin, which help repair tissues and boost physical strength, making the tonifying effects of this medicinal diet more sustained and gentle.

Overall, this medicinal diet is especially suitable for the constitution pattern of “Qi deficiency with Dampness” – characterized by both the Qi deficiency manifestations of shortness of breath, disinclination to talk, and easy fatigue, as well as the Dampness encumbrance features of heaviness in the head and body, and a thick, greasy tongue coating. Long-term consumption can gradually improve the vicious cycle of Spleen deficiency with exuberant Dampness, enhance digestive and absorptive functions, change the complexion from sallow to rosy, and simultaneously alleviate issues such as recurrent colds and allergic rhinitis caused by insecurity of the superficial defensive qi due to Qi deficiency. For modern people suffering from Spleen deficiency and Dampness encumbrance due to irregular diet and lack of exercise, this is a rare and beneficial dietary therapy.

The Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to TCM theory, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) enters the Spleen (SP) and Lung (LU) meridians. It is a key herb for supplementing qi, can lift yang and raise sunken [qi], boost defensive [qi] and secure the exterior. It is applicable to patterns of qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and sinking of middle qi. Biandouhua (Lablab purpureus flower) enters the Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST), and Large Intestine (LI) meridians. Its aromatic qi is adept at transforming dampness and harmonizing the Middle, awakening the Spleen and opening the Stomach. The *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) records that it “treats cholera with vomiting and diarrhea.” Jidan (Egg) enters the Lung (LU), Spleen (SP), and Stomach (ST) meridians, nourishes yin, moistens dryness, enriches blood, and quiets the fetus. It can serve as a medicinal guide to direct the medicinal potency, and also prevents excessive warm supplementation from Huangqi that might generate dryness. When combined, the three ingredients achieve supplementation with transformation, ascending with descending, precisely matching the nature of the Spleen which “likes dryness and dislikes dampness.”

From the perspective of ascending, floating, descending, and sinking, *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus) uplifts and disperses yang qi, *Lablab purpureus* flower (Lablab flower) disseminates and disperses dampness turbidity, while egg is sweet in flavor and moistening, with a descending nature. Together, they form a medicinal force circulation of “ascending-dispersing-descending.” Astragalus drives clear qi upward, Lablab flower resolves dampness obstruction from the Middle Burner, and egg directs the medicinal effect downward to be stored in the Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life). Thus, the qi mechanism of the Triple Burner becomes unobstructed, and dampness pathogen finds no place to hide. For the pattern of “Upper Heat and Lower Cold” due to dampness distressing the Spleen and Stomach—such as a sore throat but cold lower back and knees, facial acne yet loose stools—this medicinal diet can restore the pivotal function of the Middle Burner, allowing clear and turbid to return to their proper places, thereby improving such contradictory symptoms.

The Principle of Homology of Medicine and Food

It is worth noting that the flower of Lablab purpureus (hyacinth bean flower) possesses the most gently clearing and light dampness-resolving action among plants of the Fabaceae family. Unlike the dry and harsh nature of Atractylodes lancea (Atractylodes) or the strong and drastic effect of Magnolia officinalis (Magnolia bark), it is especially suitable for the elderly, children, and those with deficient constitutions. For Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus), the raw form is preferable to harness its ability to move to the exterior and secure the defensive qi; if there is marked qi deficiency with sinking, it may be replaced as appropriate with honey-fried Astragalus. The egg should be boiled with the shell intact, so that calcium carbonate and trace mineral elements from the shell dissolve into the decoction. This not only enhances the calcium-supplementing effect but also buffers the warm and drying nature of Astragalus, embodying the TCM principle of “mutual complementation of yin and yang” in formula design.

Indicated Population

This medicated diet is especially suitable for the following groups: first, individuals with Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Encumbrance, commonly presenting with poor appetite, postprandial abdominal distension, loose and sticky stools, pronounced tooth marks on the tongue edges, and a white, greasy tongue coating. Consumption can gradually improve the transportation and transformation functions of the Spleen and Stomach. Second, those with Qi Deficiency and a weak constitution, manifested as shortness of breath, fatigue, easy sweating, panting upon slight exertion, and a pale or sallow complexion. This is particularly appropriate for individuals with Defensive Qi Insecurity who catch colds easily upon exposure to wind. Third, people experiencing “Summer Languor” symptoms during the hot and humid season, such as mental listlessness in summer, chest tightness with a bland taste in the mouth, a heavy sensation in the body, and lack of appetite. For them, the diet can clear Summerheat and transform Dampness, thereby boosting appetite.

Furthermore, urban populations who spend prolonged periods in air-conditioned environments, have insufficient physical activity, and consume a diet favoring raw, cold, and greasy-sweet foods are prone to developing a pattern of “internal dampness with external cold” (Nei Shi Wai Han). This manifests as stiffness in the shoulders and neck, a heavy sensation in the head as if wrapped in a bandage, and afternoon lower leg edema. Consuming eggs cooked with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Milkvetch Root, Huangqi) and *Lablab purpureus* flower (Hyacinth Bean Flower, Biandouhua) two to three times per week can help improve blood circulation and promote fluid metabolism. For patients in the convalescent phase of illness, once heat signs have subsided but the body’s healthy qi (*Zheng Qi*) has not yet fully recovered, this dietary recipe may also be used to gently tonify and restore. However, it should be administered under the guidance of a professional practitioner to ensure there is no risk of residual pathogenic factors not yet cleared.

Contraindicated Populations

Although the medicinal properties of eggs boiled with Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) and Dolichos lablab flower (Hyacinth Bean flower) are mild, this remedy is not suitable for everyone. Those with Excess and Heat patterns should avoid it: individuals presenting with pronounced Excess Heat signs such as high fever from common cold, sore throat, yellow sputum cough, scanty dark urine, red tongue with yellow coating, may experience aggravation of heat and fire, worsening their condition. Those with Yin Deficiency with Fire Blazing should also use with caution; this group typically manifests as heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, night sweats and malar flush, red tongue with little coating. The warming and tonifying nature of Astragalus could further damage yin fluids, intensifying the deficiency fire.

The following conditions also fall under contraindications: individuals with allergies to eggs or legumes; those with a Damp-Heat exuberance pattern—manifesting as bitter taste and sticky sensation in the mouth, jaundice, thick yellow vaginal discharge, and a thick yellow greasy tongue coating—in whom internal dampness has already transformed into heat, making the use of warming, tonifying, and damp-resolving substances akin to “adding fuel to the fire”; pregnant and lactating women should use only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner and must not self-administer for prolonged periods; during acute episodes of gastroenteritis or dysentery, or when experiencing fever of unknown origin, intake should also be suspended until recovery before resuming any tonifying therapy. Additionally, due to the delicate nature of the spleen and stomach in infants under three years of age, this treatment is not recommended.

Ingredient ratio of the formula

Radix Astragali (Astragalus membranaceus, Milkvetch Root) 15g, Flos Lablab (Hyacinth Bean Flower) 10g, 2 eggs (approx. 100g), Fructus Jujubae (Jujube) 3 pieces (approx. 15g), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Fresh Ginger) 2 slices (approx. 3g), and 800ml water. This dosage is for one person for one day; if preparing for two people, it can be doubled as appropriate. For the Astragalus root, the best quality has a pale yellow cross-section with a chrysanthemum-shaped center. For the Hyacinth Bean Flower, choose dried flower buds that have not fully bloomed, as they have a stronger aroma. For eggs, fresh free-range eggs are recommended, as they have a larger yolk proportion and higher nutritional value. For the jujubes, use whole dried jujubes after removing the pits, and for the ginger, old ginger is preferable, as it has a stronger effect of warming the middle and dispersing cold.

The ratio of *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus root) to *Lablab purpureus* flower (Hyacinth Bean flower) in the formula is 3:2, a proportion refined through generations of clinical practice. Insufficient *Astragalus* fails to adequately tonify Qi, while excessive amounts may generate warmth-dryness that damages Yin. Inadequate *Lablab purpureus* flower results in incomplete transformation of Dampness, whereas overuse may disperse and consume Upright Qi. The inclusion of *Ziziphus jujuba* (Chinese date) and *Zingiber officinale* (Ginger) serves to “harmonize the various herbs”: *Ziziphus*, sweet and warm, tonifies the Spleen, nourishes Blood, and calms the Spirit, thereby moderating the ascending and effusing nature of *Astragalus*; *Zingiber*, acrid and warm, dispels Cold, harmonizes the Stomach, and stops vomiting, thereby restraining the cooling and dispersing tendency of *Lablab purpureus* flower. The overall formulation is meticulous, with precise dosages, making it suitable for long-term regulation without causing imbalance that harms the Upright Qi.

Preparation Method

Step one: Quickly rinse the Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus), Lablab flower (Lablab purpureus), Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, pitted), and fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) slices once with clean water to remove surface dust. Note that the Lablab flower has a light and loose texture, so rinse gently to avoid loss of active constituents. Wipe the eggshell clean with a soft cloth, taking care not to crack it.

Step 2: Place a clay pot or ceramic pot on the stove, add the washed Astragali Radix (Astragalus root), Jujubae Fructus (Chinese jujube), and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (fresh ginger). Pour in 800 ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes to fully extract the active constituents from the Astragali Radix. Do not add the Flos Lablab Album (white hyacinth bean flower) at this stage, as prolonged boiling would cause its volatile oils to dissipate completely.

Step 3: Carefully place the eggs into the pot. Maintain a low heat and continue cooking for 10 minutes until the eggs are fully cooked. Then, gently scoop out the eggs with a soup spoon, immerse them in cold water for 1 minute, and after the shells have slightly cooled, tap them to create cracks. Return the eggs to the pot. This step allows the calcium from the eggshells to be better released into the broth, and also enables the medicinal flavors to properly permeate the egg whites.

Step 4: At this point, add the Dolichos Flower (Lablab Flower) into the pot, cover and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Do not overcook. Allow the soup to cool naturally to a warm temperature. Remove the egg, peel it, and eat together with the soup. You may also chew the jujube dates and ginger together. It is recommended to take this warm between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, when the Spleen Meridian (SP) is at its peak. During this time, the Spleen and Stomach’s transforming and transporting function is strongest, allowing for optimal absorption of the medicinal effects. Any leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before drinking, but do not keep it overnight.

Tips for Consumption

Continuous administration for 7 to 10 days constitutes one treatment cycle, followed by a 3-to-5-day interval before the next cycle. This regimen prevents the accumulation of medicinal properties from damaging the yin aspect. During the treatment period, if signs of “fire” (excessive internal heat) such as dry mouth, sore throat, or increased acne appear, reduce the dosage of Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) to 10 g, or add Maidong (Ophiopogon japonicus) 6 g to the decoction to counteract its warm-dry nature.

On the day of taking the herbal formula, it is advisable to pair it with a light and easily digestible diet, and avoid consuming spicy, greasy, or raw-cold foods, as well as mung beans, radish, or other ingredients that may counteract the herbs’ effect, so as not to diminish the efficacy of Astragalus (Huang Qi). In addition, moderate physical activity is recommended during this period, aiming for light perspiration, which helps the damp pathogen to dissipate through the body surface, thereby achieving a more effective “internal-external integrated treatment.”

When storing Dolichos flower (Lablab purpureus), it is important to seal the container tightly to protect against moisture and keep it in a cool, dry place. If the flower buds show discoloration, mold, or loss of aroma, they should no longer be used. For Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus), it is best to select freshly harvested material from the current year, as its medicinal potency is greatly reduced after being stored for more than two years. During periods of high humidity such as the sanfu days and the plum rain season, the dosage of Dolichos flower can be appropriately increased to 12 grams to enhance its effect of transforming Dampness. In autumn, when the Dryness pathogen prevails, the dosage should be reduced to 8 grams to avoid excessive Dampness-transformation, which could otherwise damage body fluids.