bak1 kei4北芪
Jyutpingbak1 kei4
Yalebāk kèih
Definition
Radix Astragali; a Chinese medicinal herb used to replenish qi, stop sweating, and promote urination.
colloquialfoodhealth
How it's used
Commonly paired with 防風 and 白朮 to form the classic 玉屏風散, which is used to boost immunity and prevent colds. It is almost exclusively encountered in the context of traditional Chinese medicine or home-cooked herbal soups. When buying it at a herbal shop, you might hear it referred to as 黃芪, but 北芪 is the standard name used by practitioners and in local markets.
Examples
Adding some Astragalus to the soup will be more nourishing.
Your body is so weak, shouldn't you be drinking Astragalus soup?
Related words
Common phrases
Astragalus and Codonopsis soup
sliced Astragalus root
Common mistake
Do not confuse it with 人參, as they have different medicinal properties and indications. It is generally avoided when you have an active cold, fever, or inflammation, as it is considered a tonic that can trap pathogens inside the body.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
