PLANTS AND HERBS
Mongolian milkvetch, huang qi, Radix Astragali
Astragalus has a long history in TCM. It was introduced to the USDA in 1925 for the research needs of forage-crop specialists. Astragalus has been cultivated in North America for about 10 years. North America's primary consumer use is based on the immunological properties of astragalus.
Common chickweed, chickenwort, craches, maruns, winterweed
Chickweed thrives in moist rich soils. In North Texas, you will see it popping up in planters, yards, and even cracks in the concrete in early spring and fall. Chickweed has a mild flavor and can be added to salads, smoothies, or pesto for a nutritional boost.
Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort
Gotu Kola is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic to reduce mental fatigue and improve mental clarity. It is a creeping, low-growing herb that grows in damp, swampy areas. I have not been able to get this herb to thrive in my garden in North Texas. This picture is from the ABC garden in Austin.