AKA: Huang Qi, Bei Qi, Hwanggi, Membranous Milk Vetch

Astragalus is a Chinese Herb that has been utilized for its immune enhancing capabilities for over 2000 years. It is a perennial legume with pea like flowers, about 16 inches tall, which has a tendency to sprawl. It is a beautiful but short lived plant that is native to northern and eastern parts of China where it is coveted for its medicinal qualities.  Its stem is hairy and its leaves are made up of a dozen or more pairs of leaflets. The root of the plant is the part that is utilized, cultivators usually waiting until the plant is four years old before harvesting.

Astragalus is mainly used to help boost the immune system. It is a good herb to take to help restore T-cell counts, making it an important supplement for cancer patients as well as those who are suffering from AIDS. While it does not do anything as miraculous as kill malignant tumors in cancer patients, it will help strengthen the immune system, make fighting cancer less taxing on the individual.

Astragalus is taken orally and it is thought to work on the immune system several different ways. Laboratory studies have indicated that astragalus helps improve the activity of existing immune cells, increase the production of new immune cells and may also help the body produce other substances such as interferon, which helps fight infections.

Astragalus has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic (helps eliminate fluid from the body) properties. It is sometimes used topically for wounds.

Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low to moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications.

Benefits of Astragalus

• It helps fight respiratory, bacterial and viral infections and help the body resist disease overall.
• t normalizes blood pressure.
• It may help improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
• Astragalus helps strengthen the immune system, increase endurance, and enhance energy.
• It might also help slow the aging process and increase longevity.
• Astagalus also helps with stomach ulcers by inhibiting gastric secretions and reducing gastric acid.
• This herb is also good for the heart, especially in cases of poisoning and exhaustion, and can also help protect the liver.
• Like Echinacea, Astragalus can also help prevent colds and flu.

Preparation and dosage

Astragalus is available as a capsule, tablet, extract and dried root. To make your own tea: boil 1 ounce of the root in a cup of water for 15 to 20 minutes. The Chinese traditionally prepare Astragalus  by combining in a wok, 4 parts of the dried root, 1 part honey and a little bit of water. They simmer this mixture until the water evaporates and the herbs are slightly brown.

For the typical healthy adult who weighs around 150 pounds:

• Capsules or tablets: 1000 to 1500 milligrams 3 times a day
• Fluid Extract: ½ to 2 ½ teaspoons daily.
• Dried Root: 3 to 6 grams a day.

For children: one third of the adult dose is recommended, taken only once a day. Astragalus should only be used occasionally to help boost a child’s immune system.

Side effects, interactions and cautions

Astragalus is considered to be safe by the majority of herbalists and it has not displayed any known side effects or interactions with other drugs. More research however, is needed on this herb before researches can determine its real potential. However, consumers do need to be aware that astragalus is sometimes packaged with other products that may have a potential for toxicity.
 

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