[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus (syn. Astragalus propinquus)
Milk vetch, Huang Qi, yellow leader
Family Fabaceae, the legume family
Botany
Astragalus includes over 2,000 species within the genus. Astragalus membranaceus is a perennial plant that grows 3-4 feet high, and has fern-like leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. Native to China, the herb is used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonifying adaptogen. The roots can be used at any age, but it is believed that the aged plant is more potent, so astragalus is recommended to be harvested at 3-5 years old.
Parts used root
Astragalus root powder has a sweet flavor and can easily be added to yogurt, smoothies, soups and baked goods.
Whole astragalus root is best used to easily brewed into a tea.
Astragalus tincture makes administering medicinal doses can easy.
Energetics
Astragalus is nourishing to chi (energy) as a warming and drying tonic.
Therapeutic actions
Adaptogenic: aids in the body's ability to adapt to stress
Antioxidant: neutralizes free radical oxygen atoms
Anti-inflammatory: alleviates inflammation throughout the body.
Antiviral: destroys micro-organisms which cause viral infections
Cardiac: stimulating effect on the heart.
Diuretic: increases the production and elimination of urine
Digestive: aids in the digestion of food
Depurative: purifying and detoxifying, especially of the blood
Hepatoprotective: prevents damage of the liver
Neuroprotective: protects the nervous system from degradation
Immuno-modulatory: brings about homeostasis of the immune system
Anti-cancer: inhibits the growth of cancer cells
Hypolipidemic: lowers cholesterol
Hypoglycemiant: lower glucose levels
Expectorant: loosens and expels excess mucus from the airways
Uses
Live healthfully and age gracefully
Astragalus increases telomerase activity, decreasing how quickly cells age.
Promotes endurance, stamina and longevity, a tonic for energy and anti-aging.
Immune system
Immunomodulatory properties makes astragalus a reliable tonic for bringing homeostasis to immune system.
Use for weak immune system and wasting illnesses.
Offers protective of immune cells during chemo or radiation treatments.
Prevents and aids recovery from colds and flu.
Astragalus is useful in treating seasonal allergy symptoms by reducing rhinitis, irritation to the mucus membrane inside the nose.
Anticancer properties make astragalus a beneficial preventative and complimentary treatment for cancer, especially of the gastrointestinal tract.
Circulatory system
Cardiotonic properties benefit the function of the heart.
Hypolipidemic and depurative properties help to lower cholesterol levels of the arteries.
Antihyperglycemic properties lower glucose level in the blood, these agents are often used in the treatment of diabetes.
Digestive system
Stimulates a poor appetite.
Astragalus is thought to control body fluids such as excessive sweating, night sweats, and relieve fluid retention due to diuretic properties.
Nervous system
Neuroprotective, protects the nervous system from degradation
Respiratory system
Strengthening lung tonic
Expectorant, loosens and expels excess mucus from the airways
Soothes coughs and respiratory infections
Lymphatic system/detoxification
Used for treating the kidney and liver maladies, astragalus offers protection and restoration due to depurative properties.
Hepatoprotective, prevents damage of the liver
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Safety
Astragalus is safe to be taken my mouth.
Use caution in acute infections, fever, autoimmune disease, hypotension, and hypoglycemia.
Use caution during pregnancy and nursing.
Drug interactions
May reduce absorption of other medications if taken together.
Can reduce the side effects and toxicity of some drugs as it is a hepatoprotective.
May theoretically interact with anticoagulants due to antiplatelet activity.
May inhibit effect of immunosuppressant medications.
Use caution when combining with lithium, the diuretic properties of astragalus may decrease the body's ability to excrete the drug.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness