Astragalus, also known as Huang qi, is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine. It is derived from the root of the perennial Astragalus membranaceus. This tonic herb has been used as a preventative health tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine since ancient times. Recorded history of this plant dates back to the first century A. D.
Astragalus has multiple uses and has shown a myriad of health benefits. Astragalus is one of my choice herbs, for myself, my children and for my patients.
Astragalus Benefits:
- Astragalus is highly acclaimed as the most important of all deep immune tonics.
- Astragalus can stimulate the body’s natural production of interferon. Interferons are proteins made and released by host cells in response to viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells.
- Research has shown that astragalus increases the strength of T-cells. T-cells, also called killer cells, are the white blood cells of the body that attack invaders in the body.
- Supports overall immune strength.
- Is a powerful adaptogen, and therefore increases strength and vitality (known as Vital Life Energy, or Chi).
- It is able to support and nourish the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands.
- Astragalus is a respiratory tonic.
- Aids in the elimination of toxins.
- Promotes healing of damaged tissue.
- Supports liver and spleen function.
- It can protect the liver of chemical damage and is therefore an invaluable addition to the treatment of chemotherapy patients. Research has shown that astragalus has doubled the life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that cancer patients taking astragalus recover faster than cancer patients not taking astragalus.
- It combats fatigue by nourishing exhausted adrenals.
- It aids in the recovery from surgery and illness.
- Astragalus acts as a heart tonic, lowering blood pressure, increasing peripheral circulation and increasing endurance to fatigued hearts. It also acts as a vaso-dilating agent and has anti-clotting action.
- Astragalus can normalize blood sugar.
- Is warming, and helps support a healthy metabolism.
- Increases the flow of bile and digestive fluids, thus aiding in digestion.
Astragalus Uses:
- Used to treat respiratory infections
- Used to treat the common cold
- Used to improve lung function
- Used to treat the Epstein-Barr virus or mono
- Used prophylactically to keep the immune system strong (i.e. cold and flu season support)
- Used to keep the immune system strong in cancer patients or AIDS patients
- Taken during the course of chemotherapy to increase the white blood cell count
- Used to strengthen the adrenals
- Used to increase energy and decrease fatigue
- Used in diabetics to normalize blood sugar and to increase circulation
- Used to lower blood pressure and to increase circulation
- Used following surgery to increase healing and decrease recovery time
- Used to treat fibromyalgia
- Used to treat asthma
- Used to repair the liver in hepatitis patients
- Used to improve digestion
- Used to generate a warming energy and to stimulate the metabolism
- Used to improve healing of any wound or injury
There are so many uses for astragalus and I’m sure I’ve missed a number them. It is a wonderful, overall invigorating tonic. Astragalus can be used long-term and there are no potential negative side effects from taking this herb. Please email me with any questions.
