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Astragalus root is one of the most important tonic herbs in traditional Chinese medicine which is used as an effective preventatives to guard against viral infections of H1N1 virus, common cold, swine flu, chronic fatigue, asthma and anaemia. It is also used to treat digestive troubles such as diarrhoea, gas, and bloating. It possesses manifold benefits for a wide range of illnesses, which is why it is featured frequently in chinese soups and gentle tonic drinks.

Astragalus is also called huang qi, “yellow leader”, or Milkvetch root, milk vetch. Astragalus root is a member of the pea or legume family. The astragalus herb is a perennial with hairy stems that grow to about two feet with a yellow core in the center of the sweet tasting black root. Its medicinal powers lie in the yellow core of the root which has a mild licorice-like taste.

The Astragalus genus consists of some 2000 species of the legume family Fabaceae including milk vetch, locoweed and goat’s thorn. However, only two of these species, Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are generally used for health purposes. These are native to the North and East of China, Mongolia and Korea.

So if you are going to use it, don’t go picking a local common variety and making your own preparations, since toxicity between species varies, and possible side effects are unpredictable. Stick to commercially available supplements which may also be labelled bei qi, huang qi or ogi, hwanggi.

Astragalus extracts and supplements are now quite common in the drug stores. Astragalus is usually taken in combination with other herbal supplements in a chinese soup.

Properties:

Astragalus contains numerous active compounds, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, and various amino acids and trace minerals.

Flavonoids are potent antioxidants that protect the cells from free radical damage caused by unstable molecules.

The polysaccharides found in this herb have the ability to boost infection-fighting white blood cell production and spur the activity of killer T cells.

Health Benefits:

China used astragalus root for thousands of years as a tonic herb to strengthen qi –which means to strengthen the body’ life force and protective energy. In the Western world, strengthening qi means to strengthen or bolster the immune system.

Astragalus is touted for its ability to give the immune system a powerful boost. It is used to stimulate the immune system, strengthen digestion, and increase metabolic activity.

Scientific research has found that astragalus root is effective against several chronic diseases such as diabetes, stomach ulcers, cancer, and high blood pressure.

With mild anti bacterial, anti viral and anti inflammatory properties, the herb appears to benefit the immune system and respiratory tracts.

Astragalus appears to work by stimulating the immune system. It has antioxidant effects that inhibit free radical production. In the body, free radicals damage cells and are linked to many health problems associated with aging.

As an adaptoge with anti oxidant benefits, Astragalus root may well help the body fight the effects of various stresses.

It’s also benefit for cancer sufferers, helping to speed recovery after chemotherapy.

Cautions:

Pregnant or nursing women should not use astragalus root. It is advised that anyone on prescription medications, or women that are pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before taking any herbal or dietary supplements.

Very high doses may suppress the immune system. So you should avoid using astragalus if you are taking immune-suppressing drugs.

If you have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or another condition known as an “autoimmune disease,” you should not use astragalus root.