Astounding Astragalus


Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus

Folklore/Common Names: Milk Vetch Root, Huang-qi or Yellow Leader, Yellow Emperor, Yellow Vetch

Parts Used: Root

Historical Reference
Besides being a literal description of the root, the name of Huang-qi or 'Yellow Leader' signifies its place as one of the superior tonics of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Medicinal Use

Caution: Do not use Astragalus during cold or flu, or when menstruating. Potential side effects include gas and/or mild diarrhea. Follow manufacturer’s label whenever available.

You'll often find Astragalus combined with other herbs to increase their effect. However, the herb is a powerful remedy on its own, and alone is recommended for:

  • Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue
  • Cold Extremities
  • Chronic Auto Immune Disorders including HIV/AIDS
  • Epstein Barr
  • Stress
  • Night Sweats
  • Appetite Loss
  • Mononucleosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Some Cancers
  • Hepatitis

Some Asian therapies include Astragalus as a remedy for asthma, arthritis, and nervousness, as well as an aid in healing tissues and increasing the rate of healing for broken bones. Research is also showing a possibility of use in Diabetes as an aid in lowering blood sugar.

Astragalus' primary use, to enhance the immune system, is partially due to its ability to enhance the interferon response to viruses, and increases the white blood cell counts to naturally boost the body's defenses. In the article Astragalus: The Superior Tonic by Christa Sinadinos, CCH, she says, "Astragalus is one of the herbs included in ‘Fu zheng’ therapy. This treatment is used to strengthen one's immunity and increase one's vital energy as a means of treating disease. When Fu zheng therapy was used with cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, scientist found that it helped to protect adrenal cortical function. In addition it reversed the direction of depressed bone marrow activity and reduces gastrointestinal toxicity. Water extracts of astragalus also restores T cell counts to normal levels."

Like other immune system boosting herbs, Astragalus is most effective when it is used on a long-term basis. While many herbalists recommend daily, others recommend the more standard three week on, one week regimen when taking daily doses. Either way, the herb is extremely nourishing, and can be taken either as a powdered form, or included in daily meals, either including the root in soups (remove before serving) or preparing a cold decoction and using it in place of the water in various recipes like oatmeal or rice. Since the root is extremely fibrous, you might want to place the herb in a porous bag such as muslin when boiling.

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