Description

Common name: Astragalus root, Huang qi, yellow leader

Parts used: Root

Traditional use: Immune enhancing, tonic

Constituents: Astragalosides and other immunostimulant polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, and trace minerals, especially selenium.

Actions: Adaptogens, AntiCancer, AntiViral, Depurative, Hypotensive, Immunostimulant, Nervine

Medicinal use: Astragalus is especially useful for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory tract and heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body

Cautions: Not advisable in acute infections. People who take warfarin should avoid astragalus because of the potential for bleeding. A class of high blood pressure medication known as beta-blockers may be less effective when taken with Astragalus, have caution with any immuno suppressive drugs

Dosage & forms: Powder is mildly sweet and may be sprinkled on food or whipped into a shake or smoothie. Tincture can be taken in smoothies or directly up to a maximum of 30-60ml per week.

Folk-lore: Astragalus is one of the 50 fundamental herbs and is used in numerous Chinese prescriptions in fu-zheng therapy. Fu-zheng refers to treating disease by either enhancing or promoting the defense mechanism or normalizing the central energy. It is considered sweet and mildly warm, tonifying of the qi.