Astragalus is an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been used in a wide variety of herbal supplement products and natural remedies. One of these blends is the famous Dang-gui buxue tang, which is Astragalus paired with Angelicae Sinensis. Generally, astragalus has been researched for its cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and longevity effects.
The root of astragalus has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as "Huang qi" and is widely used in combination with other herbs as a restorative tonic, immunostimulant, and many others. It is traditionally combined with herbs such as ginseng, angelica, licorice.
What Is Astragalus
The root of astragalus has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as "Huang qi" and is widely used in combination with other herbs as a restorative tonic, immunostimulant, and many others.
It is traditionally combined with herbs such as ginseng, angelica, licorice.
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Content of Astragalus
100 g of the dried astragalus root contain: insoluble fibers (c. 40%), magnesium (500 mg), silicon (2 mg), zinc (0.50 mg), and iron (2 mg).
Astragalus also contains chromium, riboflavin, selenium, phosphorus, and potassium in small quantities. Essential oils, flavonoids, quercetin, and polysaccharides are also part of the content.
Health Benefits from the Consumption of Astragalus
Chinese medicine uses astragalus as an adaptogen, for the treatment of kidney diseases, for the improvement of concentration, prevention of cancer, adaptation to low temperatures (it is considered more suitable for use by young people than ginseng).
Furthermore, it lowers the high temperature, acts as a diuretic, tones the body, and it also relaxes the smooth muscles. It is used for the treatment of tumor diseases, uterus prolapse, chronic ulcers, and others.
What Does Western Medicine Say about Astragalus
In today’s modern world, astragalus is the subject of research primarily because of its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-aging properties.
Recent studies have shown that astragalus increases the production of interferons and macrophages, which contribute to the restoration of normal immune responses, particularly in patients with cancer.
Patients, who are recovering from cancer, have noted the significantly faster recovery with the regular use of astragalus root. Astragalus also helps in the treatment of colds, inflammations of the upper respiratory tract, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.
It is also used for the treatment of arthritis, asthma, some diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular system, anemia and seasonal allergies.
Studies show that the chemical, which is located in astragalus, is able to "incorporate" the enzyme of immortality – telomerase, whose main task is to help extend telomeres, and by thus to extend the life cycle of DNA cells.
The length of telomeres is crucial for the preservation of body youthfulness and prevention of diseases, associated with age.
Health Risks with the Consumption of Astragalus
Taken in adequate doses, astragalus has no adverse and side effects, but it is well to have in mind the following particularities of the herb:
- Astragalus might interact with immunosuppressant agents;
- Do not take anticoagulants or aspirin with astragalus;
- People with autoimmune diseases are recommended to consult a qualified person before taking astragalus;
- There are no comprehensive studies of its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- A lot of naturopathic recommend the intake of adaptogens on a rotating basis, i.e. herbs are better to be replaced after a certain period;
- There are insufficient studies on the effects of astragalus on children, but Chinese traditional medicine recommends not be give the herb to children with fever, as astragalus may aggravate the fever.
What Should We Look For
- Dried and powdered root;
- Tincture;
- Standardized extract;
- The injection form of the herb is widespread in some Asian countries.
Dosage
- Root powder - 2-6 g (in separate intakes);
- Tincture - 20-50 drops daily;
- Standardized extract - 500 - 2000 mg daily, divided into 3-4 intakes.
