Astragalus

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What does Astragalus do?

Astragalus is a Chinese Herb that is utilized to tonify the Qi and Blood; increase Wind; and raise Yang. Some symptoms that can be associated with Qi and Yang deficiency are: fatigue, weakness, lack of appetite, frequent colds, shortness of breath, diarrhea, the inability to heal, anemia, and spontaneous sweating. Astragalus is commonly prescribed to enhance and strengthen the immune system. Patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in some studies have shown positive improvements after intake. It has been used to treat chronic reoccurring colds, prolapsed organs (ie: uterus, rectum, etc), and sores or abcesses that will not heal. It is sometime prescribed as a diuretic since it promotes urination. It may lower blood pressure, help regulate diabetes, and improve recovery time from shock, loss of blood, heat attack, radiation therapy, and other disorders... It is considered immune-enhancing and supportive. When combined with other herbs it t may be effective in treating debilitating physical conditions, numbness, limb paralysis, and painful obstruction. Some say it may promote an increase in endurance.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Astragalus?

It is always good to keep your health care practitioner updated on medications, herbals, supplements or other therapies you may be participating in. They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions: If you have been diagnosed as a diabetic. If you have low blood pressure. If you are currently taking medications or other treatments. A tendency towards allergic reactions to other medicines, herbs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Astragalus?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Breast-feeding. If you plan to administer this herb to a child.

When is Astragalus usage contraindicated?

If you have been diagnosed with a yin deficiency combined with heat signs (such as fever, thirst, sweats, etc) If you have been diagnosed with exterior excess. Do not treat skin problems with Astragalus unless it is an older wound that will not heal. Do not treat skin problems where there is heat toxin.

How should I take this herb?

Astragalus can be taken as a tea, tincture, capsules, or extract. However the raw, fresh herb is usually recommended. There are recipes that dry fry or honey fry the herb as that is supposed to increase its ability to tonify Qi and increase Yang. The raw herb is often applied directly to the surface of abbesses and sores. Part of the plant utilized: root.

What should the dosage be?

Dosages are usually based on the individual, severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. See a Dr. of Chinese Medicine for more information. Generally, 9-30 grms. A good quality root should be thick, long, hard yet cotton-like, with few striations. It should be sweet tasting.

What other medicines may interact with Astragalus?

There is a least one study that claims it is highly complementary with interferon therapy.

What side effects may I notice from taking Astragalus?

If you experience any uncomfortable side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Unknown - Astragalus is considered a very safe herb for usage.

What do I need to watch out for with Astragalus?

As with western medicinal herbs, care should be taken with purchasing. Incorrectly labeled products and/or the presence of contaminants, adulterations, or substitutions have all been reported in conjunction with herbal products.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F) unless otherwise specified. If purchasing a pre-prepared product (capsules, etc) look at the expiration date, throw away the unused portion after the date has expired. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol. It should be noted however that though it can make certain herbs more bioavailable, extraction in alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of others.

Can you tell me a little more about Astragalus?

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.), commonly known as Milk Vetch, is indigenous to China. It is well known for it's ability to strengthen and support the body's immune system. The source of it's first reference is thought to be the "Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica" (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) of the late Han period. It is often combined with other herbs in medicinal formulas. In Chinese medicine it is considered sweet and slightly warm. It usually harvested either in the spring or fall after it's 4th year of growth.

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