Living Touch

Astragalus, also known as milk-vetch, locoweed, or huangqi, is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many thousand years. It is one of the most frequently prescribed remedies in China. Astragalus is a so-called adaptogen, a nontoxic natural substance that has a balancing effect on bodily functions. It is used to strengthen or tone the body’s overall vitality, to improve digestion, and to support the spleen. It has been shown useful in spleen deficiency problems, such as poor appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue, but also for prolapse syndromes and uterine bleeding. As a herbal remedy, the roots, leaves, and flowers are being used.

Nutritional Content of Astragalus

Astragalus contains polysaccharides, monosaccharides, flavonoids, the isoflavone formononetin, alkaloids, including choline and betaine, folic acid, various amino acids, mucoitin, picrorhiza, cellulose, gum, and fourteen mineral trace elements, including selenium. The antioxidation effect of selenium is 500 times that of vitamin E. Institutions for cancer research conducted investigations which showed that in areas where selenium content in foods is high, the rate of stomach cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer, among others, is low.

Astragalus Health Benefits

Astragalus has been shown to strengthen the immune system, to stimulate the growth of antibodies, and to build up body defense. It delays the aging process, enhances body energy, promotes the metabolism of serum and liver proteins, increases white blood cells and thus the body’s resistance to bacteria, viruses, and inflammation, and it induces the production of interferon. It is diuretic, detoxicating, and it cures kidney disease. It reduces gastric acid, inhibits gastric secretions, and thus helps to cure stomach ulcers. It is cardiotonic, protects the liver, and it helps against impotence and frigidity. Used topically, it speeds the healing process of wounds. Since the 1950s, the potential use of Astragalus for cancer treatment is being researched and it is also being used in experiments of AIDS treatment. Medical scientists consider it as one of the most promising herbs.

Astragalus Products

There are many different Astragalus products on the market. Chinese drug stores sell Astragalus dry roots, Astragalus powder made out of roots, Astragalus extract, Astragalus capsules, or Astragalus as a central ingredient in herbal tea.

Astragalus Precautions

The use of Astragalus during pregnancy and breast-feeding should be avoided. Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis, and Type 1 diabetes should seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking Astragalus. Also transplant patients or any other patients who are taking immunosuppressive drugs should avoid Astragalus.