Astragalus
Species Name: Astragalus has a number of different species with its genus.
Also known as: Huang-qi, Milk-Vetch Root.
The many different species of astragalus make it a plant with a variety of medicinal uses including that of an immune system booster.
In that capacity, it is capable of helping the body fight off infection even for those people who have a compromised immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or afflicted with genetic immuno-deficient conditions.
Astragalus is a perennial plant that grows to approximately sixteen inches in height. It is native to the northern and eastern parts of China and Mongolia.
Its hairy stem includes leaves made of twelve to eighteen leaflets. The root is not customarily harvested on plants under four years old.
Home Remedies using Astragalus:
Benefits of Astragalus:
Astragalus has a history as a medicinal root that goes back thousands of years for increasing urine output, lowering blood pressure, and increasing endurance.
In clinical settings, it is primarily used for digestive disorders such as diarrhea, gas and bloating and excessive phlegm production. It is also used because of its immune boosting properties, especially to prevent and treat the common cold and chronic hepatitis.
In the United States, this herb has been under investigation as a possible treatment for immune system deficiencies that develop because of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Astragalus supplements are showing a tendency to speed recovery and extend the life expectancy of cancer patients; however, research is inconclusive regarding its use in AIDS patients.
Chinese researchers have found some evidence to support its potential antioxidant benefits in people who have severe forms of heart disease.
Uses of Astragalus:
- Anemia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Common cold
- Diarrhea
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastritis
- Viral hepatitis
- Flu
- Peptic ulcer
- Wounds
- Persistent infection
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Multiple allergies
- Shortness of breath
- Side effects of chemotherapy such as fatigue or loss of appetite
- Uterine bleeding
- Prolapsed uterus
- Capsules
- Injectable form in clinical or hospital settings
- Ointments for topical use
Side Effects of Astragalus:
There are no known side effects, but if you have any condition for which you are being treated, you should definitely check with your health care provider before starting any regiment of herbal treatments.
Some herbal treatments reduce or increase the effects of medications you may already be taking, so your doctor needs to be made aware of any herbal treatments you are considering.
