25301

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:05
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Astragalus, Radix Astragali, Huangqi

  • Botanical Name

    Astragalus membranaceus Also known as Astragalus propinquus schischkin

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 40mL weekly

Astragalus has been studied extensively for its effect on the immune system. It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of common respiratory illnesses and bolster immune system activity in general. Astragalus can help build and restore overall health by slowly nourishing the body deeply over time. This makes it the perfect herb to support the immune system during the winter months. 

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Astragalus and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Astragalus has a long history of medicinal use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is one of the most popular herbal medicines worldwide. The Chinese name huangqi is the symbol of the Yellow Emperor (a cultural hero who wrote an ancient treatise on health and disease), referring to the yellow root and its status as one of the most popular and important qi (life force) tonifying herbs in TCM. In TCM astragalus has been used for the treatment of general weakness, chronic illness and to increase overall vitality and as a tonic to build stamina. Ancient Chinese texts record the use of astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood and Qi.

  • Actions

    Immunomodulator, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, diuretic, cardioprotective, adaptogen, antibacterial, antiviral.

  • Indications

    •    Immune system dysfunction (for treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as frequent colds and influenza, bronchitis, Herpes simplex and HIV, Lyme disease (but not late stage), - adjunctive cancer treatment, allergic rhinitis)
    •    General prevention of infection and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease, increasing vitality, stamina and endurance (e.g. athletes), fatigue, anaemia, weak limbs
    •    Enhancing cardiac function, angina, hypertension, oedema
    •    Hepatitis
    •    Asthma
    •    Prolapsed organs
    •    Chronic diarrhoea
    •    Abnormal uterine bleeding
    •    Diabetes mellitus

  • Energetics

    Sweet, warming and moist.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    Safety is unknown although no evidence of foetal damage has been reported in animal studies. There were no reported safety concerns in a trial of pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    As per TCM, it is avoided when there are heat signs or yin deficiency signs. It is often said that astragalus is contraindicated in acute infection however if someone is sick, and also exhibits symptoms of weakness, it might be used to strengthen the person’s reserves to boost them towards wellness. It is contraindicated for some in certain kinds of late-stage Lyme disease.

  • Drug Interactions

    Avoid with those on immunosuppressive drugs and transplanted organs. Caution advised with lithium.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Reishi, Siberian Ginseng, Withania