Benefits of Astragalus

History of Astragalus

There are 1500 known species of astragalus. They are grown for a variety of reasons though most commonly as a forage legume or groundcover. The astragalus species grown in China is Astragagalus propinquus (membranaceus). Herbalists commonly refer to it as huang zi, bei zi, milk vetch root or goat’s thorn.

Astragalus has traditionally been used by the Chinese to treat heart problems, colds, respiratory infections, hepatitis and in cancer therapy. This herb is used in conjunction with other herbs, such as licorice, ginseng and angelica.

The Benefits of Astragalus

Tonics, teas and soups are made from the dried root of the astragalus plant. The benefits of astragalus include the following:

• Improved lung function- used to treat pneumonia, whooping cough and bronchitis
• Improved functioning of the gastrointestinal tract – used to treat ulcers and stomach tumors
• Improved immune response
• Increased metabolism – used to increase sweating
• Reduced fatigue
• Promotes healing of wounds – when applied as an ointment it is an anti-inflammatory and acts as an antibacterial
• Diuretic- helps to remove fluid from the body

Uses of Huang Qi

The dried powder made of the root of huang qi can be used in several ways. Most commonly it is added to boiling water for a tea or soup. It can also be used in an ointment.

• For tea or soup use 6 to 12 grams per 12 ounces of water up to three times a day
• For ointments, use 10 percent dried root to 90 percent ointment base. It should not be applied to an open wound
• In capsule form, 500 to 1,000 mg per day

Cautions

As with any herbal remedy, discussing the use with your doctor can help you avoid unwanted side effects, especially if you are taking prescription medications.

Possible Interactions

The following are known interactions that can be caused by taking astragalus with other medications:

• Antivirals - may increase the effects of antiviral medications such as interferon and acyclovir
• Immunosuppressants – may counteract drugs such as cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids and cause the rejection of transplants
• Diabetes- astragalus lowers blood sugar
• High blood pressure medications- astragalus lowers blood pressure
• Diuretic- can make other diuretic drugs stronger
• Blood thinners- can make other blood thinning medications stronger, which may increase the chance of bleeding or stroke

Locoweed

It is also important to note that the only astragalus species that is used in herbal remedies is the one grown in China. In the western United States another species grows and is commonly referred to as locoweed. Common names for this species include Lambert crazyweed, stemless loco, white woollyloco and whitepoint locoweed.

In animals, especially cows and horses, ingesting this herb causes aggression, fatigue, nervousness, abortion and depression. Locoweed has not been tested or researched for its effects on humans.

Other Species and Uses

There are several other species of astragalus that are considered edible. These include:

• Astragalus boetica - the seeds are dried and ground then used as a coffee substitute
• Astragalus crassicarpus (caryocarpus) – common names are buffalo pea or plum and ground plum; the unripe seedpods are edible
• Astragalus glycyphyllos – known as wild licorice or licorice milk vetch. It is dried and used as tea

Conclusion

The benefits of using the Chinese herb astragalus are many. It can easily be mixed with water to make a soup or tea and may also be added to an ointment base to treat closed wounds. When used properly, there are virtually no side effects. However, it is important to note that only certain species of this plant should be ingested. The astragalus species known as locoweed, which is common in the western United States, should not be ingested because of the neurotoxins produced by the plant.