Astragalus Root: From China to the Western World


by Becky Gormley - Date: 2007-02-06 - Word Count: 950 Share This!

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceous) is derived from a perennial plant that grows in northern China and Mongolia. In China, this herb is considered one of the best for the immune system. According to the Chinese, Astragalus is said to have another effect on the "surface" of the body---that is, it is used to tonify the "Protective Qi," known as Wei Qi in Chinese. This Protective Qi is a special kind of energy, which circulates just under the skin and in the muscle. Protective Qi is a Yang energy.

Protective Qi circulates in the subcutaneous tissues providing suppleness to the flesh and adaptive energy to the skin. This function is essential to life.

An important effect of Astragalus is in its ability to fortify the "Upright Qi." Upright Qi is the energy allocated by the body to maintain upright posture and to maintain the position of the organs in their healthy position in their battle with gravity. As one gets older, or if one experiences chronic fatigue or exhaustion, or during illness, this Upright Qi is easily depleted resulting in the sinking, or "prolapse," of organs.

The western world has only recently become aware of the uses of Astragalus root. Studies conducted in America support the assertion that astragalus root can enhance the immune system. The herb appears to be effective in strengthening immune response in people who undergo radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer.

People who used astragalus root during cancer treatment had fewer side effects and faster recovery time. Astragalus root appears to induce production of interferon, a chemical that is an essential part of the immune system and has been widely studied for its ability to fight the development of cancer.

As an immune system enhancer, astragalus root may also be a promising treatment for HIV and for autoimmune diseases such as lupus

It is used to increase energy, build resistance to illness, increase production of white blood cells, fight bacteria, stimulate appetite, fight fatigue, and combat colds and lung problems. It may increase resistance to viral infections, aid in would healing, and reduce water retention in kidney complications, help to control blood sugar, and may reduce side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Astragalus enhances the function of the skin to eliminate toxins. It is commonly used to help sores in the skin to come to a head and suppurate, and thus to heal more quickly and effectively.

Astragalus has a mild diuretic action and helps to relieve excessive sweating. It is helpful in treating loose stools, chronic diarrhea and chronic or recurring colds. If a cold lasts too long it can cause a general fatigue syndrome that can itself become chronic. Astragalus helps people who just can't seem to shake a cold, by strengthening the immune system.

Roots of astragalus plants that are at least four years old are dried and used for medicinal purposes. As an herbal remedy, astragalus root is said to ward off infections and possibly even cancer. It works in part by helping the skin to eliminate toxins.

Astragalus root contains several compounds that are thought to help strengthen the immune system. These include polysaccharides, saponins, astragalosides, flavonoids and triterpenes.

The active ingredients in astragalus root make it useful topically to help sores on the skin to heal. It can also be used to treat chronic symptoms of colds and flu, as well as diarrhea.

Astragalus root is a mild diuretic, and it can help to reduce sweating as well. In traditional Chinese medicine, all of these uses are attributed to the ability of astragalus root to replenish "qi" so a person who is afflicted with an ailment can regain strength and immunity.

Astragalus root is also said to protect the adrenal cortex, the gland that produces hormones related to stress. It may also help allergy sufferers by strengthen the immune system's response to allergens in the environment.

In addition, the saponins in astragalus root may have an effect on cardiovascular disease. Saponins have an anticoagulant effect that can prevent the development of blood clots that may lead to heart attacks and stroke.

An interesting new area of research on Astragalus concerns its potential as a male fertility agent. Astragalus has been proved to stimulate sperm motility.

Astragalus root can be used safely with few side effects. It is available in powdered extracts, tinctures and teas. The roots are usually sliced diagonally, making them look like a tongue depressor. Generally, the older root is of better quality. One popular way to take this herb is as a decoction: 1 heaping teaspoon of shredded root, or 2-3 sticks, per cup of water, simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, strain before drinking as tea; it is also available as a tincture and in capsules/tablets (following instructions on manufacturer's label). Whole pieces may be added to soups and stews. Remove them before serving. The tea can be used to mix with concentrated frozen juices instead of using plain water to reconstitute them.

Cautionary Notes: Since astragalus root can increase the effects of certain antiviral medicines, people who are taking such medications should consult a physician before using the herb.

Also, astragalus may interfere with immune system suppressants that are prescribed to people who receive organ transplants, so it should not be used by these patients. Because of its anticoagulant activity, astragalus root may increase the risk of bleeding for people taking blood thinners such as Coumadin. Do not take before or after surgery as it could increase bleeding.

Always consult your physician or health provider before starting any herbal treatment. Astragalus is not recommended when there is acute diarrhea; it is not a problem if there is chronic mild diarrhea. Taking large concentrated amounts for a prolonged period, in the form of extracts or capsules, may cause abdominal and chest tension in some people.


Related Tags: herbs, alternative health, herbal medicine, herbal, qi, astragalus, astragalus root, chinese medicing

At http://www.ohiotraders.com/herbs.html we sell Astragalus root slices as well as many ethnobotanical plants and exotic herbs. We offer secure credit card payment as well as Paypal.

Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles

© The article above is copyrighted by it's author. You're allowed to distribute this work according to the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs license.
 

Recent articles in this category:



Most viewed articles in this category: