Astragalus membranaceus
Part Used: Dried root
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) belongs to the legume family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a is a perennial plant, approximately 16 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets. The dried root is used medicinally. It is a herb that has many possible benefits, including fighting infection and the common cold, to benefiting cancer and AIDS patients. Astragalus is an adaptogen, that is, it has a balancing effect on bodily functions. It is used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen or tone the body's overall vitality, improve digestion, and support the spleen. Studies confirm it contains medicinally active compounds, including a polysaccharide that stimulates the immune system.
Astragalus contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. It is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic (helps eliminate fluid from the body) properties. It is sometimes used topically for wounds. In addition, studies have shown that Astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it is indeed effective at preventing colds. In traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus is commonly found in mixtures with other herbs, and is used in the treatment of numerous ailments, including heart, liver, and kidney diseases, as well as cancer, viral infections, and immune system disorders. Western herbalists began using Astragalus in the 1800s as an ingredient in various tonics. The use of Astragalus became popular in the 1980s based on theories about anti-cancer properties, although these proposed effects have not been clearly demonstrated in reliable human studies.
Traditional uses of Astragalus include the treatment of the following: Colds and influenza; Persistent infection; Fever; Multiple allergies; Asthma; Chronic fatigue; Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy; Anemia; Wounds; Heart disease; Kidney disease; Hepatitis; Stomach ulcers ; also used to treat general digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
References:
University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/astragalus-000223.htm
Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-astragalus.html
Online Vitamins. http://www.online-vitamins-guide.com/supplements/astragalus.htm
