Astragalus is an herb native to northern and eastern China, Mongolia and Korea that includes about 2,000 subtypes. A Chinese variety is the type used most often medicinally. When the plant is four years old, the roots, which contain the herb's beneficial components including flavonoids, polysaccharides, trace minerals and amino acids, are harvested and dried for use in teas, pills and tinctures, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to Chinese medical tradition, astragalus is most effective as a treatment for disorders caused by stress imbalances, night sweats, diarrhea and qi deficiency.
History
A major contributor to Chinese herbal medicine, Shen Nong, categorized astragalus in the year A.D. 100 as one of the most important Chinese herbs, according to website Holistic.Online.com. Astragalus' Chinese name, huang qi, means "yellow leader," which refers to its yellow roots and its ranking as one of the most useful adaptogenic herbs.
Function
Astragalus' is considered an effective restorer of qi, but its primary role in Chinese medical tradition is as an adaptogen. Adaptogens help the body respond to various emotional, mental and physical stressors, while keeping the body's systems in balance. Specifically, adaptogens support the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the creation, storage and regulation of the flight-or-flight response hormones activated during situations of stress. If excessive stress causes the body to utilize the fight-or-flight response beyond its capacity, the adrenal glands' hormone-management function will not respond effectively. Astragalus acts as a support to the adrenals while they recover from overuse and in the meantime the body's systems regain their balance, according to the Chiropractic Resource Organization.
Benefits
Astragalus, according to Chinese medical tradition, balances, or tonifies, the blood, spleen and qi, which are appropriate treatments for most patients weakened by health conditions. As a result, astragalus is often used in larger herbal formulas as a support the body's own strengthening systems while the additional herbs act on the specific health conditions that instigated treatment. As a single herb, often astragalus improves vitality following bouts of prolonged stress. Astragalus is said to protect and enhance the functioning of distressed organs, according to the Chiropractic Resource Organization.
Warning
Astragalus has no significant side effects and recommended doses are considered safe it most instances, however, it can contraindicate with other herbs and medications. For example, astragalus can compromise the effectiveness of drugs that suppress the immune system used to reduce organ rejection in transplant patients. Additionally, no studies have ascertained whether astragalus can be used safely during pregnancy or breastfeeding, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A certified physician should be consulted prior to using astragalus to accurately determine its appropriateness for your health care needs.
Dosage
Astragalus' recommended dosage varies according to its use, but is mainly within the range of 9 to 15 g as a decoction, also known as a medicinal tea. The recommendation for the capsule form of astragalus is 10 to 15 g daily, and finally, 3 to 5 ml of the tincture is recommended taken in three divided doses, according to "Acupuncture Today." (See Reference 4)
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