Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been employed in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is listed as one of the “fifty fundamental herbs” of Chinese medicine. The Chinese name, Huang Qi, means roughly “honored herb for the elderly that nourishes as yellow earth”. It is said to be a strong tonic for Qi (or chi), the life-force of all things, and also increases Yang, the masculine-active-upward energy. It works well with other complementary herbs, but also packs a punch on its own.
Historical Uses
Astragalus (also known as Milk Vetch) was favored among Chinese herbalists as a tonic, which is to say that it was used as a regular part of a health regimen. It interacts very well with other herbs to amplify specific properties. Astragalus was used with Ginseng, for instance, to improve over-all energy and health, but it was paired up with other herbs to treat hepatitis or abscesses more effectively.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Astragalus was used to aid digestion, improve metabolism, and promote the healing of wounds and injuries. It also treated “chronic weakness of the lungs with shortness of breath, collapse of energy, prolapse of internal organs, spontaneous sweating, chronic lesions, and deficiency edema.” (Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, CA ND, 1988) Herbalists also turned to Astragalus when the kidneys had become swollen and inflamed but no other diuretic was producing results (nephritis).
Current Uses and Studies
Astragalus is considered the first line of defense by herbalists for anyone with a compromised immune system. Those who are susceptible to colds, flu, chronic lung complaints, and slow-healing skin eruptions are given Astragalus as part of a daily regimen. The immune-boosting properties are also the focus on many current studies to understand how Astragalus helps cancer patients recover from chemotherapy and radiation therapy so well.
Some herbalists are using Astragalus for an ever wider variety of ailments. The distinct anti-viral virtues are being applied to HIV/AIDS treatments. Its tonic affect on cardiac health is being used to prevent and actively treat heart disease. There are studies being developed to investigate the possibility that Astragalus can help fight breast cancer, lung cancer, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. Earl Mindell reported that Astragalus was even suspected to help prevent the spread of malignant cancer cells to healthy cells.
Contraindications, Warnings, and Disclaimers
Astragalus is considered to be a very safe herb, even when taken in high doses. However, because it is an anhydrotic (stops sweating), it should not be used when fever is already present. Only use the roots of the plant, as the aerial portions are toxic. The native American versions of Astragalus are toxic to animals and are referred to locally as “locoweed” due to their odd affects on cattle.
Do not use Astragalus if you have had transplant surgery as it may reduce the effects of immune suppressors. Astragalus may also interfere with corticosteroids. It has been noted to boost the efficacy of prescription anti-virals. Only take Astragalus under the close supervision of a qualified health professional if you have any autoimmune disorder such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
These statements are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please see your physician or local licensed herbal practitioner for any specific complaint.
References:
 |
