Chinese medicine values Astragalus menbranaceus root, a member of the vetch family, as a major health-giving, energy-enhancing herb.

Known as a Qi-tonic, it is recommended for chronic weakness, fatigue, low immunity, and abnormal or excess sweating. It is sweet in flavor and very nourishing.

Most of us, who shop in Chinatown herb shops or groceries, buy the dried sliced root. You can simmer a handful of the slices in a quart of water for thirty minutes and have a refreshing, tasty beverage best used between meals.

Recently, I heard some exciting research about astragalus that was news to me: It is rejuvenating because an enzyme increased by astragalus called telomerase prevents DNA strands from collapsing and dying. That way the genetic material in the DNA is not lost. In other words, astragalus helps maintain vitality and life itself in the cells. Here is an excerpt from an upcoming book of mine that gives a lot more information about astragalus.

ASTRAGALUS: Adaptogen, Energy and Immunity Booster

Do you have tired legs, weakness, excessive sweating? Worried about Cancer? Astragalus is an inexpensive, natural energy tonic and a great rejunvenator!

Astragalus (AKA Huang qi, milk vetch) is native to northern China and the elevated regions of the Chinese provinces Yunnan and Sichuan. Dried astragalus, the root of the Astragalus membranaceus plant, is a member of the pea family. Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years as a tonic and an antipathogen. Astragalus is a good source of selenium, an antioxidant and immune system stimulant. The main constituents of Astragalus membranaceus include polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, amino acids, trace elements, and organic compounds. Minerals and trace elements found in astragalus include zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, sodium, cobalt, rubidium, molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, tin, and silver, tantalum, hafnium, europium, and thorium. Organic compounds identified in the roots include choline, betaine, gluconic acid, sitosterols, aromatic compounds, essential oil, linoleic acid, aminobutyric acid, bitter compounds, and asparagine.

Astragalus strengthens metabolism and digestion, raises metabolism, aids in strengthening the immune system, and is used in the healing of wounds and injuries. Astragalus is an adaptogen and enhances body energy. Traditionally it is useful for people with weak digestion, bloating and weak, tired legs. It promotes metabolism of serum and liver proteins, stimulates growth of antibodies, increases white blood cells, and thus increases resistance to viruses. Taken as a tonic, astragalus is believed to build stamina and vitality. Adaptogens help normalize the functioning of various body systems by affecting the action of hormones. Astragalus inhibits gastric secretions, reduces gastric acid, and thus helps cure stomach ulcers.

Astragalus has been traditionally used for strengthening the immune system and helping prevent bacterial and viral infections. It helps increase and protect the number of white blood cells in the body needed for  a healthy immune response. Astragalus also stimulates the adrenal glands, whose functions are suppressed in cancer. Cancer patients who take astragalus during or after cancer treatments tend to recover more quickly from the ill effects of the treatment.

Astragalus has protective and strengthening effects on the heart. The saponins found in astragalus help prevent blood vessels from sticking together and fatty plaques from forming in the arteries of the heart which can block the flow of blood. Astragalus membranaceous may improve arrhythmias, creatinine phosphokinase levels, and cardiac function. Astragalus helps relieve chest distress and breathlessness due to a weakened heart, discourages retention of salt and water, and tends to combat clots. Astragalus may also help reduce high cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure.

Use Astragalus to prevent and/or treat

Chronic weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, heart failure, low immunity, AIDS, night sweats, low adrenal energy, chronic colds or allergies or flu-prevention. Use it with or following cancer treatments and surgeries to help overcome their weakening effects.

Dosage

The usual daily dose varies from 2 to 30 g or more of the dried root; although large doses appear to be safe. Capsules containing 150-500 mg are commonly marketed, to be taken from twice to as often as 8 or 9 times a day as needed; tinctures and fluid extracts are also available.

Letha’s Advice

In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is a qi tonic (enhances energy) used in combination with other herbs. Dried, sliced astragalus root is often cooked to make teas, soups, or decoctions. To make a water extract, cook a handful of sliced astragalus, alone or with other herbs such as ginseng or goji berries, in a crockpot or slow cooker at high heat for several hours. You can drink a glass warm or cold between meals.

Once a Hong Kong lady acupuncturist recommended that I use astragalus and red jujube dates as a wrinkle treatment. Simmer 8 slices of astragalus root and 4 jujube dates in water for 45 min. and drink it between meals. The dates may be too sweet for people who have intestinal parasites. An easier way to use this recipe is to drink 1 dose of liquid astragali extract–it is sweetened with honey–and eat 3 – 4 dates. Delicious qi tonics for between meals.

What Can I Expect?

If you have acne or a very ruddy complexion with blood impurities, astragalus will bring them and blemishes more quickly to the surface. You will need to use a blood cleanser such as neem alternating with astragalus. For example, take neem, or an herbal acne remedy, after breakfast and astragalus during the afternoon or evening between meals.

Side effects or warnings:

Astragalus is generally safe and the side effects are rarely reported. However, avoid qi tonics such as astragalus and Chinese ginseng during fevers. Astragalus may interfere with the actions of diuretics, phenobarbital, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants. Astragalus may increase the effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon. Astragalus may also counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients. Astragalus may increase growth hormone levels. Individuals with allergies to members of the Leguminosae (pea) family are more likely to have allergic reactions to astragalus.

Comparison Shopping:

Cooking the root in water at home saves money. You can reuse the herbs for a second cooking in your crockpot. The liquid can be refrigerated and used for up to one week. Prices vary according to the grade of astragalus root. Thick large, white slices are more expensive, but not necessarily much better than smaller slices available in Chinese supermarkets. For capsules see Vitamin Shoppe Astragalus (500 MG), 100 capsules $5.99; Nature’s Herbs Astragalus Root (400 MG) 100 Capsules List Price:  $8.99 but at Vitamin Shoppe $7.19