The herb astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus or Huang Qi) is the root of a twining leguminous perennial plant that is native to northern China and Mongolia.
The astragalus root is primarily used in the treatment of physical exhaustion. For centuries, Chinese herbalists have used the astragalus root to treat "every sort of wasting or exhausting disease." The Astragalus remedy seems to work best when it is used with Korean ginseng.
- Astragalus should not be used by people taking blood thinners or other cardiac medication except under a doctor's supervision.
- The main use of the astragalus is in the form of a classic energy tonic. It can be used to improve recovery times and reduce side-effects in cancer patients.
- When used as a vasodilator, a substance which encourages blood to flow to the skin surface, astragalus is used to rectify cases of excessive sweating, night sweats, persistent thirst, and fluid retention.
- While not used for the treatment of acute illnesses, astragalus is believed to be useful for treating viral infections, including those that cause the common cold and flu.
- It is used to reduce blood loss in women with menstrual difficulties and to speed recovery after childbirth.
- improves adrenal gland and digestive function.
- strengthens and boosts the immune system by improving the ability of the macrophages (type of white blood cells) to fight and devour bacteria, fungi and viruses and is also thought to promote the production of interferon in the body.
- improves sperm motility (spontaneous motion), as well as
- reducing high blood pressure
- helps to improve circulation after a heart attack
- relieves angina pain
- to treat bladder infections caused by Proteus bacteria
- of value in fighting the formation of kidney stones
- in patients with diabetes it is used to improve not only blood flow but also helps improve fasting blood sugar levels.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
