Astragalus
Table
of Contents
Evidence of
Benefits

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Immune
System Stimulant and Enhancer
This
herb has been shown to increase white blood cells production, cells
responsible for fighting off infections. Clinical studies also show
that this herb boost interferon
production by white blood cells.
Another study showed that adding 30 mL of this herb intravenously to
dialysis patients increased blood interleukin
levels.
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Common Cold
Some studies exist to show that taking this herb can reduce the risk of
catching the common cold.
Experts believe this herb's ability to boost
the immune system is the reason for this health benefit.
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 | Asthma / Allergies
This
herb is used by Chinese doctors practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine
to treat lung problems including asthma. I is also used to treat allergy-induced asthma.
It can be helpful in reducing
lung infections and strengthening the lungs.
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Fluid
Retention / Diuretic
This herb helps the body get rid of excess water by increasing
urination.
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Angina (Chest Pain)
Some
small clinical studies seem to suggest that this herb could help treat
patients with angina. Because of this herbs ability to help the body
get rid of excess fluids, it may help patients suffering
from angina.
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Chronic
Hepatitis
This herb protected the liver of the rats exposed to drugs that is
known to damage the liver.
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Breast
Cancer / Cancer Treatment
One
small clinical study showed that this herb combined with the fruit
glossy
privet delayed death caused by breast cancer modestly. Additional
studies will need to be done to verify this initial finding.
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Stress (Adaptogen)
Taking this herb seems to boost the body's ability to fight off physical and mental stress.
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Alzheimer's
Disease
Initial studies report that this herb shows promise in treating
Alzheimer's disease.
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Increase
Sperm Motility
This
herb seems to increase human sperm motility by 46% in semen compared to
the untreated group. In this lab study, the extract of the herb (10
mg/mL concentration) was added to the semen.
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HIV/AIDS
Infection
As this herb can boost the immune system, some experts believe it can
be helpful in treating patients suffer from HIV/AIDS.
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Suggested
Benefits and Traditional Uses
- Adaptogen
(increased resistance to stress)
- allergies / hay fever
- Alzheimer's disease / Dementia
- Anemia
- Angina
- Anti-aging effects
- Anti-bacterial benefits
- Anti-viral benefits
- Antioxidant
benefits
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Athletic performance enhancement
- Burns
- Cancer - Breast, Cervical and Lung
- Cervical cancer
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Chronic hepatitis
- Common
cold
- Cough
- Diabetes
- Diuretic
- Heart
disease
- Heart failure
- Hepatitis
- HIV/AIDS infection
- Hyperthyroidism
- Immune system enhancer
- Infertility
- Influenza
(the flu)
- Insomnia
- Kidney disease
- Kidney infection
- Mental performance enhancement
- Protection of the liver
- Radiation protection
- Sexual
dysfunction
- Shortness of breath
- Smoking cessation aid
- Sperm motility enhancement
- Spleen problems
- Stimulate appetite
- Tonic
Facts
and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What
is astragalus?
There are many
different types of plant in this family but the one that has medicinal
value is Astragalus
membranaceus. This plant is found in China, Korea and
Taiwan.
Astragalus is extensively studied in China and commonly used in
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is also known as Huang Qi.
Chinese medicine doctors use this herb to treat spleen
problems, asthma,
chronic lung disease and shortness of breath. Since it can boost the
immune system, it is commonly used to bring back a person from a poor
state of health, acting like a tonic.
It
is often suggested for use by the elderly as it may slow down the aging
process.
As it possesses adaptogen
properties, this herb is useful for boosting the body's ability to
respond to situations that causes stress.
Astragalus contains large amounts of selenium,
a known antioxidant
that can boost the immune system.
However,
most studies were completed in China and the design of the research
studies are not high quality and many experts question
the meaningfulness of results from these studies.
Side
Effects, Toxicity
and Warnings
What are some side effects of taking astragalus?
This herb is
safe to use even at high
doses. There are reports of side effects such as stomach upset or
allergic reactions to this herb.
Since this herb is often
combined with others, it may be difficult say whether the reported side
effects were indeed from this herb or the others ingredients.
What are some reasons to not take this herb?
Fever -
Astragalus is considered a
"warming" herb so you should avoid taking this if you suffer from a
fever or are experiencing agitation.
Are there any interactions?
Since this
herb boosts the immune system, it may counteract the effects of
prescription immunosuppression drugs.
Dosage
&
How
to Take It
Typically, the
dosage range used is between 1 to 30 grams daily.
Common Cold
- Dosages used to prevent the cold is 4 to 7 grams daily. Asthma / Allergies - Take 500 to 1,000 mg (05 to 1 gram) two or three daily.
Angina -
Experts suggest using 200 mg/kg (or 90 mg/lb) of body weight of the
root extract.
Decoction
- Use 10 to 30 grams of dried root in 1 Liter of water. Drink as a tea
as often
as needed, usually 250 mL (1 cup) three times daily.
Extract
(1:2) - Use 4 to 8 mL daily.
Dried Roots - Take 10 to 30 grams daily. Divide into two
equal doses.
Tincture
- Use 30 to 60 drops up to four times daily.
A dded to soup
- Use 30 grams of the root in about 3.5 liter of soup base.
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Related
Articles and Resources for Astragalus
ImmunityPlus - Natural Remedy to Boost the Immune System
The Complete List of Herbs to Boost the Immune System
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References for Astragalus
Revised: January 27, 2011
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