Our super herb of the week is Astragalus!!!
Astragalus is a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for centuries. Astragalus comes from the root of a perennial plant in the pea family which grows in the northern and eastern parts of China as well as in Mongolia and Korea. The root is usually harvested from four-year-old plants.
Benefits
Astragalus has several health benefits. One is that it is used against heart disease. In a clinical study patients given astragalus twice a day experienced greater improvements in heart function compared to those receiving standard treatment alone. Also, astragalus is used against diabetes. In fact, in China, it is the most frequently prescribed herb to help with diabetes management. Astragalus may also improve kidney function. It has been shown to improve proteinuria in several studies involving individuals with kidney disease. Other benefits of astralagus include immune-boosting, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Some evidence shows that astragalus may increase your body’s production of white blood cells, making it beneficial for the enhancement of your immune system. The Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database (NMCD) concluded that taking astragalus long-term might help prevent colds. NMCD additionally concluded that taking astragalus for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing.
What Is The Best Form
Astragalus is typically available as whole dried slices of root, tinctures, capsules, tablets and tea bags. Traditionally astragalus was used in its dried powdered form or as a strong decoction.
Side Effects
Some side effects of consuming Astragalus may include:
- reduction of the effectiveness of of immunosuppressive drugs
- increase in urination
- may affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure
- might affect the elimination of the drug lithium allowing it to build up in the body leading to serious side effects
Astragalus is a very impressive herb with an even more impressive list of health benefits. It’s an oldie but goody that many still successfully use to this day. Nonetheless, like all medicinal remedies it’s best to consult your physician prior to use.
Have you tried our super herb of the week, Astragalus? Was it effective?
