Astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus)
Also know as Milk vetch, huangqi
Botanical Information
A perennial member of the pea family with small yellow flowers in elongated spikes.
Working with Astragalus
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Capsules, tablets, tinctures, bulk herb for teas.
Affects
Known in China as a ‘Qi’ tonic, astragalus is one of the most beneficial immune tonics and cancer-fighting herbs. It increases the body’s resistance to disease, strengthens the digestion, and improves the vitality of the immune system. Astragalus increases the ‘bone marrow reserve’, enabling the body to produce more immune effector cells {such as t-cells}, aiding the immune system in its fight against pathogens. In China, health practitioners prescribe astragalus as a daily tonic. Astragalus is often blended with other immune tonics such as ligustrum.
Astragalus has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Do not take during acute Infections.
