5 Benefits of Astragalus
Huang Qi, Astragalus Root (Astragali Radix). In Chinese Medicine, it is described as sweet, slightly warm and goes to the Lung and Spleen.
Here are 5 Benefits of Astragalus
It is known for its ability to tonify Qi and blood — especially helpful postpartum and in other cases of severe blood loss.
It strengthens the Spleen and raises Yang qi for those with low appetite, weak digestion, loose stools and those who bruise easily. This is why it is often used in formulas to aid prolapse.
It is also well known for its ability to tonify wei qi and the lungs for those who experience frequent colds, shortness of breath or excessive or spontaneous sweating.
It promotes urination and reduces edema that is associated with Spleen Qi deficiency.
Relieves numbness and pain due to qi and blood deficiency.
Research on Astragali Radix
Astragali Radix, (Huangqi) in China, is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese Medicine. This highly potent herb has played an important role in addressing a variety of health concerns in Chinese clinics for over 2000 years.
According to Mount Sinai, “Recent research in China suggests that, because astragalus is an antioxidant, it may help people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving heart function. At low-to-moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects. However, it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. Astragalus may also be a mild diuretic, meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid.
A 2020 review by Chen et. al, concluded that Astragali Radix promotes the growth and development of immune organs, boosting mucosal immune function, amplifying the quantity and phagocytic capacity of innate immunity, facilitating the maturation and differentiation of acquired immunity cells, and enhancing the expression of antibodies in acquired immunity. This leads the researchers to believe this herb can be significantly helpful for immune-related conditions.
Research has also shown that Astragali Radix can inhibit certain cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, myocardial hypertrophy, vascular endothelial dysfunction, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis nd viral myocarditis. Compelling studies also show that Astragali Radix has been used effectively to treat Diabetes (type 1 and 2). Astragali Radix is also well known for its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, induce apotosis and curb the spreading and migration of cancer cells. Astragali Radix has shown to be helpful in treating many respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as improving the quality of life for those with such conditions. There is also increasing evidence that Astragali Radix is beneficial for nervous system diseases such as cerebral ischemia injury, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases. (Guo et. al, 2019)
Safety, Cautions and Contraindications
Astragali Radix or Astragalus is not typically used as a single herb. Like many other herbs used in East Asian Medicine it is meant to be used in the context of a formula. It is contraindicated for: early-stage sores, skin lesions with heat toxin, an excess exterior condition, yin deficiency with heat signs, qi stagnation, any heat conditions, food obstruction, cold of the lower jiao and should be used with caution for those who are prone to headaches, migraines and third trimester of pregnancy. These conditions mentioned here might not be well understood which is why it is important to be assessed by East Asian Medicine practitioner who specializes in herbal medicine before taking this herb. This blog is for educational purposes only.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM 1/22/24
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Sources:
Chen, Z., Liu, L., Gao, C., Chen, W., Vong, C.T., Yao, P., Yang, Y., Li, X., Tang, X., Wang, S., Wang, Y. (2020) Astragali Radix (Huangqi): A promising edible immunomodulatory herbal medicine Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol 258, August 112895
Guo, Z., Lou, Y., Kong, M., Luo, Q., Liu, Z., Wu, J. (2019) A Systematic Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics on Astragali Radix: Implications for Astragali Radix as a Personalized Medicine Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(6),
Penner, Joel. American Dragon https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/HuangQi.html
Meixner, Makayla (2018) Astragalus: An Ancient Root With Health Benefits, Healthline
Thurrott, Stephanie (2022) Everything You Need To Know About Astragalus, Everyday Health