Astragalus is an immunomodulator which means it can help to strengthen the immune system and can help the body maintain wellness. Research has shown that astragalus increases the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and interferon which tells the white blood cells to multiply or fight infection. It has been recommended to take on a daily basis. Astragalus has antiviral activity and can help with things like influenza a, herpes simplex, Hep B, Chronic fatigue syndrome (Which I think is because it could fight the Epstein bar virus), HIV, and other viruses.

Astragalus is an adaptogen which helps our body cope and deal with stress. It helps to support the adrenal glands. Astragalus can help rebuild the immune system and is good to use after a long illness or after things like radiation or chemotherapy. A study that was done with chemotherapy and injections of astragalus showed slowing of tumor progression and lesser decrease in the white blood cell counts. Researchers are led to believe that astragalus could inhibit tumor development, protect against the negative effects of chemo and improve quality of life for cancer patients.

Astragalus is considered cardio-protective and a good lung tonic.

Astragalus when taken in high doses can help with the prevention of Lyme disease.

An herb that you want in your house! This is a favorite of mine and one I take on an almost daily basis. Made with organic astragalus root, and organic gluten free alcohol.

Astragalus may be incompatible with immunosuppressive drugs (people who have gotten new organs often take these) and for late-stage Lyme disease (I don’t see this in everyone, but it may exacerbate symptoms for some people)

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), also referred to as “milk vetch”, is native to China, Korea, and Mongolia and is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Chinese medicine uses it for treating weak or deficient conditions. It helps in maintaining vitality and keeping up resistance. In China it is referred to as Huang qi which stands for “yellow leader”. It is such a common herb in TCM that it is listed as a drug in the Pharmacopoeia of People’s Republic of China and is one of 50 fundamental herbs in TCM.

There are many different species of astragalus and not all of them are used for medicinal purposes as some are poisonous and toxic. There are only 3 species that are used for medicine, Astragalus membranaceus being one of them. Sometime between the 1920s and 1960s it became more widely used in western herbalism and is now one of the most used herbs for immune support. The root is the part that gets used.  In my opinion it has a slightly sweet taste – but my family has become quite accustomed to taking it regularly. Some processed astragalus looks like tongue depressors. Astragalus likes sandy well drained soiled. I have grown it in years past and I had a beautiful plant at my parent’s place for a few years before it was overtaken by other plants. I have never personally harvested the roots even though that has always been my ultimate goal.

I have seen astragalus referred to as an immune stimulant in some instances and that is not accurate. It is considered an immune modulator as it helps to keep the immune system balanced by either increasing or decreasing what is needed - so it basically regulates the immune system. Astragalus is great to use for people with auto-immune disorders because it won’t cause the immune system to overstimulate causing the body to attack itself which is what happens when taking immune stimulating herbs. Astragalus can potentially be a problem when a person has chronic (late stage) Lyme disease as it may cause a “herx reaction” (exacerbating your symptoms because of bacteria die off) and isn’t recommended for that reason. Stephen Buhner does talk about using astragalus on a regular basis as a preventative for Lyme disease.  Also, if you have had an organ transplant and are on meds to prevent rejection it shouldn’t be used.

Astragalus helps to support weak lungs and is useful for people with asthma and lung infections. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and in a small study showed improvements with those suffering from COPD.  Astragalus also acts as a liver restorative and to protect the liver, having a hepatoprotective effect. It has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar, acts as a diuretic, and helps to reduce edema and fluid stagnation in the tissues, helps to promote urination and helps to heal wounds like ulcers and abscesses. Astragalus has been shown to decrease cellular permeability, thereby strengthening the cell walls against viral invasion which is important during the cold and flu season. It has cardioprotective properties and has been used to help regulate blood pressure. Stephen Buhner reported that white blood cell counts improve significantly in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who used astragalus. It helps to rebuild your immune system. It pairs well with echinacea and goldenseal for viral outbreaks.

I like to add dried astragalus to my soup and bone broths. I recommend pulling it out after cooking it for a few hours. If it is too small you can just put it in a small muslin bag while cooking it and then pull it out at the end. It helps to add immune boosting properties to your soups

This is a dietary supplement.

For herbal tinctures that are alcohol based you can place a small amount in a cup and put a small amount of boiling water over it, the alcohol with then evaporate leaving you with the healing properties of the tincture still just minus the alcohol.

I recommend that with all the herbal tinctures you start of small in dosing and work your way up to recommended dosage. Some people only need a small amount to notice a difference. 

Disclaimer: Earthly Remedies is not responsible for any individual’s use of our products. Each person’s response to herbs may differ. Consult a qualified health care practitioner or herbalist for guidance.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.