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Astragalus Membranaceus
Contributor: Admin
Name
Milk-Vetch Root and Huang-qi are both common names for the Astragalus herb (Astragalus membranaceus). Milk-Vetch Root refers specifically to the astragalus species grown in the United States.
Herb Overview
In herbalist terminology, astragalus is an adaptogen. This means that it serves to balance a body’s functions. Boosting stamina, lowering Blood pressure, and aiding the discharge of urine are the uses to which this herb was put in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, astragalus has proven through more than one research to positively aid the immune system and is now used in Western medicinal practice to prevent viral invasions (such as the common cold) and other chronic ailments like hepatitis. Clinical practitioners use the herb to treat gas, Diarrhea and other problems related to the digestive tract. Given astragalus’ immune enhancing properties, a fair amount of research has been undertaken to determine whether or not the herb can benefit patients undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy. The results of these studies demonstrated that supplemental doses of astragalus tend to speed recovery and increase life expectancy. In fact, the patients involved in the study exhibited a two to threefold increase in the vitality of their immune system. Research on whether not astragalus can benefit people with HIV/AIDS is, as of yet, inconclusive. A number of studies have also revealed the benefits of astragalus for individuals with heart conditions. The herb, as it turns out, has an anti-oxidant effect that both relieves symptoms of Heart disease and improves the vitality of the heart. In addition to this already varied catalogue of applications astragalus can be effective in treating problems with the spleen, kidney inflammation, and prolapsed syndromes, i.e. prolapsed anus, Uterus, or stomach. The herb, as part of its infection fighting capacity, also helps the body to discharge pus. With no clinically identified side-effects and so many beneficial qualities, astragalus can be an invaluable herbal supplement or treatment for many individuals.
Herb Description
The plant itself is a member of the pea family, is perennial, and grows on average to a height of 16 inches. A fuzzy stem is a characteristic feature of the astragalus plant. Pairs of leaflets are another; a single astragalus leaf is composed of around 12 to 18 such leaflets. Astragalus is indigenous to northeastern China and portions of Mongolia, and it is there the benefits of the herb were first identified. Generally an astragalus plant is allowed to age for four years before harvest of the root, which is then dried and used medicinally, although sometimes the leaves and flowers are used in conjunction with the root. This is especially the case in pre-packaged herbal teas featuring astragalus as the featured ingredient. It is difficult to overstate the extent to which this herb has been employed medicinally. Some researchers, such as Rob McCaleb of the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colorado, indicate astragalus has served the Chinese for over 4,000 years to boost the immune system. In fact, some Chinese keep astragalus in their water containers so as to imbibe its positive effects on a perpetual and ongoing basis.
Herb Make-Up
Astragalus contains a number of medically active compounds, glycosides, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, flavonoid, alkaloid, choline, betaine, folic Acid, amino acids, mucoitin, gum, cellulose, picrorhiza, rumatakenin, [[beta]]-sitosterol, and fourteen trace elements such as selenium, Zinc, and iron. The polysaccharides are the constituents most responsible for astragalus’ immune boosting powers.
Types Available
Medical uses of astragalus traditionally include the treatment of cold and Flu symptoms, infection, Fever, night sweat, Asthma, fatigue, allergies, lack of appetite, ulcers, wounds, anemia, uterine Bleeding, prolapsed Uterus, and of course the heart and digestive ailments described above. Astragalus comes in a number of forms: capsules for oral ingestion, ointments for topical use, and injections to be administered by a clinic. Astragalus can be taken by children and adults. Pediatric use of astragalus, however, requires some precautions. It is not advisable to give astragalus to a feverish child. Furthermore, the dose must be adjusted relative to the child’s weight. Herb dosage is typically assumed for an adult of approximately 150 pounds so that a child of one-third or one-half that weight will require one-third or one-half the adult dosage respectively. Astragalus, for children, is intended to be taken once a day and even then only for as long as is recommended by the herbalist or clinician.
Method of Intake
For adults there are a number of astragalus intake options. A popular means is through a strong Tea, also known as decoction. This method requires 3 to 6 grams of dried astragalus root for every 12 fluid ounces of water. The root should be allowed to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This astragalus decoction is drunk three times a day. Fluid extracts and tinctures are also commonly used. Both of these involve astragalus in a liquid of 25 to 30% ethanol. Depending on the fluid extract or Tincture the dosage will range anywhere from 2 to 5 milliliters and will usually be taken up to three times a day. According to some studies these ethanol extracts may have a positive effect on liver injury. A powdered astragalus extract also finds use from time to time. Finally, an ointment of 10% astragalus is also sometimes applied to wounds to treat or prevent infection, especially if the infection is persistent and recurring.
Precautions
As stated above astragalus has few side effects. In fact, clinical studies have yet to identify any side-effects. This means astragalus may be safely employed by people normally sensitive to herbal supplements or medicines in general. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should take care, however, to consult their doctor before taking any supplements or herbs.
Interaction Possibilities
It is also always recommended for people taking certain medications to consult with their doctor before consuming herbal supplements. In the case of astragalus, the herb can increase the potency of some antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and interferon. This increased potency may not be desirable and can be harmful. Furthermore, astragalus’ immune booster properties can counteract drugs prescribed to suppress the immune system such as cyclophosphamide, which doctors use to reduce the risk of organ rejection in transplant patients.
