Strengthening immunity has been the key word in recent months; the use of astragalus root (which dates back hundreds of years) fits perfectly into this picture. Not only is it a mild-tasting herb that’s easy to use in everyday cooking, but its apparently gentle medicinal properties also help protect against circulating germs and can pack a serious punch if and when you can’t count anymore.
It is one of my favorite medicinal herbs and one that I think should be in every home medicine cabinet.
What is Astragalus Root and How Does it Boost Immunity?
Astragalus (also known as huang qi or milk vetch) is an amazing root native to China, Mongolia and Korea and comes from the Chinese pea plant Astragalus membranaceus.
In herbal medicine, the long, thin roots are used, dried or fresh.
It is a sweet, tonic herb with mild warming properties that is often used in nourishing soups, broths, teas and other medicinal preparations such as tinctures, glycerites and syrups.
Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for hundreds of years and has quickly integrated into Western herbal medicine due to its efficacy. In fact, astragalus is among the top 20 most commonly used herbs among practicing Western herbalists.
Astragalus root is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps rebalance the body during times of stress. Astragalus also supports immune function by increasing white blood cell activity and helps protect the heart and liver.
It is considered by many herbalists to be both immunostimulatory, meaning it stimulates the immune system into action, and immunomodulatory, meaning it encourages the immune system to increase vigilance against pathogens or decrease immune activity based on what the body needs .
It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties with a strong protective effect on the heart, kidneys, bones and nervous system.
One of the most notable benefits of astragalus root is its ability to strengthen the lungs and protect against respiratory diseases – which is good to know right now!
In addition, astragalus root is very beneficial for people who suffer from fatigue, sluggishness (low vitality) and recurring infections.
It is most effective when used consistently over the long term.
Personally, I use it as a way to build natural resistance to colds.
Astragalus root does this by increasing the body’s production of interferon, a group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of viruses, which helps protect our cells against seasonal diseases.
Astragalus also helps the macrophages become faster and more efficient, shortening the duration of colds.
There are more than 2,000 species of astragalus roots, some of which are considered highly poisonous. However, no other species is known to possess the medicinal properties that this species has Astragalus membranaceus do.
Personally, I like to use astragalus root during the winter months (or simply when known germs are circulating) to help build my immune system while supporting my body’s stress response before, during, and after an illness – especially upper respiratory infections.
Considerations When Using Astragalus Root
Astragalus root is often used in capsules, liquid extracts (also called tinctures) or as a tea. It can be added to soups, stocks and other mostly liquid cooking preparations to infuse its medicinal properties into your food.
Astragalus root dosage for adults
2-6 grams of dried root per day.
Liquid extract 4-12 milligrams per day.
Carrot powder in capsule form (250-500 mg), taken as two capsules, up to 3 times a day.
Effectiveness of Astragalus
When doses of Astragalus are taken at the onset of a cold or flu, it can be incredibly effective at fighting off illnesses before they have a chance to take root.
It can kill viruses and bacteria and help fight viral infections due to its content of polysaccharides, triterpenoid saponin and flavonoids.
Precautions and side effects
Although astragalus root is a great alternative medicine and dietary supplement, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that astragalus root should not be used in people with a known autoimmune disease, during an acute infection, or during a cold or flu, especially if there is a fever . gift.
This is because astragalus can strengthen the chi (energy) of a virus. It should only be used preventively.
In addition, astragalus is also known to thin the blood and therefore should not be used by people taking blood thinners or before surgery.
Talk to your doctor if you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (astragalus increases immune responses that are not good for these conditions), or if you are taking medications such as cyclophosphamide (if taken with astragalus this less effective). while also increasing lithium levels in the body (not good!) and corticosteroids.
How to Make Astragalus Root Tincture
This herbal formula is super easy to put together and makes an excellent supplement when cold or flu symptoms arise.
It has really improved my quality of life when I felt sick.
As always, check with your doctor before using any herbs, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions, as this herb DOES interact with certain medications.
Making Astragalus extract is very simple, all you need is:
Loving Preparation – Astragalus Tincture Recipe
- Fill your glass jar ¼ full (if using chopped astragalus root) or ⅓ full (if using sliced and sieved astragalus root)
- Then fill the jar to just below the top with 80 proof vodka (watch the tincture closely for a few days to see if you need to top it up with more vodka as the astragalus soaks up liquid – you want everything to be submerged at all times)
- Seal the jar and shake
- Write the name of the herb you used and the date on the label and stick it on the jar
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place
- Wait 4-6 weeks before pushing. During this time you should shake the jar occasionally
- Once 4-6 weeks have passed, strain the tincture through a fine mesh sieve And Cooker the finished tincture in the container of your choice. I usually use dropper bottles of different sizes (½ oz or 1 oz sizes to take to work or traveling and a larger one 4 Oz size for my medicine cabinet at home)
Don’t want to make it yourself? You can get ready-made astragal tincture HERE.
You can also get it in capsule form HERE.
How to Use Astragalus Tincture
For adults: Take 10-20 drops of tincture up to twice daily when others around you are sick to help protect yourself and boost immunity.
During illness, adults can take 40 to 80 drops of tincture three times a day.
Astragalus is safe to use as directed for extended periods of time, so I like to use it all season long when germs are high.
Frequently asked questions about Astragalus root
Astragalus where to buy?
Here are a few of my favorite Astragalus root supplements that you can purchase:
- Oregon’s Wild Harvest Non-GMO Certified Organic Astragalus Capsules Long Term Immune Support Herbal Supplements, 180 Count
- Gaia Herbs Astragalus Supreme – Herbal Supplement for Immune System Support and Antioxidants – With Astragalus Root, Schisandra Berry and Ligustrum – 120 Vegan Liquid Phyto Capsules
- Herb Pharm Certified Organic Astragalus Liquid Extract for Immune System Support – 1 Oz
- Mary Ruth’s Astragalus Root Organic Liquid Drops | Non-GMO | Vegan | 1 fl. oz
What is astragalus root?
Astragalus root, or Huang qi, is a popular herbal medicine in China, Mongolia and Korea. It comes from the root of the Chinese pea plant Astragalus membranaceus, and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including respiratory conditions, fatigue and digestive problems.
Astragalus root is rich in antioxidants and contains beneficial active compounds such as flavonoids and saponins that help promote healthy immune system function.
Studies have shown that this herbal remedy can increase energy levels, improve the body’s stress response, fight inflammation, improve immunity and vitality, and even improve heart health.
What is Astragalus good for?
Astragalus root has many potential health benefits, such as increasing energy levels, improving the body’s stress response, fighting inflammation, improving immunity and vitality, and helping to improve heart health.
It is often used to treat respiratory conditions, fatigue and digestive problems.
Some research has also suggested that astragalus root may be useful in treating conditions such as diabetes, anemia and various skin conditions. In addition to its medicinal properties, astragalus is also believed to have adaptogenic properties that help the body better cope with stressors.
Can Astragalus Increase Blood Pressure?
Astragalus has diuretic properties, which can actually lower blood pressure.
Can I use astragalus daily?
If you do not have any underlying health conditions, especially an autoimmune disease, or are taking certain medications, you can safely use Astragalus daily for up to 4 months.
Is Ashwagandha the same as Astragalus?
Ashwagandha and astragalus root are completely different herbs, although both are adaptogens.
Have you ever made astragal tincture? What do you use it for? Share it in the comments below!
You might also like to read:
Echinacea tincture for seasonal well-being
How to make a simple elderberry tincture?
Usnea tincture – The lungs of the forest
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