Remedies Using Astragalus Root - Astragalus Membranaceus

Astragalus root is a Chinese herb that comes from the astragalus membranaceus plant. It is also known as milk vetch and locoweed. The Chinese call it huang qi and have used astragalus as a folk medicine for at least 2000 years.

Some of the compounds present in astragalus are amino acids, flavonoids, polyphenols and minerals such as selenium. Astragalus has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic and anti inflammatory properties. It also acts as a mild diuretic and is a natural immune booster.

As an antioxidant, it stops free radicals from causing cellular damage. Its adaptogenic activity helps the body fights the effects of stress. Its antiviral properties strengthen the immune system. As a diuretic agent, astragalus prevents water retention by getting rid of excess fluid from the body.

One of the benefits of taking astragalus root is its ability to improve the functions of the spleen. The spleen cleanses the blood by removing bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances. When the spleen is healthy, it is able to break down old red blood cells and recycle them to form new red blood cells or remove them.

A report published on the ncbi website showed that astragalus has the potential to reduce fatigue. This conclusion was based on an eight week experiment that was conducted on twelve athletes who were administered with astragalus extract.

The active compounds present in astragalus assist in the production of an antiviral protein called interferon. One of the important functions of the interferon is to prevent virus from replicating and causing further damage to the body.

Studies revealed that the negative effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments on cancer patients were reduced when they were given astragalus extract. Other studies revealed that astragalus has the potential to prevent the spread of malignant cancer cells and also speed up recovery as well as increase survival rate of cancer patients.

Patients with HIV will benefits from taking astragalus supplement because it may help fight the HIV virus that causes AIDS. This statement is based on a report published in the journal of immunology.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has made a study on the effect of flavonoids present in astragalus on liver damage. On conclusion of the study on mice, the researchers concluded that astragalus root has the potential to protect the liver from hepatic damage.

The TCM Hospital of Langfang City in China did a clinical study using astragalus extract in treating chronic aplastic anemia on sixty patients. The conclusion was that astragalus has the ability to promote hemopoietic function or the formation of blood or blood cells in the body. Astragalus supports the absorption and circulation of iron from foods.

Astragalus is also used to maintain heart health. It has the ability to lower blood pressure and prevent or treat symptoms of heart diseases.

Its antibacterial and antiviral properties help in the prevention of infections such as fever, the common cold and flu.

This anti-inflammatory herb is used as a remedy to treat inflammation and upper respiratory tract infections such as asthma, laryngitis, sinus infections and pharyngitis which is the infection of the throat.

There are several ways to include astragalus into your diet. You can purchase astragalus powder and add it to your food and beverages. You can make astragalus tea from the whole and dried roots. Astragalus extract is also available in the form of capsules, liquid extract, tonic, tablets and root tea.

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