The root of the astragalus plant is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, it’s made its way into alternative western medical practices and is said to have a number of health benefits.
What is a Root?
A root is the part of a plant that generally lies below the soil, although it can be found above ground. It is more accurately defined as the part of the plant that bears no foliage. Roots serve four major functions for plants; they absorb water and nutrients, fixate the plant to the ground, store plant food and nutrients, and prevent the erosion of soil. The roots of also control how fast the shoots of a plant can grow. Traditional and modern medicine has often found many medicinal and health benefit qualities within the root of various plants around the world.
About the Astragalus Root
The root of astragalus membranaceous, an herb commonly found in China and Mongolia, is often used in medicine. The root is long and bendable, and can become as thick as a human index finger. The herb’s root is covered with thick brown-yellow skin with tiny white hairlike sprouts. The interior is woody and yellow-white in color. The root is generally harvested when the plant has reached 4 years of age. It is considered one of the 50 essential herbs with a taste similar to that of liquorice.
Discovery of Chinese Medicinal Practices
The founder of herbal medicine, Emperor Shennong, authored a book entitled Shennong pen Ts’ao ching of China, otherwise translated as Great Herbal. Written around 2700 BCE, this medical composition details 365 herbs used within traditional Chinese medicine. This compilation was the foundation for future medicinal herb studies and manuals. Shennong was also known as the “emperor of 5 grains,” and was well versed in agricultural practices. His name translates to the “Divine Farmer.”
What Is Qi (Chi)?
Astragalus is said to invigorate the various types of qi, pronounced “chee”, found within the body. The term stems from Taoism and is used to describe life force. Christians often describe this concept as the “Holy Spirit.” Scientifically explained, qi is the manifestation of how molecules vibrate as pure energy within the universe, changing from one shape to the next. Qi moves according to a flow, similar to that of a river, and thus can become blocked or constricted. Certain herbs and practices help qi flow more naturally.
Forms of Ingestion
Astragalus root can be used in various combinations of products. However, extracts of the root are most commonly taken in the form of tea, tincture, capsules, or as a food additive. For tea, two to three ounces of extract are used. Patients generally drink the tea throughout the day. Capsules can be taken three times a day, like immunity vitamins. Astragalus can be used as a base broth for soups or added to rice for meals. Tinctures of astragalus root extract are generally mixed with alcohol at a 5:1 ratio with patients taking about 30-60 drops up to four times a day.
Minerals and Compositions
The root contains high amounts of both crude and dietary fiber. Additionally astragalus also contains the minerals zinc, iron, magnesium, and silicon. Because of these compounds, astragalus is generally used with conditions that limit energy, such as chronic fatigue. Astragalus may also be used to treat damage to internal organs, anemia, viral infections, and various common illnesses. The root is also used to prevent cancer.
Astragalus root is a great herbal extract for promoting vitality and health. If you’re interested in an all-around vitamin replacement, consider taking astragalus. Check out the more in depth article i wrote on the benefits of astragalus root.
