It is the stem of the Astragalus that is traditionally used for its medicinal purpose. One of the main benefits of consuming Astragalus is its boost to the immune system. This is possibly because it increases the production of white blood cells. This is one of the reasons why this Astragalus recipe is so useful. During the common cold and flu season you will want to prepare a regular batch of the soup to make sure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of Astragalus. You want your immune system to be at its peak during this period if you want to avoid these troublesome ailments. People suffering from even more severe conditions such as cancer have also found benefit in consuming Astragalus. It tends to lessen the side effects of chemotherapy and also boosts the immune system. This helps to boost the patients weakened immunity system.

If you are having problems with your digestive health you will want to consider adding Astragalus herb to your diet. Because of its role in lowering the acidity of your stomach and its promotion of faster waste elimination it can be highly beneficial to your digestive system. Not only this Astragalus is great as a pick me up if you are tired. It really is an all-round wonder herb and is well worth making a mainstay of your diet. As mentioned earlier however the taste of Astragalus is quite strong so you will want to be careful not to include too much in the soup. Another great thing about this soup is that it includes broccoli. Broccoli is loaded with healthy minerals and vitamins.

The Ingredients for this soup include

How to make the soup step by step

Step One

First you will need to peel the carrot and the potato. You want to make them into cubes roughly 30mm square. Once you have all your cubes collect them in a sieve and wash thoroughly. Then leave them to drain.

Step Two

Now cut up the broccoli into smaller pieces. Again collect up the pieces and wash and drain. Follow this by washing the sweet corn and reducing it to smaller pieces.

Step Three

You will need to grab your pot and pour in the vegetable stock. Follow this by adding the potato, sweet corn, carrot and Astragalus. Let the soup stock come to boil. Then lowering the temperature let it simmer for about twenty minutes.

Step Four

Place the broccoli in the soup and continue to heat, finally add a little salt for tasting before you serve up the soup.

This soup not only tastes great, it’s also very good for you. Make sure that you are consuming a regular amount of Astragalus to boost your immune system and help fight off disease.

Health benefits of astragalus root extract

Huang qi is mainly harvested for its root because it acts as a powerful adaptogen. Its extracts are essential to curing many diseases and preventing various illnesses. Astragalus root extract has been found to boost the immune system, which allows it to prevent colds, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. It can also improve energy levels by boosting the metabolism, thus reducing overall fatigue. It allows the body to burn fat even while it is at rest, hence using fat stores as energy.

Astragalus root extract is also known for speeding up the healing of woods. It contains anti-microbial properties that can heal wounds faster or improve the growth of new skin tissues. Studies also reveal that astragalus root extract can improve the overall health of the lungs as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Scientific evidence also proves that the extract of astragalus root is useful when it comes to dealing with the stubborn symptoms of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

Aside from the traditional use of astragalus, it also has a promising role in treating modern health conditions and serious diseases. Its root extract has been shown to reduce the nasty side effects of chemotherapy by aiding the synthesis of interferon, an important substance that fights against cancer cells. Scientific studies also proved that it can help people who are dealing with aplastic anemia, diabetes, and insulin resistance. It can also aid the treatment of hepatitis and improve the heart health of its users.

Choosing the best astragalus supplement

Now that plenty of astragalus root supplements are already available in the market, you have to exercise great caution when choosing one that suits your needs. Just like other herbal remedies, it also contains highly concentrated active ingredients in which the therapeutic benefits usually reside. These ingredients may lessen or amplify the effects of astragalus root extract so it is wise to consult your doctor before using any organic supplement or herbal medicine.
Although its extract can be safely combined with other medical treatments, it is still best to consult your doctor before using it as a supplement. This herb is also completely safe to use but you have to stick to recommended dosages if you want to ensure your safety. When looking for a supplement, you should also choose standardized extracts over raw root slices or powdered root. The active ingredients of astragalus root extract are easily preserved so it is generally more effective than other forms of supplements.

The recommended dosage for astragalus root extract also proves that it is certainly more powerful than raw root slices or powdered root. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a dosage of 250 to 500 milligrams of astragalus root extract is perfect for experiencing the health benefit it brings. On the other hand, powdered root extract requires a dosage of 500 to 1000 milligrams per day, which proves that the effect of standardized extracts is significantly stronger. Unlike root powder, standardized extracts do not contain fillers or by-products so you can be sure that you are using the purest form of astragalus root.

Since astragalus root extract is processed in such a way that its active ingredients are preserved, it usually costs more than raw root slices or powdered root. However, Astragalus root extract is definitely worth every penny it costs because it can guarantee you with a pure and unadulterated form of astragalus that can surely deliver as promised.

What is the Astragalus Herb?

Astragalus is not a single plant, but rather a genus comprised of 3,000 species of herbs and shrubs. These plants are indigenous to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Classified as legumes, astragalus plants are a pod fruit. They are most commonly called milk-vetch. Other names for this herb are locoweed, found mostly in the western U.S., and goat’s horn. Because these plants are legumes, people with bean and pea allergies are unable to interact with them. Those with compromised immune systems also avoid the herb.

The toxicology of astragalus plants varies between species. The species of plant used in medicinal practices is the astragalus propinquus, and is also known as astragalus membranaceus. While other members of the astragalus family can show extreme toxicity, almost no side effects are found with this particular sub-species. The Chinese name for a. propinquus is “Huang Qi,” meaning “yellow leader.” When preparing the herb for medicines, only the root of the plant is used.

Visualizing Astragalus Membranaceous

Astragalus (A. Membranaceou) can grow to a height of between 16 and 36 inches, and has a slightly hairy stem that branches upward. The leaves on membranaceous are pinnate, meaning they resemble a feather in appearance with two rows of veins sprouting from a center axis point. Each leaflet can be one-third of an inch wide and up to three-fourths of an inch long. Plants grow anywhere between 9 to 21 leaflets. The base of each leaf, the peduncle, is extremely slender and can support 3 to 9 flowers. Astragalus pods are beaked at the tip and can reach up to an inch in length.

The Habitat of the Astragalus Herb

Astragalus is native to China and Mongolia. These herbs are perennial, lasting year-round, and are generally drought resistant. They grow in sandy, well-drained soil and require large amounts of sunlight. Excessive amounts of water or pools of standing water can damage and kill the plants. Generally, the astragalus herb doesn’t like to have its roots disturbed. As such, cultivated plants are generally covered in the winter as opposed to being grown in a greenhouse. This avoids the need for relocating the plant and perturbing the roots.

Medicinal Properties

This Chinese herb is said to increase stamina, strengthen vitality, improve disease resistance, and help patients with coping with physical and mental stress. The most commonly recognized property of the herb is its ability as a vasodilator. In other words, the herb has the ability to encourage blood to flow to the skin’s surface.

Chemical Makeup

The Chinese herb contains asparagine, an essential amino acid. It also contains multiple sterols, the plant equivalent of fat, which play a crucial role in lowering blood pressure. Additionally, the plant contains the chemicals calcyosin, formononetin, astragalosides, and kumatakenin. A large amount of triterpene saponins and polysaccharides are also present within the plant. All of these chemical properties contribute to the plant’s medical uses and effects.

Ornamental Usage

Some astragalus plants are grown for ornamental purposes. They are chosen for decoration based on, but not limited to, properties such as flowers, colors, scents, leaves, foliage texture. Some species used for garden decoration include A. alpinus, which has purplish-blue flowers, and A. hypoglottis, which has purple flowers.

The astragalus herb can be a fantastic plant for promoting overall wellness. If you’re interested in a natural energy supplement or vitamin, consider this commonly used Chinese herb.

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.

Toxicity

 
There are over 3,000 species of astragalus herb. As such, ingesting the wrong species has been known to cause poisoning in animals and livestock. Infected animals often exhibit behaviors such as drooling, running in circles, and staggering. The poisonous species of the herb, known commonly as locoweed, is grown in the western United States and should be avoided. High doses or overdose of the root can also result in toxicity – the recommended dosage is:

1) 3 to 6 grams (g) /day of dried root to half a liter of water (commonly taken boiled)

2) 3 to 5 milliliters (ml) of a 1:2 fluid extract

The recommended daily dosage for children is 1/3 this amount. If the herb has been prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist, stick to their recommended dosages.
 

Interaction with Medicines

 
One of the major astragalus side effects of this herb stems from its ability to enhance the effects of other medicines. Common symptoms of interaction include heart palpitations and frequent urination. The herb can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and the interaction can result in poisoning. High doses of the extract (usually over 25g a day) can also suppress the immune system. Patients should consult a doctor prior to ingesting the herb at the same time as other medications.
 

GastroIntestinal Effects

 
Rare symptoms of a gastrointestinal reaction include nausea, upset stomach, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Keep in mind that these effects can occur with any herbal supplement and are generally determined by a person’s history with tolerance to various foods and food additives. Serious gastrointestinal reactions include painful swallowing, difficulty with swallowing, bloody and black stool, or constipation. Oddly enough, astraglus is often prescribed to treat many of these symptoms which further proves how rare these side effects actually are.
 

Allergic Reaction

 
Although allergic reactions to this herb are rare, those with allergies to legumes, commonly known as beans or peas, are at risk of developing an astragalus allergy. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rashes, itchy hives, swelling of the tongue, face, and throat, and difficulty breathing. Wheezing and shortness of breath can also occur with an allergic reaction.
 

Dehydration

 
Astragalus has been documented to cause dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dark yellow urine, and sunken eyes. Weakness and lethargy are also signs of extreme dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea commonly accompany dehydration and aggravate the condition. It is generally recommended to consume 2 to 3 liters of water a day which will also help to counteract any dehydration side effects of the herb.
 

Hypotension and Hypoglycemia

 
Astragalus has shown the ability to lower blood pressure which is why it is often used for blood pressure regulation, and to lower blood sugar. These conditions are known separately as hypotension and hypoglycemia. Patients should consult a doctor if they feel confusion, dizziness, nausea, or weakness. Blurred vision and lightheadedness is also a possible symptom of hypotension or hypoglycemia. Cold sweats and irritability may also occur. Patients with diabetes should avoid ingestion of the herb.
 

Negative Reactions with AutoImmune Diseases

 
Astragalus root is primarily used to boost the autoimmune system. As such, those with autoimmune disease may be at serious risk of illness when taking this herb. Patients with these conditions will find that the herb aggravates their symptoms. Examples of incompatible conditions include but aren’t limited to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Transplant patients should also avoid the usage of the herb as it increases the risk of rejection.
 

Bleeding

 
Another of the astragalus side effects is the herbs ability to augment risk of bleeding in patients. Persons using blood thinners, otherwise known as anticoagulants, should avoid use of this plant. Those using medications such as aspirin that increase the risk of bleeding also need to avoid astragalus. Additionally, those with blood disorders such as sickle cell or hemophilia should also avoid using the herb.
 

Pregnancy

 
Studies have yet to be conducted to determine the effects that astragalus has on pregnant or nursing women. However, it is better to remain on the safe side and avoid usage of the herb while pregnant or breast feeding. Questions about the herb and its possible side effects should be directed at a gynecologist or prenatal care specialist.
 

Increase in Heart Wellness

The compounds contained within the root, known as saponins, protect and strengthen the heart by preventing blood vessels from sticking together. These cleansing chemicals also keep plaque from forming on artery walls, allowing for proper blood flow. These properties make the root function like fiber for the blood, keeping circulation going and veins clear and open. Astragalus is also rumored to help correct heart arrhythmia and improve overall cardiac functions.

Regulate Blood Pressure

A number of factors contribute to the root’s supposed ability to regulate blood pressure. The root of the herb is said to help relieve chest pains and breathlessness. Additionally, the plant deters the retention of salt and water and helps keep clots from forming within veins and arteries. It may even regulate cholesterol levels. Astragalus also promotes vasodilation, the necessary relaxation of the smooth muscles around arterial blood cells. This critical regulatory process is another part of increasing blood flow and relieving high blood pressure.

Studies in Blood Pressure Regulation

The kidneys help regulate blood volume. As such, their impairment is a great factor in the development of unnatural blood pressure. Several studies in China found that injections of the extract, when combined with another hypertensive drug, greatly reduced the blood pressure of diabetic patients who had problems with their kidney functions. Another study run in January, 2005, showed that daily administrations of extract helped repair the damaged organ in patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases.

Boost the Immune System

The number one reason people have been going insane over astragalus is because of its abilities to super-charge the immune system. Flavonoids, antioxidant chemicals, are just one of the active chemicals that comprise the root. The polysaccharides found within the root boost the production of white blood cells and increase the activity of T-cells. They even promote production of interferon, a critical chemical for producing essential proteins. The result is that the root greatly increases a person’s ability to fight off viral infections and bacterial infection, including cancer and HIV.

Studies in Immune System Effects

Several animal-based studies were conducted to test the effects of astragalus root. One study was conducted where mice were injected with astragalus extract. Scientists found that the injected mice had improved activity of macrophages, their version of white blood cells that fight various infections. Additionally, an experiment was created where several Chinese heart disease and immune deficiency patients were given injections of the herb extract. Surprisingly, the immune system functions of all of the participants improved dramatically.

Reverse the Aging Process

Some early studies suggest that the herb may help stimulate the growth of telomeres. Telomeres are the ends of DNA strands on chromosomes, which protect against deterioration. This means that they help reduce the likelihood of DNA strand shortening that happens as a result of replication. As a person grows older, they lose the ability to create new telomeres as the DNA breaks down. This is important, because it’s this damage and shortening from strand replication that promotes growing old. Put simply, astragalus root is theorized to slow, and possibly reverse, the human aging process.

Other Benefits

Astragalus root extract can be used to treat night sweats for women undergoing menopause. It can also treat alzheimer’s, as the extract has a proven ability to eliminate the artificial memory gaps. The root can also be used to treat diarrhea and stomach ulcers.

Further studies are needed to identify the true benefits of astragalus root. However, the initial findings have been incredibly promising.