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Astragalus (huang qi)
Astragalus membranaceus
This page contains information on astragalus and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments, to treat ailments and problems such as cancer, side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and as an immune booster and to prevent and help with liver damage.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Papilionaceae |
Genus and specie |
Astragalus membranaceus |
Huang qi, pak kei, yellow leader and milk vetch.
Perennial plant, native to northern China and Mongolia, that bears small yellow flowers. It has a thick root with a yellowish, fibrous, tough skin that has a slightly liquorice taste.
The dried roots, and extracts thereof are used.
A Chinese herb with properties that strengthen vitality, stamina, disease resistance, and improves the ability to cope with physical and emotional stress.
It contains numerous triterpene saponins (astragalosides I-X, isoastragalosides I-IV and soyasaponin I) as well as polysaccharides (astragalan, astraglucan AMem-P) and isoflavones (calycosin and formononetin)
- Internal use
- Improves adrenal gland and digestive function.
- Strengthens and boosts the immune system by improving the ability of the macrophages (type of white blood cells) to fight and devour bacteria, fungi and viruses and is also thought to promote the production of interferon in the body.
- People with regular colds and flu can benefit from this herb as it helps to build up natural resistance.
- Cancer patients also benefit from astragalus, as the addition of this herb makes some cancer medication more effective, thereby allowing less toxic dosages to be used in treatment.
- It is further indicated for use by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation as a supportive measure to prevent liver damage, as this herb exhibits good liver protecting qualities.
- It increases metabolism and encourages sweating, while promoting healing and providing energy to combat fatigue.
- A Chinese study has also indicated that the herb improves sperm motility (spontaneous motion), as well as reducing high blood pressure and enhancing the immune system.
- It helps to improve circulation after a heart attack and helps to protect the tissue in these cases as well.
- It has been found in tests to relieve angina pain without the side effects of medicine normally used for this purpose.
- As the herb is useful to treat bladder infections caused by Proteus bacteria, it is also of value in fighting the formation of kidney stones.
- In patients with diabetes it is used to improve not only blood flow but also helps improve fasting blood sugar levels.
- In China, the root is peeled and dried, covered in honey and sold as a sweet on a stick.
- External use
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
The herb should not be taken in the presence of fever or during an illness. It should rather be used when recuperating from an illness and to maintain good health.
People taking blood thinning medication, or beta-blocker medication should be careful when using this herb, as it may cause bleeding when taken together with warfarin and make beta-blockers less effective.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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