17 Remarkable Science Backed Benefits of Astragalus Root

Astragalus benefits are numerous and include the ability to boost energy levels, alleviate allergies, protect heart health, prevent various cancers, relieve chemo side effects and the list goes on. Astragalus, also known for its immune boosting properties has been used for thousands of years. It is known by many names such as huang qi in Chinese, meaning “yellow leader”, referring to color of the roots. In Japanese it is known as ogi and hwanggi in Korean. Another common name is milk vetch.

astragalus-root

Benefits of astragalus root

Astragalus is rich in iron, zinc, folic acid and choline. Its roots contain polysaccharides, triterpenoids, isoflavones, glycosides, malonates and saponins. Astragalus root is a potent adaptogen, which can help the body deal with emotional, mental and physical stress, as well as having a major health benefits for the body. Three important components of astragalus are flavonoids, polysaccharides and saponins. Flavonoids have antioxidant qualities that scavenge free radicals and help to prevent numerous issues such as cancer, heart disease and immunodeficiency viruses.

Anemia- Astragalus helps to strengthen blood vessels and improve the bodys efficiency in delivering oxygen throughout the body.

Anti-Aging– Telomere length in DNA is associated with aging. Shorter telomeres are indicative of damaged, older cells. TAT2 increases the activity and production of telomerase, an enzyme which facilitates the repair of telomeres on DNA.

Anti-Inflammatory-The saponins and polysaccharides in astragalus reduce inflammatory response in a wide range of illnesses.

Asthma– Traditionally used to prevent asthma attack from chronic asthma patients

Colds and flu-Rich with antioxidants to fight free radical damage and stimulate the immune system.

Cancer– Astragalus may have anti-tumor effects, specifically against melanoma and leukemia and gastric cancer cell growth.

Chemotherapy Side Effects Relief-Patients receiving chemo  may recover more quickly and experience relief from symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

CholesterolStudies show that astragalus is promising in its ability to lower cholesterol levels and if proven in human trials would be a great alternative to statins.

Diabetes-Lowers blood sugar.

Heart Disease– Acts as an antioxidant and helps treat heart disease. This 2014 study successfully shows astragalus paired with conventional treatment for viral myocarditis.

Insomnia-Because astragalus promotes your overall health and hormonal balance, consuming astragalus on a consistent basis can help your body get back into a normal circadian rhythm.

Immune System Booster-This study shows astragalus ability to regulate immune responses.

Kidney Disease– Preliminary research suggests astragalus may help protect the kidneys and may help treat kidney disease.

Liver Cancer– This study shares the success of astragalus in decreasing or destroying cancer tumors, especially in instances of chemoresistance.

Seasonal Allergies– Astragalus may help reduce symptoms in people who have allergic rhinitis or hayfever.

Toxin Removal– Astragalus offers support for liver activity and can also help to reduce the effects of toxin overload in the liver.

Wound Healing-This 2012 study shares exciting news about increased recovery rates for healing wounds and prevention of scarring.

diabetes blood test

Who shouldn’t use astragalus?

While this may be beneficial for people with weak immune systems, it’s not a good choice for people who have an autoimmune disease, as it can exacerbate your symptoms. Unless approved by a physician, people with multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes or systemic lupus erythematosus shouldn’t use astragalus. Because it can lower blood sugar, astragalus shouldn’t be used unless under the supervision of your doctor, as diabetic medication may need to be adjusted.

People who have had transplant surgery should not use astragalus, because it counteracts with the drug (cyclophosphamide), which is responsible for minimizing the risk of organ rejection. Astragalus may interfere with the effectiveness of corticosteroid medications and other drugs that suppress the immune system.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should also discuss this with their healthcare provider.

 

Using Astragalus

Astragalus root is available in many forms, such as dried root strips, tinctures, powders, capsules and tablets. It can be taken as a tea, strips can be added to soups and powders can be added to many recipes.

 Astragalus Miso Soup

Incorporating astragalus into your diet

Looking for some ways to incorporate astragalus into your diet? Give one of these delicious recipes a try.

Astragalus Butter

Immune Power Ball Recipe

Immune Soup

Astragalus Chai

Astragalus Miso Soup

Astragalus Fruit Smoothie

 

This article was originally posted at Wake Up World

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My Health Maven offers information on a wholistic approach to healthy lifestyle choices.