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Amber's Organics LLC Newsletter. >
Herb of the day - Astragalus
Herb of the day - Astragalus
Sep 5, 2025
Astragalus: Modern Uses, Benefits, and Growing Guide
Efficient Overview for Today’s Gardener and Herbal Enthusiast
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a herbaceous perennial in tropical regions, grown as an annual in temperate climates. Start seeds indoors and transplant outdoors, similar to tomatoes. Note: Astragalus is sensitive to cold.
Traditional and Modern Medicinal Uses
Astragalus has been valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for millennia, often combined with other herbs to boost resilience against disease. Today, it’s recognized globally as an adaptogen—supporting the body in coping with physical, mental, and emotional stress.
Key benefits include:
· Strengthening immune response
· Supporting recovery from colds and upper respiratory infections
· Antioxidant protection against cellular damage
· Supporting heart and liver health
· Managing blood pressure and blood sugar
· Reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria and viruses
Recent research highlights Astragalus’s immune-boosting potential, including applications for people recovering from chemotherapy or radiation. Some studies suggest benefits for heart disease, while research on AIDS remains inconclusive.
Plant Description
Astragalus is native to northern and eastern China, Mongolia, and Korea. The plant reaches 16–36 inches tall, with hairy stems and compound leaves (12–18 pairs of leaflets). The medicinal root is harvested from plants about four years old.
Parts Used
Dried roots are the primary medicinal part and are available in various forms.
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Traditionally used for:
· Adaptogen (stress protection)
· Colds, flu, persistent infections
· Chronic fatigue, anemia
· Asthma, multiple allergies
· Digestive complaints (diarrhea, gas, bloating)
· Fatigue from chemotherapy
· Wound healing (topical use)
· Heart, kidney, and liver support
· Stomach ulcers
Available Forms
· Tinctures (liquid extracts)
· Capsules, tablets (standardized and non-standardized)
· Injectable extracts (in clinical settings, mainly in Asia)
· Topical ointments (wound care)
How to Take Astragalus
For Children
Astragalus may support immunity, but avoid use during fever. Dosage should be adjusted to body weight—typically, a child’s dose is proportional to adult dosage (based on a 150 lb/70 kg adult). Consult a professional for long-term use.
For Adults
Common doses: 1–25 g/day. Standardized extract: 250–500 mg, three to four times daily. Decoction: 3–6 g of root per 12 oz water, up to three times daily. Powdered root: 500–1,000 mg, three or four times daily. Topical ointment: 10% Astragalus. Tincture: 3–5 mL, three times daily.
Higher doses may suppress immunity—use as directed.
Safety and Precautions
Astragalus is generally safe at recommended doses, but may interact with some herbs and prescription drugs, especially immune-suppressing medications (e.g., cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids). Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Modern Update
Emerging research continues to validate and broaden Astragalus’s health benefits, especially as an adaptogen and immune supporter. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are under investigation for chronic disease applications. Astragalus supplements are now widely available and standardized for safety and efficacy.
Growing Information
Astragalus seeds require a warm start indoors; transplant after last frost. Mature plants are harvested for roots after four years.
Each packet contains approximately 30 seeds.
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