Astragalus

Milkvetch (Astragalus spp.) is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so much so that it is included in the 50 fundamental herbs in China. There are many species of astragalus, some of which are toxic. Identifying the appropriate variety is important to ensure the safe use of the herb in many medical and health conditions.

Astragalus has been studied for its effect on people suffering from simple illnesses such as common colds to more complex diseases like breast and lung cancers. Though more studies are required, preliminary studies already suggest that humans can benefit from this plant. Astragalus supplements like pills and capsules have made their way into the commercial market. But some other preparations such as decoctions and tinctures can be conveniently done at home. These preparations ensure that you get the best advantages that astragalus roots can offer.

Astragalus is believed to have the capacity to prolong human life. Aside from oral intake, some hospitals also give astragalus via injection or through intravenous fluids. But before taking astragalus in any form, make sure to talk with your attending physician first since it can interact with other drugs you might be taking.

The plant was introduced in North America by the USDA’s Plant Introduction Office in 1925 and has then circulated worldwide. Several studies conducted in various countries also offer an overview of the benefits we can get from this plant. Studies from the United States show that it may help people with weak immune systems caused by radiation therapies.

Where The Plant Is Found

Astragalus usually grows in a place with full sun to partially shaded and dry areas. It prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with neutral to alkaline pH. The plant thrives best in places categorized under zones 5 to 9 of the USDA hardiness zone.

It is also wildly cultivated in Asian countries, particularly in China, where it is used as part of folk medicine. It also grows in mountain thickets, meadows, coniferous forests, and steppes.

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How To Identify Astragalus

Astragalus is an herbaceous perennial. It is one of the members of the Fabaceae or pea family, which is the third-largest plant family overall. This herb grows up to 4 feet or 1.2 meters in height. There are many varieties of astragalus as well. Hence, you need to know which is which.

• Leaf. Most plants in the Fabaceae family have pinnate leaves. However, the astragalus flower only has one pinnate leaf that contains several smaller leaflets. This distinctive trait can help you differentiate astragalus better.
• Flower. Astragalus produces white or pale to dark pink flowers that closely resemble that of the peas, which turn into egg-shaped beans once they mature. Members of the pea family also have distinctive “papilionaceous” flowers. This means that the flowers look like a butterfly. The flowers usually bloom from the middle of the summer to late fall.
• Roots. The fibrous roots have yellow color on the inside. That is why the name of “yellow leader” came to be.
• Stem. The astragalus stem is short and hairy. The raised stem is covered with imparipinnate leaves.

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There are more than 3,000 species of astragalus. Some species are toxic. Hence, you need to be aware of the variety you want to grow if you plan on using it medicinally. Two varieties of astragalus often used in supplements are:

• Astragalus membranaceus
• Astragalus mongholicus

How To Grow Astragalus

Some find it easy to grow astragalus, while some find it hard. To grow astragalus, preparing the seeds beforehand is a must. You also have to ensure that the soil medium has the proper pH level since astragalus is somewhat finicky about the soil’s pH.

Prepare The Seeds

Before you can plant the seeds, it needs to undergo certain procedures. Astragalus seeds are covered with a hard coat, which you need to scrape and remove. Lightly rub the seeds on sandpaper to get rid of the hard coat. This step is essential because it helps with faster germination. But, make sure that you do the scraping carefully and gently. Otherwise, the seeds may get damaged.

Soak The Seeds

Soak the seeds overnight in warm water.

Some others prefer the cold stratification method (intended for plants that need to thrive on cold winter grounds) for at least 3 weeks. In this method, the seeds are soaked for 12 to 24 hours before putting them inside a sealable container with proportioned amounts of sand and peat. The container is sealed and placed inside the refrigerator for 21 days. Check the seeds after the given time to see if they have sprouted already. Some seeds, however, may take up to 9 weeks to sprout.

Plant

After the soaking or cold stratification method, plant the seeds in small pots or seed trays for at least 2 inches deep. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, approximately ¼ inch.

Maintain The Growth

Germination usually takes 3 to days after sowing. When watering, water slowly and deeply. Astragalus thrives better in moist soil, but not too damp. You can transfer the plants to bigger pots once they are a few inches tall.

As soon as the plants are big enough and stable, bring the plants outside every day for a week. Gradually increase the length of time daily. Do not leave the plants unattended for long periods during the first few days they are exposed outside. This will shock the plants and won’t allow them to adjust accordingly to the external factors outside the house.

Transplant Outside

After the last frost, it is now safe to plant the potted astragalus outside. If you have several astragalus plants you want to transfer to outside grounds, make sure to evenly space them 8 to 16 inches apart.

You may opt to keep the plants in containers too. Just make sure that the pots you use are light-colored to prevent fluctuating temperatures. The pots also need to have plenty of room for the roots to grow well.

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Things To Remember

Growing astragalus is easy if you know what to do. Keep these things in mind:

• Choose a planting location that is partially shaded or with full sun.
• Always check the pH level. Astragalus thrives best in soil with pH levels over 7.
• Sandy soil is the best choice for astragalus growth.
• Keep the plant moist, especially during hot summer days.
• Make sure to prune the plant since astragalus is a fast grower and can be invasive if not dealt with properly.

How To Harvest Astragalus

Roots of any age from astragalus can be harvested at any time. However, it is best to wait for a few years if you want a potent medicine. Astragalus needs to grow for 2 to 4 years before you can make use of its root for medicinal purposes. The older the roots are, the more effective they are.

The best time to harvest astragalus is during fall. Remove the foliage and the stems first. Gently dig the base of the stem to reveal the taproot. Dig and twist until a good portion of the root comes out. If you want to keep the plant alive, only harvest 30% of the smaller roots. Leave the main taproot untouched.

After harvesting the roots you need, wash them using warm water. Remove all dirt and clean them thoroughly. Once cleaned, slice and dry the roots accordingly. Store the roots in a dark container with an airtight lid.

What Astragalus Is Good For And Natural Remedies Made From It

Astragalus is one of the most powerful herbs in the world. It acts as both an immunostimulant and immunomodulant. It stimulates the immune system and adjusts the immune response when pathogens attack. This herb is also considered an adaptogen that protects the body against diseases and stress.

Astragalus is also useful in preventing senility in older people. Additionally, few studies suggest the use of astragalus to help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients such as the loss of appetite.

Some other conditions that may benefit from astragalus include:

• Anemia
• Anorexia nervosa
• Blood sugar problems / Diabetes
• Colds
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart diseases
• Hepatitis
• Influenza
• Kidney problems
• Seasonal allergies
• Upper respiratory infections

Astragalus is often made into decoctions and soups rather than made into tinctures. That is because hot water draws out the antioxidant-rich polysaccharides found in astragalus. But if you want an astragalus tincture, you can still make one since other astragalus compounds are best extracted through the use of alcohol.

Astragalus is considered an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, more studies may be required to provide proof of its usefulness in the Western market.

What Parts Of Plants Are Used For Remedies

Astragalus root is the primary medicinal component of plants. When harvesting, you can discard foliage and stems since they do not hold any medicinal value at all.

Astragalus Decoction

Ingredients

• 2 tsp dried astragalus root
• 1 ½ to 2 cups water

Steps

1. Combine water and astragalus root in a small pot. Bring to a boil in medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Astragalus root is hard. Thus, preparing it as a decoction instead of tea is the best way to release its therapeutic properties.
3. After simmering, remove the pot. Set aside for 20 to 30 minutes more.
4. Strain the liquid to remove the roots before drinking.

How To Use The Remedy

Drink the decoction as you would with tea. You can drink the preparation 1 to 3 times a day if desired.

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What Plants Resemble Astragalus

Feature	Mongolian Milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus)	Lambert’s Locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii)
Size	48 inches tall	18 inches tall
Leaves	Leaves have 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets; pinnate	Basal leaves in tight rosettes; 9 to 10 stalkless leaflets
Flowers	Forms in clusters; purple; pea-like	Spike cluster containing up to 25 flowers; pea-shaped; deep pink to purple; ¾ inch long
Stem/Trunk	Hairy and raised vertically	Hairy and leafless
Scent	Earthy and sweet smell	Flowers have a sweet smell like carnation

Warnings And Cautions

• Pediatric use of astragalus should be administered with much caution since scientific evidence of its effect on children are few. Though the herb is widely used in TCM, they have advised not to use astragalus in children with fever as the herb might increase the temperature or make the fever last longer.
• Astragalus should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Some research on animals shows that it might be harmful to the mother and the fetus. So, be on the safe side and do not use.
• People with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and the like should not use astragalus too. Since astragalus is an immunostimulant, it can worsen symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
• Do not use astragalus for a long period as an adaptogenic. Rotate among other adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian ginseng,  Reishi mushrooms, and ashwagandha, among others. Change the herbs you are taking every 2 months.
• Astragalus may also interact with the medications you use. Ask your doctor if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs, lithium and cyclophosphamide.

Astragalus, just like any other herbs, should be taken safely and accordingly. It is important to talk with your attending physician first before starting any astragalus intake.

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