ASTRAGALUS (Milk vetch)

(Leguminosae)

This large genus of about 2000 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs is distributed throughout northern temperate zones. A. membranaceus grows in dry, sandy soils in eastern Asia. It is a typical member of the pea family and is closely related to licorice. Several species are used as food and fodder crops and as a source of gel-forming substances. Some accumulate minerals and are used as indicators in prospecting. Those toxic to livestock are known as "loco weeds"; About 100 species are cultivated for their colorful spikes of flowers.

Milk vetches are used both medicinally and as food and fodder crops in many parts of the world. Gum tragacanth is collected from at least 20 species, mainly A. gummifer, which was known and used in ancient Greece. A. complanatus has been used in China as a liver and kidney tonic since the first century AD. The roots of A. membranaceus have provided Traditional Chinese Medicine with a tonic on a par with Ginseng.

Despite the fact that Astragalus is one of the most popular tonic herbs in China, it is not well known in the West. In China the root (from A. membranaceus), known as huang qi, has been used for thousands of years. It has a sweet taste and is a warming tonic particularly suited to young, physically active people, increasing stamina and endurance, and improving resistance to the cold. It is often combined with other herbs as a blood tonic.

(Astragalus gummifer)

(tragacanth, gum tragacanth)

Low evergreen or semi-evergreen umbrella-shaped shrub, hardy to 23f (-5c) with spiny-stalked, pinnate leaves and axillary clusters of downy white pea flowers. Found in upland forests and grassland in the Middle East, and especially in Kurdistan.

HEIGHT and SPREAD:  to 12 in. (30 cm.)

PARTS USED:   Gum.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring or autumn.

SPACING:      1-1/2 feet apart.

CULTIVATION:  Well drained soil in sun.

HARVEST:      Gum is collected from second-year plants by incising the stem base; it is dried for use as a powder.

PROPERTIES:   A mucilaginous herb that has recently been shown to stimulate the immune system and suppress tumors.

ECONOMIC:     Mainly used as a stabilizing and thickening agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and in products such as toothpaste, processed cheese, and candy.

Astragalus membranaceus

(Milk vetch, Chinese milkvetch)

One of the most important Chinese Medicinal Herbs especially for its immune enhancing properties. It is native to Mongolia and northern and eastern China. It is a classic energy tonic, perhaps even superior to Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) for young people. In China it is believed to warm and tone the wei qi (a protective energy that circulates just beneath the skin), helping the body to adapt to external influences, especially to the cold. Astragalus raises immune resistance and manifestly improves physical endurance.

Though a vasodilator (encouraging blood to flow to the surface), Astragalus is used for excessive sweating, including night sweats. It is also helpful in both relieving fluid retention and reducing thirstiness. It encourages the system to function correctly.

Not an herb for acute illness, Astragalus is nonetheless a very useful medicine for viral infections such as the common cold.

Perennial with grooved, hairy stems and leaves divided into 12-18 pairs of leaflets. Racemes of yellow pea flowers, 3/4 in. (2 cm.) long, appear in early summer, followed by pendulous pods up to 6 in. (15 cm.) long.

HEIGHT and SPREAD:  10-16 in. (25-40 cm.).

PARTS USED:   Roots (Huang qi).

KEY CONSTITUENTS:  Asparagine, Calcyosin, Formononetin, Astragalosides, Kumatakenin, sterols.

KEY ACTIONS:  Adaptogenic, immune stimulant, diuretic, vasodilator, anti-viral.

PROPAGATION:  By seed sown in spring or autumn.

SPACING:      1-1/2 feet apart.

CULTIVATION:  Sandy, slightly alkaline, well drained soil in sun.

HARVEST:      Roots (of 4 year old plants) are lifted in autumn and are dried fordecoctions, powders, and tinctures.

PROPERTIES:   A sweet, tonic herb that stimulates the immune system, spleen, lungs, liver, circulatory and urinary systems, and lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

MEDICINAL:    An important ingredient in many traditional Chinese formulas; combined with Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis for low energy and poor circulation, and as a blood tonic to treat anemia, and with Atractylodes macrocephala and ledebouriella seseloides for allergies and frequent colds. Also for diabetes, kidney problems, prolapsed organs (especially the uterus), uterine bleeding, and slow-healing skin eruptions. Boosts and tonifies qi(chi).

RESEARCH:

Research in China indicates that Astragalus is diuretic and that it lowers blood pressure and increases endurance.

Recent American research has focused on the ability of Astragalus to restore normal immune function in cancer patients. Clinical evidence suggests that, as with a number of other herbs, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy recover faster and live longer if given Astragalus concurrently.

KEY PREPARATIONS & THEIR USES:

For anemia, make a decoction with 12g root and 12g Chinese angelica. take 2 cups daily.

For cold and numbness, make a decoction with 20g root and 5g Cinnamon. Drink 1 cup twice a day.

As a stimulant tonic, each day fry 5-10g root by itself or with 1 tsp. of honey and eat with meals.

For night sweats, take 1 tsp. of tincture with water 1-2 times daily.

Herb Database

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