Astragalus

(Astragalus membranaceus)

This is a non naive species. There are many other species in the Astragalus genus which are native to this country, but they are not used interchangeably, and are for the most part highly toxic.

Other Names:
Huáng qí (in Chinese medicine), Mongolian milkvetch

Range:


Family:
Fabaceae - Pea Family

Parts Used:
Root

Culinary Uses:
Roots can be sliced and simmered in stews, soups, and broths.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Energetics
Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
An extract from the root has been shown to boost and restore the immune system. Studies have shown it to even help restore the immune system of people who have undergone chemotherapy. In traditional Chinese medicine it is often to protect and invigorate the immune system, liver, and cardiovascular system. There is also evidence that it is effective at treating breast cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, the common cold, upper respiratory infections, and fibromyalgia. This is an excellent plant to have in your arsenal.

Conditions Treated: Proven By Scientific Studies
The following is a list of medical conditions treated using this plant, and links to scientific studies demonstrating said use.

Amenorrhea: He, Z. P., D. Z. Wang, L. Y. Shi, and Z. Q. Wang. "Treating amenorrhea in vital energy-deficient patients with angelica sinensis-astragalus membranaceus menstruation-regulating decoction." Journal of traditional Chinese medicine= Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan 6, no. 3 (1986): 187-190.
Carcinoma: Miraj, Sepide, Sara Kiani, and S. Kiani. "Astragalus membranaceus: A review study of its anti-carcinoma activities." Der pharmacia lettre 8, no. 6 (2016): 59-65.
Colds: Jin, Mingliang, Ke Zhao, Qingsheng Huang, and Peng Shang. "Structural features and biological activities of the polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus." International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 64 (2014): 257-266.
Diabetes: Agyemang, Kojo, Lifeng Han, Erwei Liu, Yi Zhang, Tao Wang, and Xiumei Gao. "Recent advances in Astragalus membranaceus anti‐diabetic research: Pharmacological effects of its phytochemical constituents." Evidence‐based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013, no. 1 (2013): 654643.
Primary Immunodeficiency: Cho, William Chi Shing, and Kwok Nam Leung. "In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus." Journal of ethnopharmacology 113, no. 1 (2007): 132-141.

Medicinal Actions:
Adaptogen,  Antioxidant,  Antiviral,  Anti-Hypertensive,  Depurative,  Immunostimulant,  Nervine,  Stomachic