[amazon_textlink asin=’B00K5854B2′ text=’ Yellow Vetch’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’73396ed5-8942-11e7-83f9-47cc27102733′]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B00V2B3KDK’ text=’Locoweed’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a696d8d0-8942-11e7-bd6e-77fe58c9d4dc’]
[amazon_link asins=’B00HMEBD9Y’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e1a7b278-8942-11e7-bee1-71fa9c4e92f7′]
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Family: Leguminosae (legume) – Fabaceae (pea)
Other common names: , Milk Vetch Root, Huang Qi, Chinese Astragalus
Common names: Astragalus, Chinese Astragalus, Chinese Milkvetch, Huang Qi, Huang Qui, Huang-qi, Membranous Milk Vetch, Milk Vetch Root,
Plant Description: The Astragalus plant is native to the northern and eastern regions of China. It generally grows to a height of 16-18 inches and its leaves can be found in pairs. One plant may have as many as 20 leaflet pairs. Only the dried root of this plant is used in medicinal applications. The plant should be four years or older before harvesting.
Medicinal Properties & Uses: Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for increasing endurance and lowering blood pressure. Clinically, it has been used for gas and bloating. In addition, it has proven effective in the reduction of night sweats, allergies, fatigue, anemia, ulcers and uterine bleeding.
Promote resistance to infection, and hopefully reduce the number of colds and flu with Astragalus Root. Oriental herbalists have used it for centuries to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, treat coronary heart problems and lower blood pressure. Many people also use it as an overall good-health tonic to support healthy digestion and to help increase energy levels and stamina.
Astragalus is a genus which contains a great number of different species of about 2000, which involves the herbs, and also the small shrubs corresponding to the legumes family of Fabaceae. It originates from the Northern Hemispherical temperate regions and includes the common names such as the milk-vetch and the goat’s thorn. Astragalus is used as a food plant by some of the insect larvae of the Lepidoptera specie.
Astragalus has significant impact on the medical cures as it is used as a special medicine called the yellow leader which is a tonic herb and falls under the category of Chinese medicine.
This medicine is now being proved to have the ability of improving the immune system of the human body. One of the products used for this purpose is the natural gum of the Astragalus, which not only strengthens the immune system but also increases the body’s resistance to some viruses.
Astragalus is also popularly used in the western herbal medicinal uses. It is used primarily for the enhancement of the metabolism and the digestion with the tonics made from the Astragalus herbs, which is then consumed in the form of a tea made form the plant roots. Astragalus is also used for healing the wounds and the injuries.
The Astragalus herb is also used for ornamental purposes like for example several species of the plant such as the alpinus which has bluish purple flowers and the hypoglottis with purple flowers. They are very well known for their ornamental uses.
Astragalus membranaceus root is the chief energy tonic of traditional Asian medicine. It is a graceful, flowing plant with long stems bearing paired, pointed leaves and purple flowers, the astragalus is harvested for its roots that are white when dug out of the ground but become yellow as they are dried.
The dried Astragalus root is taken in the form of tea, encapsulated or as an extract
Dosage: 20-60 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily. Shake well before using.
Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.
Resources:
http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/astragalus-root.cfm
http://www.herbsguide.org/astragalus.html
http://www.altcancer.com/phyto/astragalus.htm
http://www.herbalfire.com/astragalus-membranaceus-astragalus-root-p-161.html
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.