Astragalus Huang Qi Benefits

The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back thousands of years. It’s a complex system of whole-body health and wellness therapies that work together to prevent disease and provide relief from a wide range of illnesses.

The techniques used in Western medicine tend to focus on specific symptoms or diseases, while TCM treatment plans take a different approach. They outline a comprehensive regimen of complementary therapies that work together to bring the mind, body, and spirit into balance.

Examples of elements that may be included in a TCM treatment plan include dietary changes, acupressure and acupuncture, and meditation. Often, gentle movement is recommended through disciplines such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and certain types of yoga.

Herbal remedies also play an important role in wellness, both as a preventative measure and as a direct counteraction to health issues. Those skilled in the practice of TCM may suggest standard formulas that combine several of the most common medicinal herbs, or they may customize herbal treatments for individual patients.

Evidence-based research and in-depth studies have not been conducted on most of the herbs that form the foundation of TCM. However, a few have been carefully examined, and research supports what TCM practitioners have known for generations.

That lends credence to the efficacy of less-studied remedies that have the same strong history with TCM practice.

Astragalus, or Huang Qi, is a medicinal root that hasn’t yet been thoroughly reviewed through intensive studies, but those with experience in TCM are confident in its value as part of a larger treatment plan for certain conditions.

Many have seen Astragalus (Huang Qi) benefits first-hand, and they are convinced of its power to support health and wellness.

What is the Herb Astragalus Used For?

As with most herbs used in the system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus has applications across a variety of physical symptoms and conditions. In general, it is thought to serve as an anti-inflammatory agent, and it appears to protect against certain effects of aging.

Examples of other conditions that can be assisted by Astragalus include those impacting respiration, such as asthma, allergies, and infections.

Astragalus may also be suggested for immune system support and as a measure for relieving the effects of chronic kidney disease.

TCM practitioners may offer Astragalus to patients suffering from heart disease, and in some cases, it can be helpful for those with diabetes. Under certain circumstances, astragalus is recommended for topical use, as it is associated with improved circulation. This may, in turn, promote the healing of wounds.

Is Astragalus an Antiviral?

While there have not been high-quality studies of Astragalus’ effect on specific health conditions, many of its chemical properties have been carefully reviewed. For example, the dried root contains polysaccharide, a molecule with important health benefits.

In addition to its effects as an antioxidant and immunomodulator, the polysaccharide in Astragalus is a potent antiviral. That may explain some of the benefits Astragalus delivers when used to treat viral respiratory and other infections.

What are the Benefits of Astragalus?

Studies have shown that consuming Astragalus supports the elimination of viruses and bacteria in animals struggling with certain types of infection. That indicates a strong possibility that Astragalus may do the same for people.

In particular, researchers are interested in the possibility that Astragalus can ease mild but disruptive illnesses like the common cold.

Astragalus appears to successfully support prevention and treatment of viral and bacterial illnesses, because it boosts the immune system. It persuades the body to produce more white blood cells, which are specifically charged with identifying and eliminating viral and bacterial intruders.

In addition to antiviral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Astragalus appears to have some success in relaxing narrowed blood vessels. That means better blood flow throughout the body – an important benefit when heart function is weak.

There is evidence that Astragalus may have an impact on tumors, but in terms of cancer treatment, its most important role is around chemotherapy.

In high intravenous doses, Astragalus has reduced the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy for some patients.

Finally, there is some evidence that Astragalus may be helpful in preventing or treating liver infections. As mentioned, it does have proven antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.

Side Effects of Astragalus

The good news is that most patients do not experience any unpleasant side effects during use of Astragalus, particularly when taken orally as directed.

The few that do have some discomfort tend to find those symptoms are quite mild and limited to minor rashes, gastrointestinal upset, a runny nose, and/or itchiness.

Risks of Taking Astragalus

In certain situations, Astragalus is used in larger amounts for more serious medical conditions. In such cases, it is administered intravenously, which adds to the level of risk.

Side effects can be more serious under these circumstances, such as irregularities in heartbeat, so this type of therapy is only recommended under the careful supervision of a physician or qualified health care provider.

Who Should Not Take Astragalus?

Astragalus is a natural plant-based supplement, but that doesn’t mean it is the right choice for everyone.

For example, while there is no evidence that Astragalus is unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, there is also no research proving that it is safe.

Therefore, it is best to pass on Astragalus while pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid the possibility of adverse effects.

Astragalus is helpful in boosting the immune system, but that can lead to poor outcomes for individuals with autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Treatments for autoimmune diseases work by calming the immune system down, and Astragalus can make it difficult to reach that goal. The same goes for any patient taking immunosuppressant medications, as Astragalus has the opposite effect on the body.

While use of Astragalus can provide benefits for patients with pre-diabetes, diabetes, and high blood pressure, people with these conditions should only take Astragalus under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Astragalus has an effect on both blood sugar and blood pressure, which can interfere with other treatment plans.

Is Astragalus Safe to Take Everyday?

In most cases, your practitioner will recommend taking a predetermined amount of Astragalus each day as part of a larger treatment plan. However, the length of time you take daily doses should be limited.

The current body of research suggests no ill effects from taking Astragalus daily for up to four months, but there have been no studies that establish the safety – or lack of safety – that might come with longer daily Astragalus use.

If Astragalus is recommended as part of your treatment plan, you have a number of options. It is offered in a powdered form that you can brew as a tea, or you can purchase liquid extracts or capsules depending on your preference.

The key is to choose a reputable source for your Astragalus, as there are fraudsters out there selling low-quality products.

Get a recommendation from your practitioner or research the brand before making a final decision.

How Much Astragalus Root Should You Take a Day?

Your physician, health care provider, or TCM specialist will give you a specific recommendation on dosage depending on your personal circumstances, but generally speaking you can expect to take between 9 and 30 grams per day.

Examples of some successful treatment plans include the following:

Allergies – 80 milligrams twice per day/maximum six weeks
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – 30 grams per day/maximum four months
Congestive Heart Failure – 2 to 7 grams twice per day/maximum 30 days
Elevated risk of infection due to kidney disease – 7 to 15 grams per day/maximum four months
Inconsistent blood sugar levels – 40 to 60 grams per day/maximum four months

Note that in each of these cases, with the possible exception of seasonal allergies, Astragalus is used as part of a larger treatment plan. It is rarely suggested as a stand-alone remedy for more serious illnesses.