Botanical Name
- Astragalus membranaceus
Common Names
- Astragalus
- Huang Qi
- Milk Vetch
Flavor
- Mildly Sweet
Herbal Energetics
- Warming, drying
Herbal Actions
- Adaptogen: Helps the body adapt to stress by supporting and enhancing overall vitality.
- Immunomodulatory: Strengthens and modulates the immune system, enhancing resistance to illness and infection.
- Tonic: Acts as a general tonic, particularly for the immune system and the lungs, promoting overall well-being.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, especially in chronic conditions.
- Diuretic: Promotes the production of urine, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body.
- Cardioprotective: Supports heart health by improving circulation and protecting against oxidative stress.
- Antiviral: Helps to prevent and combat viral infections.
Organ Affinities
- Immune System: Astragalus is particularly supportive of the immune system, helping to enhance its function and resilience.
- Lungs: Strengthens and tonifies the lungs, making it beneficial for respiratory health and conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
- Spleen: Supports the spleen, which is central to Chinese medicine in governing immunity and digestion.
- Cardiovascular System: Promotes heart health and improves circulation, protecting against cardiovascular disease.
- Kidneys: Benefits the kidneys by supporting fluid balance and detoxification processes.
Uses
- Immune Support: Astragalus is widely used to enhance and strengthen the immune system, making it a key herb in preventing colds, flu, and other infections.
- Chronic Fatigue: Helps to combat chronic fatigue by boosting energy levels and supporting overall vitality.
- Respiratory Health: Beneficial for lung health, particularly in cases of chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
- Heart Health: Supports cardiovascular health by improving circulation and protecting against heart disease.
- Stress and Adaptation: Acts as an adaptogen, helping the body to adapt to stress and improve resilience.
- Anti-aging: Promotes longevity and vitality, often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its rejuvenating properties.
- Wound Healing: Applied topically or taken internally, it can promote faster healing of wounds and reduce scarring.
Preparation and Dosage
- Decoction: Boil and simmer 9-30 grams of dried astragalus root in water for 20-30 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily to support immunity and overall health.
- Tincture: Take 2-4 ml, 2-3 times daily to boost the immune system and energy levels.
- Powder: Take 3-6 grams of powdered astragalus root daily. It can be added to smoothies, soups, or warm water.
- Soup/Broth: Astragalus root can be added to soups and broths to provide a gentle, long-term immune boost, particularly in the colder months.
Contraindications
- Autoimmune Conditions: Individuals with autoimmune diseases should use astragalus with caution, as it stimulates the immune system and could potentially exacerbate symptoms.
- Organ Transplant: Should be avoided in individuals who have undergone an organ transplant, as it may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
- Fever and Acute Infections: Astragalus is generally contraindicated in cases of acute fever or infections, as it may aggravate these conditions.
Materia magica
- Protection: Astragalus is used in protective rituals, particularly those aimed at safeguarding health and well-being.
- Strength and Vitality: Symbolizes strength and vitality, making it a powerful ally in rituals aimed at boosting energy and resilience.
- Longevity and Endurance: Associated with longevity and endurance, it is often used in magical practices to promote long life and sustained energy.
- Grounding and Stability: Provides grounding and stability, especially in times of stress or upheaval, helping to maintain balance.
- Planet: Sun - Associated with the Sun, reflecting its life-giving, vitalizing, and protective qualities.
- Element: Earth - Linked to the Earth element, symbolizing stability, grounding, and nourishment.
- Zodiac Sign: Leo - Resonates with Leo, a sign ruled by the Sun, emphasizing themes of strength, vitality, and protection.