Astragalus for High Blood Pressure, Hepatitis, Insomnia and Diabetes

Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s. There are actually over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the two related species Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the ones primarily used for health purposes.

Common Names—astragalus, bei qi, huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch
Latin Names—Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus

What Astragalus Is Used For

• Historically, astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, usually in combination with other herbs, to support and enhance the immune system. It is still widely used in China for chronic hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy in cancer.
• It is also used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections.
• Astragalus has also been used for heart disease.

• The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.

• The evidence for using astragalus for any health condition is limited. Results from small or preliminary studies suggest that astragalus may benefit heart function and help the immune system fight infections.
• A few studies have shown potential benefits for using astragalus—in combination with another herb, glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum)—as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. In general, however, these studies were not well designed.
• NCCAM-funded investigators are studying the effects of astragalus on the body, particularly on the immune system.

• Astragalus is considered safe for most adults. Its possible side effects are not well known because astragalus is generally used in combination with other herbs.
• Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as the drug cyclophosphamide taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients.
• People should avoid using astragalus species such as “locoweed” that grow in the United States, as these other species may have different effects and side effects.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The Health Benefits of Watermelon   Brief History of Watermelon Nutrients in Watermelon

The Health Benefits of Grapes Brief History of Grapes Nutrients in Grapes Grapes for Cholesterol Reduction Grapes for Alzheimer's Disease Grapes for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Grapes

The Health Benefits of Grapefruit Of all the citrus fruit, grapefruit has the highest concentration of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient, and free radical scavenger. Preliminary research suggests that lycopene is

The Health Benefits of Blueberries The blueberry is native to North America, and there is evidence that man consumed blueberries since prehistoric times. Commercial cultivation began in the early 1900’s by Elizabeth

Olive Oil Intake Reduces Blood Pressure and Could Reduce Cancer Risk The olive tree, Olea europaea, is native to the Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia Minor. The fruit and compression-extracted oil have a wide range of therapeutic and culinary applications.