Common Names	Membranous milk-vetch root, Huang Qi, Astragalus, Mongolian milkvetch, Yellow vetch, Yellow leader, Huang Chi/Qi, Bok Kay, Bei Qi (Mandarin), Ogi (Japanese)
Medicinal Parts	Roots
Herbal Friends/Pairs	Licorice, Ashwagandha, Codonopsis, Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Schisandra, Elder, Echinacea, Panax Ginseng, Withania Root, Ligustrum, Privet, Reishi, Goldenseal
Alternatives
Affinities	Endocrine System, Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal System, Immune System, Respiratory System, Genitourinary System
Notable Constituents	Quercetin, Caffeic & Cholorgenic Acids, Kumatakenin, Formononetin, Asparagine, Astragalin, Astragalosides, Saponins, Polysaccharides, Isoflavones, Glycosides. Polysaccharides (High Molecular Weight), Triterpenoid Saponin Glycoside (Astragalosides I-Vii), Flavonoid Glycosides And Aglycones, Phenolics, Phytosterols, And Essential Oil. Amino Acids (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Canavanine) are also present
Herbal Actions	Immune Trophorestorative, Nutritive, Mucilaginous Expectorant, Hepatic, Cardiovascular Tonic, Alterative, Adrenal Tonic, Adaptogen, Hypoglycemic, Vasodilator, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Hypotensive, Respiratory Tonic/Trophorestorative
Preparation Methods	tincture, decoction, and powder Honey Dry-Roasted

Medical Uses

• An immune-building herb that supports the adrenals, astragalus has long been known to support healthy immune function and appropriate response to stress.
• Immune-supportive, moistening, and expectorant, astragalus is particularly appropriate for warding off viruses like cold and flu which live in respiratory tissue.
• Astragalus is helpful when we need to “lock down the periphery” – it helps to close the pores, protecting from “outside invasions” of opportunistic infections.
• An important PREVENTATIVE herb during cold and flu season.
• As a mild adrenal tonic and restorative adaptogen, astragalus is particularly nice for preventing opportunistic infections from gaining a foothold when stress levels are high. When we are under stress, our immune function goes down significantly; astragalus helps us to maintain effective defenses.
• Astragalus also supports assimilation, and provides nutrition that stimulates the production of new blood cells, giving this herb a significant cardiovascular tonic action.

Dosage

• Powdered, dried root or as a decoction in the dosage range 10 to 30 g per day.
• The adult dosage is 4 to 8 mL per day (30 to 60 mL per week) of the 1:2 fluid extract.
• Tincture: 40-50% alcohol for the dried plant. 1:2-1:3
• Strong decoction add 20-25% alcohol

Cautions

• Astragalus will reduce the effectiveness of immune-suppressing medications, and should not be taken concurrently with these drugs.
• Astragalus is contraindicated for those with acute infections. Those with autoimmune conditions should speak with their healthcare provider before using astragalus, as it may stimulate immune function. Similarly, it may also interfere with drugs that are meant to suppress the immune system.

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Botanical Information

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Sources:

• Holistic Herbalism Materia Medica. CommonWealth Holistic Herbalism. Https://online.commonwealthherbs.com/courses/materia-medica.
• Bone, K., & Morgan, M. (1999). Astragalus membranaceus – Astragalus. MediHerb Professional Review, (67), 2.
• Popham, S. (2020). Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). The School of Evolutionary Herbalism. Https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/.
• Immunotonic herbs. IVC Journal. (2015, April 13). Https://ivcjournal.com/immunotonic-herbs/.
• Whelan, R. (n.d.). ASTRAGALUS. Richard Whelan ~ Medical Herbalist ~ Astragalus. Https://www.rjwhelan.co.nz/herbs%20A-Z/astragalus.html.
• Miller, L. (2020, April 24). Astragalus Root Use: How To Grow Astragalus Herb Plants. Gardening How To. Https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/astragalus/astragalus-herb-plants.htm.
• Thompson, K. (n.d.). Astragalus monograph. HerbRally. Https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/astragalus.