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==Astragalus== | ==Astragalus== | ||
The medicinal herb Astragalus as an alternative herbal remedy to enhance the immune system - Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s.Common Name--astragalus, bei qi (In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.), huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetchLatin Name--Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus Picture of Astragalus | The medicinal herb Astragalus as an alternative herbal remedy to enhance the immune system - Native to China, astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.. In the United States, the herb gained popularity in the 1980s.Common Name--astragalus, bei qi (In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.), huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetchLatin Name--Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus Picture of Astragalus | ||
Plant Description: Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 - 36 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 - 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal part, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants. | |||
===What Astragalus Is Used For=== | ===What Astragalus Is Used For=== | ||
*Herbal remedy to boost immune system. 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. | *Herbal remedy to boost immune system. 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. | ||
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Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low to moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. | Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low to moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. | ||
==The Astragalus Roots== | |||
The dried root is used medicinally. | |||
Medicinal Uses and Indications | |||
Traditional uses of Astragalus include the treatment of the following: | |||
Colds and influenza, Persistent infection, Fever, Multiple allergies, Asthma, Chronic fatigue, Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with, chemotherapy, Anemia, Wounds, Heart disease, Kidney disease, Hepatitis, Stomach ulcers | |||
It is also used to treat general digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, gas, and bloating. | |||
==Astragalus Root Available Forms== | |||
Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms: | |||
Tincture (liquid alcohol extract) | |||
Capsules | |||
Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings | |||
Ointments for the skin | |||
==How to Take It the Astragalus Herb== | |||
*Pediatric | |||
**Astragalus may be given to children to support the immune system but should not be used if the child has a fever because, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it may make the fever last longer or grow stronger. The dose should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of astragalus would be 1/3 of the adult dosage. However, because strengths and concentrations will vary with different preparations, dosages should be determined on an individual basis. Any long-term dosage should be determined by your doctor. | |||
*Adult | |||
:Doses from 1 - 25 g per day are sometimes used. Higher doses may suppress the immune system. Recommended doses are as follows: | |||
:*Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3 - 6 g of dried root per 12 oz water, three times per day | |||
:*Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2 - 4 mL three times a day | |||
:*Powdered root: 500 - 1,000 mg three or four times per day | |||
:*Powdered extract (solid): 100 to 150 mg of a product standardized to 0.5% 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone. Note : this chemical is used only as a manufacturing marker, not as a guarantee of potency or effectiveness. | |||
:*Ointment: 10% astragalus applied to surface of wound. Do not apply to open wound without your doctor's supervision. | |||
:*Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 3 - 5 mL three times a day | |||
*Precautions | |||
At recommended doses, astragalus has no serious side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with other herbs and medications (see " Possible Interactions ") | |||
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs. | |||
*Possible Interactions | |||
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first talking to your health care provider: | |||
Antiviral medications -- Astragalus may increase the effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon. | |||
Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Astragalus may counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, as well as corticosteroids. | |||
Diabetes medications -- Astragalus may lower blood sugar, making the effects of diabetes drugs stronger. | |||
High blood pressure medication -- Astragalus may lower blood pressure, making the effects of these drugs stronger. | |||
Diuretics (water pills) -- Astragalus is a diuretic and may make the effects of other diuretics stronger. | |||
Anti-coagulants(blood thinners) -- Astragalus may make the effects of these drugs stronger, increasing the risk of bleeding and stroke. | |||