Actions: Adaptogen, immuno-modulator, antiviral, anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic potential, antioxidant, vascular and renal protective effects, anti-allergic, vasodilator, anti-asthmatic, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, diuretic and improves muscle performance.

Uses: Used in Herbal Medicine to help maintain a healthy immune system and especially as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress (in cases of mental and physical fatigue related to stress). It is also used to relieve symptoms related to hypertension, hepatitis, asthma, organ descent, fatigue (convalescence), limb weakness and anemia.

Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a warming, humidifying and toning plant to prevent weakening of the sick, protect against infections and increase endurance, to tone the lungs and for recurrent colds, to tone the spleen and increase Qi (vital energy): for deficiencies in the spleen characterized by lack of appetite, fatigue, hemorrhage, anorexia and diarrhea.

The roots of astragalus were traditionally used as a preventive measure, in particular against respiratory infections, nephritis, uterine bleeding, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, urinary retention, leprosy and the sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents. .

Current studies show that this plant would have a good potential for its anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, cardio-protective, hepato-protective and antiviral effects.

• Adaptogen/ Helps and supports the adrenal glands (fatigue).
• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (in those with adrenal exhaustion).
• Helps resist stress; Regenerative Tonic (General Weakness)
• Anti-inflammatory helps relieve chronic inflammation (colitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatism).
• Recurrent infections; colds, bronchitis.
• Immuno-modulator, (helps restore the balance of the immune system), / Lowers the frequency and intensity of seasonal allergies.
• Regulates fluid metabolism, thanks to its diuretic properties and its ability to stop excessive sweating. It is used in cases of night sweats and edema.
• Warms and invigorates “wei qi” (the defensive or protective energy that circulates under the skin) helps to adapt the body to the cold.
• Tonifies the blood during anemia.
• Tonifies organs such as the uterus during prolapse (organ descent), can be combined with Chinese angelica (dong quai) and lady's mantle.

Ingredient: Organic Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)/  HUANG QI cut dried roots.

Dosage: (Adults) In decoction; simmer 4 tablespoons of dried root in 1 liter of water over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, keep covered and remove from heat, leave to stand for another 30 minutes, filter and drink 500 ml to 1 liter per day in 2 or 3 times. (Can be stored in the fridge). Optional: add a little honey or maple syrup (to taste).

Precautions: Consult a healthcare practitioner; (herbalist, naturopath, pharmacist, nurse or doctor) before using this herb if you are taking medication or if your symptoms persist or worsen or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you have an autoimmune disease. Possible mild allergic reactions (if allergic to plants of the Fabaceae family / Alfalfa, clover, sweet clover, liquorice).

Contraindications: As astragalus stimulates immune functions, people suffering from autoimmune diseases as well as those who have just received a transplant should avoid taking it and also in hematopoietic cancers (due to the effect stimulation of hematopoiesis by this plant). Astragalus interacts with interleukins 2 and interferons alpha 1 and 2. Astragalus is thought to interact with immunosuppressive drugs.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astragalus is a “Yang” tonic, do not use it in cases of external excess, Qi stagnation, damp obstruction, food stagnation, “ Yin deficiency” accompanied by symptoms of heat or skin lesions in the preliminary stage or in the case of a heat-producing toxin. If in doubt, it is best to consult a practitioner duly trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine.