Astragalus, Alternative Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Integrative Medicine and Holistic Medicine Information

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Astragalus
Astragalus is native to northern China and the elevated regions of the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. The portion of the plant used medicinally is the four-year-old to seven-year-old dried root that is collected in the spring. While there are over 2,000 types of Astragalus worldwide, the Chinese version has been extensively tested, both chemically and pharmacologically. This special herb contains numerous components, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides (e.g., astragalosides I-VII), amino acids, and trace minerals. Another benefit of Astragalus is that it appears to restore T-cell (a specific type of white blood cell) counts to relatively normal ranges in some cancer patients. Shen Nong, the founder of Chinese herbal medicine, classified Astragalus as a superior herb in his classical treatise Shen Nong Pen Tsao Ching (circa A.D. 100). The Chinese name "huang qi" translates as "yellow leader," referring to the yellow color of the root and its status as one of the most important tonic herbs. Traditional Chinese medicine utilized this herb for night sweats, deficiency of chi (e.g., fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite), and diarrhea. Astragalus also seems to act as an immune tonic, a diuretic, a means to lower blood pressure, and a Qi tonic. It has been found useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, chemotherapy support, common cold and sore throat, and immune function. As a primary herb used in Chinese medicine, Astragalus seems to tone the immune system of the lungs. It is useful for conditions of immune deficiency that lead to spontaneous sweating. It is also used for spleen deficiency with those containing symptoms of being weak, having low metabolism, and edema. It can assist with blood deficiencies caused by situations creating the loss of blood, especially after childbirth.

The information obtained for this website was partially gathered from the book, Vitamins & Minerals, written by Sara Rose and published by Hamlyn in 2003. Other sources for this website were gathered from Reader's Digest The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs: The A-Z guide to enhancing your health and treating illness with nutritional supplements. Along with these two resource guides, material has been found in The Doctor's Complete Guide To Vitamins and Minerals, written by Mary Dan Eades, MD. Another resource for this website was The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines, written by Charles W. Fetrow, PharmD and Juan R. Avila, PharmD. Along with these is a book written by Earl Meindell, RPh, PhD, Recipes for Healthy Living Dr. Earl MeindellÕs Natural Remedies For 101 Ailments. Plus, the Alternative Health Dictionary. Viable Herbal Solutions website was a great help as well with this information.

The material you find should not be considered a replacement for professional medical treatment. A medical practitioner should be consulted in all matters related to health. While the advice and information are believed to be accurate and true at the time of gathering them, neither the authors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions.

This document is provided for information only; it is not intended to diagnose symptoms, prescribe treatment, or to substitute for consultation with a physician. While we have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate and extensive, only your doctor can tell you if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you.