Chinese astragalus: properties, benefits and contraindications

He huang qi or Chinese astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is considered for its properties and benefits one of the most popular herbs in traditional chinese medicine. It is native to Mongolia and to the north and east of China, and grows on forest edges and riverbanks, but for some time it began to have a strong presence in European herbalists, both the chopped or powdered dried root as in capsule and other presentations.

The astragalus plant is a robust legume, with compound leaves, oval leaflets, hairy stems, and pale yellow flowers. For medicinal purposes, the roots are harvested in the third or fourth year of the plant’s life.

Medicinal properties

Among the components of Chinese astragalus, the presence of saponins (astragalosides), sterols, polysaccharides, flavonoids and amino acids stands out.

Traditional Chinese medicine classifies the huang qi as a tonifying the body’s energy (chi) and indicates it to combat the symptoms of a chi deficient or depressed, such as fatigue, episodes of nervous diarrheathe lack of appetite and the tendency to catch cold frequently.

Your ability to strengthen the immune system it has made it a first class resource also in the West. Promotes the generation of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophage productioncells with great phagocytic capacity that can stop the development of pathogenic agents such as microorganisms and contaminants.

In addition to being considered a stimulant of the immune system, it is attributed antiviral, adaptogenic, diuretic and vasodilator propertiesamong other.

What is it for

Due to its properties, the Chinese astragalus is attributed different health benefits that explain its therapeutic indications:

The talus is indicated as an immune stimulant to strengthen the lungs and to eliminate tremors and tremors caused by thermal decompensation. In general it is also used to prevent respiratory infections.in chinese medicine is combined with ginseng, schisandra, zin gan cao, bai zhu and other medicinal plants in a classic formulation that increases organic defenses. In addition, the Chinese astragalus is considered an adaptogenic plant, that is, it helps the body to adapt to stressful situations and sudden changes in temperature. As a preventive measure, Huang Qi or Chinese astragalus is recommended in herbalists for the weeks prior to the beginning of spring as an aid to prevent pollen allergy and reduce symptoms.The Chinese astragalus is also indicated for decrease night sweats in menopause and to treat certain types of bleeding, such as uterine, in the latter case associated with other Chinese plants.As an agent antiviralis used to facilitate the herpes removal such as cold sores. Astragalus extracts have been tested to restore the immune function of cancer patients and alleviate to some extent adverse effects of chemotherapy. It is one of the plants that Chinese medicine has used to strengthen itself against the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19.

how to take

In herbalists you can buy astragalus in the form of dried or pulverized root, in tincture, liquid extract and capsules.

astragalus powder can be taken as an infusioncombined with other plants to offset its bitter taste.

Infusion to prevent colds

To increase the immune response and avoid the propensity to catch colds and flu, an infusion of astragalus can be prepared. This drink is also useful to combat fatigue and weakness.

To prepare it, the powdered astragalus root is used, between about 9 and 12 grams, per infusion. Can mix with licorice root to soften its flavor a bit highly bitter.

How to prepare it: Dilute a tablespoon of the mixture (astragalus and licorice) in boiling water and drink a glass a day, on an empty stomach.

contraindications

Astragalus is considered safe for adults, but it is not recommended to use it if you are taking immunostimulating drugs, in order to avoid unwanted interactions. Also in case of autoimmune disordersunless the doctor prescribes otherwise.

Nor should it be given children with feversince its immunostimulant action could cause the fever to increase slightly.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”