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Astragalus (Huang Qi)

For many thousands of years, astragalus (Huang Qi) has been used by traditional Chinese practitioners as an herbal tonic for strengthening the body. It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and used mainly as a tonic and for the treatment of nephritis and diabetes. The belief that astragalus can strengthen the immunity has its basis in Chinese tradition. The expression "stabilize the exterior" means helping to create a "defensive shield" against infection. Normally astragalus will boost the immune system over long periods of time; therefore it is often used to modulate the immune system in the long-term recovery of people with moderate to severely weakened immune systems. Astragalus can provide a powerful stimulus to the immune system. Astragalus has been presented as an immune stimulant useful for treating colds and flues. Many people have come to believe that they should take astragalus, like echinacea, at the first sign of a cold. Astragalus now is assured a place in Western herbal healing. Analysis of astragalus has revealed some of the following components that are responsible for its active effects: polysaccharides, monosaccharides, flavonoid, alkaloid, including choline and betaine, folio acid, various amino acids, mucoitin, gum, cellulose, picrorhiza, and fourteen mineral trace elements, including selenium, zinc, iron, etc. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the medicinal value of astragalus. Studies have confirmed that it contains medicinally active compounds, including a polysaccharide that stimulates the immune system. Research has also shown that subjects with advanced cancer showed a two to three fold increase in the strength of their immune response after being given astragalus. Astragalus increases the activity of several kinds of white blood cells as well as production of antibodies and interferon. These attributes make it suitable for use as a preventative against recurring colds, flu and bronchitis, as well as an adjunct to treating chronic illnesses and supporting long-term recovery from debilitating viral infections. Astragalus is available in many forms. Chinese drug store sell dry roots, some stores sell powder of the roots, some market the extract, while others make it the central ingredient of herbal teas. Astragalus contains fomononetin, betain, cholin, isoliquiritigenin, amino acids, saponin and isoflavone. It has various pharmaceutical effects including protecting the liver, stimulating immune responses, strengthening the heart and stimulating urination. Astragalus stimulates immune functions, has a therapeutic effect on hepatitis caused by carbon tetrachloride and has an antihypersive effect by virtue of its diuretic action. In particular, isoflavone extracted from astragalus has an excellent effect on protecting the liver. Astragalus membranaceus Bge. improves the condition of the skin, lowers blood pressure, prevents the formation of pus and has hematic and tonic effects, and especially, has an excellent effect on invigorating weakly individuals or individuals suffering from excessive sweating.

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