Astragalus – Health Benefits, Uses, Research, Preparation, Precautions

Several Chinese researchers administered astragalus via the intravenous route to evaluate its potential use for treating diabetic neuropathy. They deemed the herb effective. Since most herbs are not administered intravenously, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of using oral astragalus for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Recent studies have confirmed that astragalus is beneficial for people who have impaired cardiac function. It reduces chest pain and increases cardiac output in individuals who suffer from angina.

How to Prepare Astragalus for Medicinal Use

Astragalus is available as a single herb or as part of herbal combination formulas.
Herbalists prefer to use a specially prepared dried root. The root is prepared with honey and flattened. This process is believed to make the healing properties of astragalus more accessible. Astragalus is available in many forms, including powders, pills, tinctures and capsules. Astragalus root can be made into healing soups or teas.

Recommended dosages of astragalus capsules are 2.4 to 4 grams daily. If taking a tincture, 3-5 milliliters, of a 1:5, 30 percent alcohol formula taken four times daily is recommended by professional herbalists.

To make a decoction of astragalus root, cover 10 to 15 grams of the dried root with 1 liter of water. Simmer it slowly for several hours. Keep a lid on the pot. The decoction is ready when it reduces to one-half liter. Strain and drink 5-10 milliliters 2-4 times daily, or as directed by your health care professional.

Precautions

Astragalus membranaceus is a very safe herb; however, some varieties of astragalus are poisonous. While most practitioners employ the herb to treat a wide array of infections, some experts do not recommend the use of astragalus for acute infections.

Astragalus has no documented side effects or interactions with medications recorded. It is believed to be safe during pregnancy, and nursing. The herb has been safely used to treat children. While I have found no contraindications reported, I recommend consulting a professional herbalist before using astragalus if you have a history of autoimmune illnesses such as lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

References

Americans Seek Alternatives for Flu Protection. American Botanical Council, TX, USA. 2004

Kuhn, M.A. and Winston, D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. USA. 2001

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2015 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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