by Rebecca Andrews, MA, MS
Astragalus is one of my personal favorite herbs. An integrative MD told me, years ago, to take 3 capsules, 3 times per day, at the first sign of any illness (for example slightly swollen glands). Ever since, astragalus has been my go-to herb for strengthening my immune system.
Our immune systems are bombarded by increasingly potent viral and bacterial infections: Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, Covid-19, common colds and flu viruses, and more. Keeping the immune system in tip-top shape creates a healthy environment that can more easily mount an appropriate attack against such invasions.
Astragalus has been the first herb I reach for when I’m around folks who are sick or when I’ve felt slightly under the weather. At times of the year when I see more ticks, I also reach for astragalus. And now, during this pandemic, I personally take it daily.
Why do I value this herb so highly?
Astragalus membranaceous is one of the most popular herbs in Chinese medicine where it’s known as Huang qi. The name refers to the herb’s ability to strengthen the body’s “qi” or energy. It’s considered an adaptogenic herb - an herb whose active constituents interact with the body’s chemistry, adapting to meet the current needs of the body. For example, adaptogens might increase hormones in one person while decreasing an excess of that hormone in another person (citation). All adaptogens reduce the body’s stress response.
What does the scientific literature say about astragalus? In 1997, Rios and Waterman reviewed numerous studies of astragalus, publishing their paper in the journal Phytotherapy Research. Following are some quotes from their paper explaining the impact of astragalus on various systems of the body.
1. On the liver: “Research has shown that its antioxidant properties can prevent liver damage.”
2. On the immune system: “The results obtained made it possible to hypothesize that A. membranaceus aqueous extract must contain immunomodulatory principles.”
3. On cancer: Rittenhouse et al. (1991) reported that A. membranaceus may exert its antitumour activity by abolishing tumour-associated macrophage suppression. The potentiation of the natural killer cytotoxicity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus was demonstrated by Zhao (1992) using an enzyme-release assay.
4. On viruses: “Many researchers have tried to demonstrate the antiviral activity of Astragalus. The best-studied species is again A. membranaceus, particularly against Coxsackie viruses.”
5. On the heart: “The hypotensive effect of A. membranaceus was described and its active principle isolated by Hikino et al. (1976).”
The authors of this 1997 review concluded, “The use of A. membranaceus in Chinese traditional medicine seems to be justified as demonstrated by numerous studies. The potential use of polysaccharides from Astragalus species as immunostimulant agents is suggested and justified in several clinical studies. The effect on virus infections and cancer is related to its immunorestorative properties.”
Excited to try this herb? Here are some ways to use it.
Astragalus for dinner
Because astragalus is a root, it benefits by a decoction (a long slow simmer) to extract its active constituents. Consider adding a tsp or more to soups, stews, and cooking grains.
Astragalus for breakfast
Add 1/2 - 1 tsp of powdered astragalus root to your morning smoothie. Here's one of my favorite recipes;
To a blender, add 2 bananas, 1 cup frozen berries of choice (strawberries, mixed berries, cherries etc), 1/2 tsp of astragalus root, and water. I also like to add a scoop of Sun Warrior’s organic, raw-vegan vanilla protein powder sometimes.
You can also add 1/8 - 1/2 tsp (to taste) per serving to oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or chia seed pudding recipes.
Astragalus drinks
Coffee: We could debate the merits of drinking - or not drinking coffee and find studies to support each side. It’s rough on the adrenals but also shows some protective factors. Personally? I obstain much of the year, but it’s the “magic bean” that keeps me going in the cold, sunless days of Jan and Feb on a mountain in NY! Consider adding 1/4 tsp astragalus root powder to your coffee along with some maple syrup and coconut cream, to taste. Mmmmm!
Chai: Add 1/2 tsp to your favorite chai or chai latte
Tea: Add 1 heaping tsp powdered astragalus to 8 oz water. Bring to a low simmer. Cover. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink. Add honey or maple or agave to taste, but skip the sugar which is terrible for the immune system.
Our astragalus root powder is organically sourced from China and carefully packaged in non-BPA packaging.
References:
Rios & Waterman (1997). A review of the pharmacology and toxicology of Astragalus. Phytotherapy Research. Vol 11, 411-418.