Latin Name
Astragalus membranaceus

General Description
The perennial plant astragalus, or milk-vetch root, has sprawling stems and pale-yellow blooms. Western herbalists believe that substances known as polysaccharides in this herb stimulate the immune system and generally strengthen the body, speeding metabolism, promoting tissue regeneration, and increasing energy. In traditional Chinese medicine astragalus is regarded as sweet and slightly warm.

Target Ailments
Chinese:

• General weakness and fatigue, loss of appetite, spontaneous perspiration, diarrhea, blood abnormalities or deficiencies resulting from excessive bleeding (Taken internally)

Western:

• Chronic colds and flu, AIDS, cancer and chronic fatigue (Taken internally in conjunction with conventional medical treatment)

Preparations
Over the counter:
Astragalus is available as prepared tea, fluidextract, capsules, dried root.

At home:

CHINESE
Combine 1 part honey, 4 parts dried root, and a small amount of water in a wok. Allow mixture to simmer until the water evaporates and the herbs are slightly brown.
Combinations: For spontaneous perspiration, astragalus is mixed with Asian ginseng. As an immune system stimulant, the herb is combined with siler. Blood abnormalities are treated with a mix of astragalus and dong quai. Herbalists combine astragalus and atractylodes (white) for diarrhea. Astragalus with rhubarb root and bupleurum is aimed at uterine disorders.

WESTERN
Tea: Boil 1 oz astragalus root in 1 cup of water for 15 to 20 minutes.

Special Information

• Pregnant women should check with their practitioners before using.
  
• Astragalus has been used for centuries in fu-zheng therapy, the treatment of ailments by strengthening the body's natural defense mechanisms. The concept of fu-zheng therapy was recently acknowledged by Western medical researchers who examined astragalus' effect on the immune system of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Although not conclusive, the results of these studies suggest that astragalus had a positive effect on these cancer patients. Check with your doctor before using astragalus in this capacity.