Astragalus
Scientific Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Unani Name: Unknown
Other Name: Yellow Vetch, Huang Qi, Bei Qi
Mizaj: Heating & Drying
Actions:
- Tonic
- Immune Tonic
- Adaptogen
- Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant
- Mild Duretic
- Astringent
- Stimulant
Therapeutic Uses:
- Improves Heart Function (1)
- Supports Healthy Kidney function in the already sick.
- Cancer - it is given to patients to speed their recovery whilst undergoing chemotherapy and radiation (2)
- Excessive Sweating (2)
Astragalus is a rejuvenating and tonifying herb, revitalizing the heart and spirit. The root is commonly used. Due to its heating and drying effects, it reduces and expells coldness and moisture in the body. Thus, it can be used therapeutically in conditions associated with excess of the two.
It can commonly be used to 'tighten the spleens hold' of the blood. The spleen is heavily involved in the body's immune system, linking to the lymphatic, circulatory, and metabolic systems & processes. When this organ becomes lax, astragalus is used to dry up stagnant bodily fluids built up in the body, especially the spleen to help increase its functionality. As a consequence, individuals tend to feel more energized and circulation improves and the body begins to function more smoothly.
Reference:
- Yang, Q.Y., Lu, S. and Sun, H.R. (2010) ‘Effects of astragalus on cardiac function and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in patients with chronic heart failure’, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 30(7), pp. 699-701. [PMID: 20929124]. (In Chinese).
- Greek Medicine. (n.d.) Astragalus: Immune Booster and Energy Tonic. Greek Medicine. Available at: https://www.greekmedicine.net/A_Greek_and_Unani_Herbal/herb.php?id=19 (Accessed: 8 November 2024)
