Astragalus is a flowering shrub that is native to temperate regions in the Northern hemisphere. There are over 3,000 different species of Astragalus, which makes it the largest genus of plants in the world. While various species are used to create astragalus health supplements, it’s the roots of the astragalus membranaceus or huang qi species that are considered to be the most nutritionally potent of them all.
Astragalus offers a broad spectrum of regenerative health benefits that have caught the attention of scientists, skincare specialists and health-conscious individuals alike. While it may be an ancient tonic herb, recent studies reveal just why this superfood is so powerful for modern times. In this article, we take a look at the history and health benefits of this mighty herb, and explain how you can choose the best astragalus for your needs.
A Brief History of Astragalus
Like many other tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms, astragalus was first mentioned in the herbalist handbook, the ‘Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing’. This classic text categorized 365 different species of plants and was compiled during the Han Dynasty. The modern translation,‘The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica’, is still considered to be the holy grail handbook for herbalists today. In this text, astragalus is praised for its ability to strengthen the immune, nervous, and respiratory systems.
Astragalus Nutritional Overview
Astragalus has earned the nickname of the Great Protector, and it’s easy to see why. At present, over 200 compounds have been identified from the Astragalus membranaceus strain, of which over 160 are saponins. With its unique combination of antioxidant-rich flavonoids, anti-viral polysaccharides and cholesterol-lowering saponins, this herb provides some serious immune and cardiovascular support. It also helps to fight free radical damage and prevent cell oxidation, plus it’s rich in zinc and selenium too.
Astragalus the Adaptogen
There are only 16 substances in the world that have been classified as adaptogens, and astragalus is one of them. Adaptogens are some of the most potent superfoods in the world, and they can change their function depending on what is most needed in the body. Studies show that they build resilience and help to guard against physical, mental and environmental stress factors.
According to the Miriam Webster dictionary, an adaptogen is a “plant extract that is held to increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and restore normal physiological functioning”.
Astragalus for Beauty
This wonder herb is also a beautifier. Studies show that it stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid for more hydrated skin, it increases melanin production for additional UV protection, and it helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen. Many big-name skincare brands are choosing to add astragalus extracts to their products. You can get experience these benefits (minus the hefty price tag) by mixing a small amount of pure astragalus powder with moisturizer or jojoba and applying it straight onto your skin.
Astragalus also helps to lower the body’s natural production of the hormone cortisol, which makes it particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from burnout, anxiety, mood swings and fatigue.
Astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), astragalus is one of the 50 fundamental herbs and is considered to be a major qi tonic. It is said to be slightly warming in action and has an ascending energy that stimulates qi flow.
Tim Baglio, an acupuncturist who studied at the Seattle Oriental School of Medicine says that from a TCM perspective, Astragalus is “excellent in combating the six exogenous evils, which are wind, cold, summer heat, dryness, dampness, and fire”. It is also “one of the most useful spleen and blood-building tonics”.
Nowadays, astragalus is particularly popular with martial artists and athletes who use it to increase their strength, stamina, and vitality. It can work in synergy with other tonic herb and mushroom favourites like cordyceps, ginseng, and schizandra.
Astragalus Fun Fact
Huang qi translates from Mandarin as the ‘Yellow Leader’ a term that could refer to the colour of the root, but also to the high regard this herb was often held in.
Astragalus Benefits
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Antioxidant: Fights free radical damage
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Cold buster: Protects the body from colds and flu
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Anti-Ageing: Limits oxidation to slow down the ageing process
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TCM Staple: A favourite in Chinese Herbalism
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Qi-Replenisher: Enhances the flow of life force energy
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Stress-Reducer: Helps to lower cortisol production
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Skin Nourisher: Promotes healthy, glowing skin
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Adaptogen: Helps the body to resist harmful stress factors
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Blood Sugar Stabiliser: Can lower blood sugar levels
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Immune-Support: Immune modulator and strengthener
How to Choose the Best Astragalus
It’s important that you carefully choose where you buy your Astragalus from. The potency and nutritional power of Astragalus will vary depending on where it is grown, the age of the roots used, and the drying and packaging process. The highest quality of astragalus usually comes from Northern China and is carefully dried and transformed into a powder. Sadly, some Astragalus products on the market are prepared using high heat or preservatives that diminish the potency of the root.
When choosing an Astragalus product, always check that it is sustainably sourced and carefully prepared without the use of chemicals, fillers or excess heat.
How to Prepare Astragalus
Raw Astragalus root requires some preparation to turn it into a palatable health supplement. First, mature roots that are at least 4 years old must be harvested and then dried before being simmered in water. Overboiling will damage some of the nutrients, while under-boiling can prevent some of the nutrients from being absorbed by the body.
Luckily, astragalus is now a popular superfood in the East and West and is available in tincture and capsule form. One of the best ways to use Astragalus is to buy it as a pure powder, as it dissolves in water and is ready to use.
Astragalus Dose and Side Effects
Pure astragalus is safe to use, but the exact dose that you should take will depend on a variety of factors including your metabolism, BMI and your reasons for taking it. A good standard dose is 1/2 a teaspoon, which you can increase to 1 teaspoon and take up to three times a day. Sometimes, higher therapeutic doses are prescribed to help limit the side effects associated with some conventional medical treatments.
Contact your doctor before taking astragalus if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if suffering from a severe immune-related illness.
How to Use Astragalus
Astragalus has a delicate earthy flavour with a hint of natural sweetness, which makes it a very versatile superfood. The finely-milled powder instantly dissolves into liquids so it can be added to your favourite juices, smoothies, shakes and teas. Because of its mild taste, astragalus can also be used in both sweet treats and savoury creations such as raw chocolates, protein bars, desserts, soups, dressings, nut milks and dips.
This superfood can also be applied topically to the face to help reduce redness and promote a radiant complexion. Just mix a small amount of astragalus with water to create a skin-clearing face mask, or sprinkle a little into natural moisturizer and apply it directly onto your skin.
Astragalus Recipes
Astragalus Tea
The quickest and easiest way to enjoy astragalus is to use it to make tea. Just stir in 1/2tsp to 1tsp of pure astragalus powder into warm water, stir and sip. High-quality astragalus powder will have a subtle sweet taste, but if you’d like a little more sweetness you can add in agave, date syrup, coconut sugar or maple syrup. If you want to create a creamy latte, then pour in a dash of coconut, oat or cashew milk.
If you’re feeling creative, add some other superfoods into your tea to enhance its potency and make a nourishing elixir. You can experiment with:
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Medicinal Mushrooms: Chaga, Tremella, Maitake, Shiitake
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Tonic Herbs: Ginseng, Schizandra Berry, Ashwagandha, Goji Berry
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Spices: Cinnamon, Cardamom, Vanilla Pods, Cayenne Pepper
Ecstatic Chocolate Smoothie
Enhance the feel-good, rejuvenating power of astragalus by combining it with avocado, banana and raw cacao. Did you know that the Vitamin B6 and tryptophan in bananas combine to naturally boost serotonin levels in the body? Raw cacao also acts as a mood enhancer, plus it’s rich in antioxidants and offers a quick and healthy chocolate fix too.
Just add 1 teaspoon of astragalus, 1 ripe banana, 2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder, half an avocado and two cups of your choice of nut milk into your blender, then blitz it all up. Add in more nut milk to reach your desired smoothie consistency, and a dash of maple syrup if you need a little extra sweetness. Enjoy!
Astragalus Overview
With its immune-strengthening and protective qualities, astragalus certainly deserves a spot in any pantry. Plus, the versatility of this superfood only adds to its appeal, making it easy to add to any dish, drink or culinary creation.
Click here to shop our astragalus powder.
Supplement Facts
Name: Astragalus
Species: Astragalus Membranaceus
Common Names: Milkvetch root, Locoweed, Huang Qi, Acanthophora
Astragalus References and Sources
[1] http://phytomedica.pl/pdf/astragalus.pdf
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/astragalus#bottom-line
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758356/
[4] https://nulivscience.com/blog/astragalus-membranaceus-herbal-skincare-rejuvenate-and-restore
[5] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adaptogen#other-words
Astragalus Books
If you’d like to learn more about astragalus, as well as other tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms, then we recommend these books:
Charfield, Kimball: Astragalus: Ancient Herb for Modern Times
Nong, Shen: Shennong Bencao Jing (The Classic of Herbal Medicine)
Wolfe, David: Eating for Beauty