Astragalus, also known as Chinese milk Vetch, Huáng Qí, or its botanical name Astragalus membranaceus, is a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family (1). Astragalus is a perennial native to northern and eastern China, Mongolia, and Korea. In the early summer, it produces small, pea-like yellow to green buds that bloom to pinkish-purple flowers. The plant grows between 16 and 36 inches tall with hairy stems and 12 to 18 pairs of leaflets/leaves (2).

Astragalus is grown from seed in the spring or fall. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soil with lots of sun. Astragalus root is harvested in autumn from 4-year-old plants. If you plan to forage for astragalus, always harvest ethically. Never collect anything from private property without direct permission. When harvesting from public spaces, consider the impacts on native plant populations. Due to the uncertainty of surrounding plants, be careful not to disturb them as they could be an endangered or threatened species. Always be kind to the earth and only harvest what you need.

According to one of my favorite herbal resources, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, astragalus’ key constituents are triterpene saponins (astragolosides), isoflavonoids (formonentin), polysaccharides, and phytosterols. Some of its herbal actions include:

• Adaptogenic: helps the body adapt to stress while supporting normal function.
• Antiviral: Addresses or reduces infections caused by a virus.
• Diuretic: stimulates urine flow.
• Immune stimulant: encourages the body’s defenses to counter infections.
• Vasodilator: Relaxes and widens blood vessels.

, to access my exclusive “Understanding Herbal Actions” guide today!

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Astragalus

Astargulus is most known for supporting immunity. It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine to keep colds away but has many other health benefits, including but not limited to:

May Support the Immune System

If you read my post, The Importance of Immune Health, you know the immune system protects the body from outside invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other toxins (). When you support your immune system, you improve your body’s ability to fight sickness. One study found that astragalus may increase your body’s production of white blood cells, which are responsible for preventing illness (4). In animal studies, astragalus root has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties in infected mice (5,6). In other studies, Astragalus has successfully fought hepatitis B (7,8).

May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

As of 2020, 34.2 million (1 in 10) Americans had diabetes, and another 88 million (1 in 3) Americans had prediabetes (). Active compounds in astragalus root, such as polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoid fractions, have anti-diabetic properties that can lower high blood glucose levels (10). In animal and test-tube studies, astragalus has improved insulin sensitivity and even lost weight (11,12). Astragalus is China’s most frequently prescribed herb for diabetes management (13,14).

May Improve Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms occur when your body’s immune system responds to foreign objects by releasing histamines, causing inflammation and attracting white blood cells to isolate the culprit and fight it off (15). Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system and inflammation, Astragalus’ ability to support the immune system and calm inflammation should help relieve allergies. Although studies are limited, one study found astragalus extract reduced allergic airway inflammation in asthmatic mice (16). Another study found that two doses of 160 mg of astragalus taken daily may reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies like sneezing and runny nose (17).

May Support Heart Health

Unfortunately, heart disease is the world’s number 1 cause of death (18). Due to the incredibly complex determinants of heart disease and various possible contributions, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact way to prevent it. Still, you can at least take steps to lower your overall risk. Astragalus is thought to widen your blood vessels and increase the blood pumped from your heart (19).

In one study, patients were given 2.25 grams of astragalus twice daily for two weeks alongside conventional treatment. The study concluded that astragalus patients experienced greater heart function improvements than those receiving standalone traditional treatment (20). Similar results occurred in another study where heart failure patients received 60 grams of astragalus daily. Patients who received astragalus alongside conventional treatment experienced significant improvements compared to those who received just allopathic treatment (21). Additionally, although studies are receiving mixed results, some suggest that astragalus may reduce symptoms of myocarditis (22).

May Support Kidney Health

If you read my post, The Importance of Kidney Health, you know the kidneys are best known for removing waste products and excess fluid from the body through urination to maintain a stable balance of its natural chemicals. This function is needed because the kidneys regulate the body’s salt, potassium, and acid content (23). Thankfully, astragalus may support kidney health by improving blood flow and laboratory markers of kidney function.

One study learned that patients with type 2 diabetes, stage 2 to 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), and macroalbuminuria who added astragalus for 48 weeks alongside standard care experienced stabilized kidney function (24). Another study discovered that taking 7.5 to 15 grams of astragalus daily for three to six months reduced the risk of infection by 38% in people with nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder (25). Additional studies have shown that astragalus improves proteinuria in individuals with kidney disease and helps prevent infections in individuals with reduced kidney function (26,27).

Anticancer Properties

In 2021, there were 1,777,566 new cases of invasive cancer in the United States, with almost 10 million people who lost their battle with cancer worldwide (28,29). In other words, one out of every six deaths was cancer-related. That is a lot; however, a diagnosis or genetic predisposition doesn’t define your outcome. Genetics may load the gun, but environmental factors and lifestyle choices ultimately pull the trigger. Thankfully, astragalus may help.

Several studies have been conducted in test tubes regarding the potential anticancer properties of astragalus. The same study that found astragalus extract reduced allergic airway inflammation in asthmatic mice also noted inhibited nuclear factor κB (NFκB) expression (16). Blocking NFκB signaling helps prevent cancer cells from metastasizing and forming new blood vessels by inhibiting proliferation (rapid reproduction), causing cell cycle arrest, and leading to apoptosis, which can lead to cell death (30). Other studies have had similar findings in breast and colon cancer cells (31,32).

May Alleviate Chemotherapy Symptoms

A diagnosis of cancer is difficult enough. Then, add in the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and more – the road to recovery seems impossible. Thankfully, astragalus can help ease some chemotherapy symptoms. One study discovered that people undergoing chemotherapy given IV astragalus experienced reduced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (33). Another study found that astragalus eased nausea and vomiting in colon cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (34). Additionally, a study showed that taking 500 mg of astragalus three times a week improved extreme tiredness associated with chemotherapy for the first week of treatment (35).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

Mainstream sources claim there isn’t enough reliable information to know if astragalus is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding, cautioning to stay on the safe side and avoid use. They also claim those with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other immune system conditions should avoid this herb as it might make the immune system more active (36).

Some herbal sources caution against taking astragalus if suffering from skin disorders or during acute illness (7). I could not find any information to back or disprove this claim, so if anyone has any reputable resources for either side, please share them in the comments. Nonetheless, mainstream sources acknowledge that astragalus is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They note it’s an herbal combination to prevent or treat colds. However, they claim that TCM theory holds that, in some cases, it may worsen colds (38).

As per trusted herbalist Richard Whelan, astragalus is an extremely safe herb that can be taken in high doses without fear of adverse reactions. It is suitable for both young and old, as well as during pregnancy or breastfeeding (39).

How to Use Astragalus & Product Recommendations

When I make homemade herbal remedies, I try to buy herbs locally. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I have yet to have the opportunity to make herbal remedies with astragalus. Nonetheless, to my understanding, the best preparation methods when working with astragalus include the following:

• Herbal decoctions – learn how to make an herbal decoction
• Herbal syrups – learn how to make an herbal syrup
• Herbal tinctures – learn how to make an herbal tincture

If making your home remedies isn’t quite your thing, I recommend a few premade herbal products, including:

• The Brother’s Apothecary Cosmic Cleanse CBD Tea is a primarily rooibos-based tea blend. Rooibos is known for its vanilla, woody, and smoky taste. You may also pick up licorice notes with a sweet-bitter, somewhat tangy flavor reminiscent of fennel or anise.
• Gaia Herbs’ Astragalus Supreme is a favorite for those feeling overwhelmed and out of balance. These herbal capsules, containing astragalus root, schisandra berry, and ligustrum, support immune health and help sustain overall well-being.
• Gaia Herbs’ Everyday Immune supports daily immunity and keeps you feeling your best year-round. These capsules are made with organic chaga, cordyceps, maitake, reishi mushrooms, astragalus, Schisandra, and turmeric.
• Gaia Herbs’ Metabolic Activator helps support a healthy blood sugar metabolism. This on-the-go caffeine-free energy supplement is formulated with two clinically researched ingredients: Innoslim® and Wellemon, which contains astragalus and other herbs.
• MaryRuth’s Organic Astragalus Root Liquid Extract helps support your immune system, cognition, and more with this herbal remedy, which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for 2,000+ years!
• The Brother’s Apothecary Cosmic Cleanse CBD Tea is a primarily rooibos-based tea blend. Rooibos is known for its vanilla, woody, and smoky taste. You may also pick up licorice notes with a sweet-bitter, somewhat tangy flavor reminiscent of fennel or anise.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

How to Join The Holistic Hipppie Community & Connect