HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus is a natural dietary supplement that's used for various health  conditions. 

It is a herb that have a distinct yellow color root which is the most important part of the plant, and which made the plant to be well known. 

It has different species, and comes from a type of bean or legume. 

While there are multiple species of astragalus, most astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus.

Astragalus appears to work by stimulating the immune system. It has antioxidant effects that inhibit free radical production. 

In the body, free radicals damage cells and are linked to many health problems associated with aging. There is, though, no known way to stop free radicals completely.

Astragalus plant contains both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and offers multiple health benefits for multiple conditions, including heart benefits.

What Is Astragalus Used For?

Astragalus comes in different forms, most of which is extracted from the root. These forms include astragalus powder, oil, herbal decoctions, capsules, ointments and in recipes where it is mixed with dates,  ginger and other food supplements.

These astragalus products are usually ingested to help the body deal with viruses and infections. The dosages, however, differ depending on the form.

As an ointment, astragalus extract can also be used on wounds to promote healing and to avoid infections. 

The ointment should only be composed of 10 percent astragalus and should be applied on the skin’s surface. 

However, it should not be applied to open wounds without consulting a health practitioner first.

Health Benefits Of Astragalus

Adaptogen

Astragalus has the ability to help the body deal with physical, emotional or mental stress. It is also famous for aiding the body in curbing infections and other diseases.

Anemia

Astragalus helps in dealing with anemia, strengthen the blood vessels and improve poor blood circulation.

Colds and influenza

Astragalus helps to prevent colds and flu. Taking astragalus before you get sick will help boost your immune system function and prevent colds. 

It stimulates the immune system and also provides antioxidants that help the body fight free radical damage.

Astragalus is also used as part of an herbal combination to prevent or treat colds. Evidence in animal and laboratory tests suggests it may act against viruses like the ones that cause colds.

Diabetes

Astragalus has the ability to lower blood sugar levels and improve your insulin sensitivity. This is good news for people who have become insulin resistant because of the constant ingestion of sugar.

Polysaccharide extracts from astragalus also have the ability to decrease glucose toxicity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase, which influences fat breakdown and the production of insulin.

Promote cardiovascular health.

Astragalus acts as an antioxidant and help treat heart disease. 

It helps in improving the symptoms of ischemic heart disease. 

It also help to relieve angina pain, increase sodium pump activity and prevent coronary artery clogging, mainly because of the saponins found in astragalus root extract.

Fatigue or lack of appetite from chemotherapy

Astragalus helps to reduce side effects from chemotherapy. It has the ability to help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue. 

The demand for this herb also skyrocketed because of the immune support benefits it can help provide for people who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Hepatitis

A combination of herbs containing astragalus is used to treat hepatitis.

Kidney disease

Preliminary research suggests astragalus may help protect the kidneys and may help treat kidney disease. More studies are needed.

Seasonal allergies

Astragalus may help reduce symptoms in people who have allergic rhinitis or hayfever.

Cancer

Astragalus have anti-tumor effects, specifically against melanoma and leukemia.

It contains antioxidants, which helps to cure cancer, and protect cells against damage.

Improves skin health

Astragalus benefits the skin by restoring its natural balance. It has the ability to increase blood flow, which can flush out toxins that may cause inflammation in the skin. 

It also prevents the breakdown of elastin, helping the skin maintain its texture, firmness and flexibility.

Are There Side Effects With Astragalus?

Astragalus is usually taken in combination with other herbal supplements. When used appropriately, astragalus appears to be very safe and to have few side effects. 

Very high doses may suppress the immune system. So you should avoid using astragalus if you are taking immune-suppressing drugs.

Pregnant or nursing women should not use astragalus root. If you have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or another condition known as an "autoimmune disease," you should not use astragalus root.

As with any herbal supplement, always check with your health care provider before taking astragalus root.

Possible Interactions

If you take any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first asking your doctor:

Drugs that suppress the immune system: Astragalus may interfere with these drugs. 

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or take cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, or corticosteroids, do not take astragalus.

Lithium: Astragalus can make it harder for the body to get rid of lithium, so dangerously high levels of the drug could build up.