Astragalus is a herb that has been used as part of Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it helps the body deal with emotional, mental or physical stress. It also contains many antioxidants, which protect cells from being damaged by altered cells known as free radicals.
It may also be a useful herb for the treatment of physical exhaustion. Traditional Chinese medicine considers it a valuable remedy for weakness.
It can also stimulate immune system function, which can benefit those with colds, or serious conditions such as cancer.
It Can Improve Heart Function
Based on Chinese research, astragalus is a very capable herb for lowering blood pressure. This is thought to be due to its diuretic action.
In numerous studies where it was administered by injection, it significantly improved the symptoms of angina, coronary heart disease and ischemic heart disease.
It is thought that astragalosides, chemicals that are extracted from this herb, help to improve heart function. In these studies, these improvements were typically seen in as little as two weeks of treatment. Thus, it would seem this herb is an excellent herb for many heart conditions.
Apparently, its antioxidant properties improve circulation by strengthening the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle. Therefore, individuals with myocardial infarctions recover quicker and better.
Cancer Patients May Live Longer
Interferon is a compound that may also provide benefits for cancer patients. Individuals that were given the root of this herb after cancer treatments had fewer side affects and faster recovery time, as this herb caused increased production of interferon.
A chemical messenger, or cytokine, called Th2, is dominant in tumor patients, and is thought to be associated with the progression of tumors.
Those individuals with advanced stages of cancer have greater levels of this chemical messenger in the blood.
This herb is thought to reverse this dominant status of Th2, and may be a promising treatment for this disease.
In a study done at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in the 1980s, 34 patients, of which 19 had cancer, 15 were healthy; were given the extract from astragalus.
Researchers were able to restore immune system functioning in most of the patients. In some of the cases, the immune systems of the cancer patients resembled those of the healthy patients.
Experience Fewer Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections
As astragalus is an adaptogenic herb, you may experience fewer colds and upper respiratory infections.
In one two-month study of 1000 individuals, who were given 8 grams daily of this herb in conjunction with interferon, saw a major decrease in the number of colds experienced when compared to a placebo. It's energizing effect is similar to another herb, ginseng.
It seems to naturally increase production of interferon. Interferon may help to prevent the common cold.
In one placebo-controlled study of 28 individuals, 14 of these were given 8 grams of the dried root daily, while the remainder were given placebos.
Blood samples were taken before the treatment started, then two weeks into months after the treatment, to determine their blood interferon levels. In the astragalus group, production of interferon was increased in these last two blood tests.
Recommended Dosage
Although dosages ranging from 1 to 25 g per day are sometimes used, a recommended dose of this herb is 250 to 500 mg, taken 3 to 4 times daily.
When taken as a tea, add 3 to 6 g of dried root to 12 ounces water and drank three times daily.
In tincture form, take 3 to 5 mL, three times daily.
Cautions and Contraindications
If you are taking any medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide, this herb may counteract the effects of these medicines.
Also, it may increase the effects of some antiviral medicines such as acyclovir.
As it is a diuretic, it may increase the effects of water pills.
Additionally, it may thin the blood, so it should be avoided if taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin.
Traditional Chinese medicine has long prized astragalus for its immune system enhancing, and adaptogenic qualities.
It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used topically for wounds.
But, its best use may be for various cardiovascular conditions and as a treatment for cancer.
Astragalus is a herb that has been used as part of Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is an 
