Astragalus Membranaceus
This Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) monograph is an excerpt from the first edition of Dr. Sharol's book "Herbal Medicine From The Heart of The Earth." You can purchase the third edition of this book with additional herbs, as well as updated and expanded information in Dr. Sharol's Book Store. You receive free shipping in the USA. The expanded 3rd edition materia medica, and additional herbal tidbits are also available as a kindle ebook at Amazon and details on this e-book are here.
Astragalus - Astragalus membranaceus in the Fabaceae or Legume family
Parts used: Root.
Taste/smell: Sweet, moistening.
Tendencies: Slightly warming, circulates moisture.
Dosage: Decoction: 1 heaping tablespoon or 1/2 stick of the dry root per cup of water; or 1:4 dry plant liquid extract: 10-60 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.
Mental picture and specific indications: This herb is beneficial to weakened individuals with night sweats, prolapsing organs, frequent infectious illnesses and poor digestion and nutritional status.
Use: (a) Adaptogenic, (b) Immunomodulating, (c) Anti-tumor activity, (d) Promotes tissue regeneration, (e) Anti-inflammatory, (f) Antiviral, (g) Protects kidney function, (h) Cardiotonic, (i) Diuretic, (j) Hypotensive, (k) Protects against WBC drops during chemotherapy, (l) Antioxidant, (m) Hepatoprotective.
Astragalus has hypotensive activity which appears to be due to both vasodilator and cardiodepressor activity. It acts as a diuretic only in weakness-induced water retention. In cancer patients receiving conventional chemotherapy treatment, astragalus protects adrenal cortical function and decreases bone marrow suppression. The two most pharmacologically-active constituent groups are polysaccharides and the saponins.
Astragalus has an amphoteric effect on the immune system. It supports the immune system in infectious disease, while reducing a sensitive immune system or hypervigilent immune system in auto-immune disease.
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.
If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.
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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
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