Astragalus has been used in China for hundreds of years. Known there, since about A.D. 100, as "Huang qi" meaning "yellow leader", it is taken from the root of the plant. There are more than 2,000 varieties of astragalus in the world. One type is native to Northern China, and it has been widely tested.

The plant is allowed to mature for four to seven years and the root is harvested in early spring. Astragalus contains many ingredients, including amino acids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, isoflavones, saponins and trace minerals.

Traditional Chinese medicine has used astragalus for such problems as weakness, edema, respiratory infections, diabetes, night sweats, diarrhea, heart disease and high blood pressure. Medical journals suggest the herb may stimulate the immune system, the body's ability to resist and combat various diseases, as well as inhibit the spread and growth of cancer cells.

 

Around 5000 years ago, the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung was said to have eaten 365 medicinal plants in his lifetime, providing important research that is still highly valued today.  Astragalus was one of his favorite plants, and his court preserved his knowledge and findings, enabling hundreds of generations of Chinese doctors to learn and expand upon what he discovered through his personal research into healing plants. This is one of the reasons medicinal knowledge and powers are so advanced in China.

 

Only now, though, is Astragalus becoming one of the better-known Chinese herbs, though. Some of its popularity may be attributed to extensive scientific study that began in the 1970's, which confirmed this amazing herb's ability to stimulate the immune system, fight bacteria, viruses, and inflammation, protect the liver, and act as a diuretic and adaptogen.  That's a tall order for a single herb!

 

But, even more exciting and promising for many, are the studies being conducted at the University of Houston which have shown that Astragalus roots may help improve immunity function in cancer patients by increasing T-cell counts. Other testing, including research by the National Cancer Institute, continues to explore further possible medical benefits of astragalus, including the treatment of HIV/AIDS.