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Astragalus

Astragalus root, full of antioxidants, is a popular adaptogen used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and beyond to boost immune function, support heart health, ease respiratory discomfort, and help the body adapt to stressors.*

Common Name Huang qi, kibana-ogi, milkvetch, yellow leader
Family Name Fabaceae
Parts Used Roots
Herbal Actions Adaptogen, antibacterial, heart tonic, immunostimulant
Health Benefits Energy, Immunity, Respiratory, Seasonal Care, Stress Relief

Astragalus has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years.

What are the Benefits of Astragalus?

You can often find astragalus simmering uncovered on stoves to ward off bugs during the cold season. It’s a favorite among herbalists and acupuncturists alike, prescribed to fortify the immune system and support overall well-being. Evidence even suggests that astragalus may increase your body’s production of white blood cells, which are the immune cells that help your body prevent illness.*

Along with the herb’s incredible immune benefits, it’s been used traditionally to support liver, respiratory, digestive, and heart health. In present-day medicine, it’s been successful at quelling nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In Western herbalism, it’s seen as an adaptogen, an herb that can be used consistently over time to protect the body from everyday stressors and promote vitality.*

Folklore & Historical Use of Astragalus

Astragalus, or Huang Qi, is one of the fifty fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Revered as a top herb, this powerful plant was first mentioned in Shen Shennong Bencaojing (The Divine Husbandman's Classic of Materia Medica) over 2,000 years ago. The herb’s Chinese name (Huang Qi) means “yellow leader.” This is because its roots are yellow, and it is a leader amongst the tonic herbs.

In TCM, it’s used to strengthen wei qi, which is the protective layer that helps our bodies ward of illness from the external world. However, it’s important to note that it’s advised not to use astragalus when actively fighting off an infection. The roots are energetically sweet and warming by nature. Often, they are sold in thin slices or cooked into traditional soups, broths, and stir-fry dishes. It is also extracted into tinctures and what herbalists call a decoction—a tea made from hearty herbs through a slow simmer—to boost immune function.*

Botanical Description & Habitat

Astragalus membranaceus is a perennial plant native to northern and eastern parts of China, Mongolia, and Korea . It’s a member of the legume family, so you may notice its dense green leaflets and lovely pea-like yellow flowers. This adaptogenic plant thrives in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun, though it’s very resilient and can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions.

After about two to four years of growth, the roots can be harvested for use in medicine. When sold in the marketplace, the roots are generally sliced thin and sold in a tongue-depressor-like shape. There are over 2,000 astragalus species, so buying and growing the medicinal species is essential, as some are toxic.

When To Use Astragalus

Immunity

Start taking before travel and when those around you are in need of immune support.

Seasonal Care

Use consistently when the season turns cold.

The Business of Sustainable Plants

Our business is rooted in plants, and for us, it’s a business imperative that we care for the ecosystems where these plants live and thrive. We believe that everything is interconnected, which means supporting ecosystems and the farmers and collectors who harvest and gather our herbs. Finding opportunities to reduce or eliminate emissions at the source, we support organic and regenerative farming practices as well as voluntary certifications like Organic and FairWild. These ensure the absence of pesticides, herbicides, as well as the ongoing sustainability of wild collection, and the health and livelihoods of the collectors who forage. Josef Brinckmann, Traditional Medicinals’ Research Fellow, Medicinal Plants and Botanical Supply, asserts, “Everyone has a role to play in preserving biological diversity. One way of doing that is by equitably supporting the local people to serve as stewards of the land.”

It Starts with Organic

We choose to source organic because we believe in the positive impacts it has on environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health. Organic helps us increase transparency while prioritizing consumer well-being and farmer success, which is key to producing the high-quality herbs we source. In 2021, we procured 2.73 million pounds of certified organic herbs, over 99.7% of our total botanical herbs purchased. Volumes were down slightly from FY20 due to timing of inventories received.

The impact from organic farming creates a vital ecosystem through improved soil health, water quality, pollinator habitats, and biodiversity. Organic farms also have increased carbon sequestration potential through long-term carbon storage in the soil, helping to mitigate climate change.

One of the benefits of organic that we most value is farmer health. We care deeply about the people who produce our herbs, ensuring that they are not exposed to synthetic chemicals found in conventional agriculture.

Fair Trade

We believe that everyone deserves a fair wage for hard work. That’s one of the reasons why we’re committed to fair trade. Traditional Medicinals® is a registered Fair Trade “brand holder”, “licensee” and “manufacturer,” and our products are certified by Fair Trade USA, an independent third-party certifier. We were an early adopter of Fair Trade, having launched our first fair trade tea product in 1998, just one year after Fairtrade International (FLO) was established. We continue to work closely with our network of producers to help them to implement fair trade standards and get certified.

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Additional Information

Legal Disclaimer

The information and other content in this article are designed to provide a general overview of the botany, cultural history, and traditional uses of this herb. It is not intended and should not be construed as health advice. Every person is unique and you should consult with your health care provider before using any herbal product or supplement.