It’s a splendid day to learn about the health benefits of astragalus.
Astragalus is a genus of more than 3,000 species of herbs and shrubs. Other names for this herb are Astragalus Root, Milkvetch, Locoweed, Goat’s-Thorn, and Huáng Qí.
Here is a list of the health benefits of astragalus.
1. Astragalus Has Antioxidant Activity
Astragalus showed antioxidant activity as it can help fight free radicals that cause oxidative damage.
According to this study (Mitochondrial Protection and Anti-aging Activity of Astragalus Polysaccharides and Their Potential Mechanism), this herb showed an anti-aging ability.
2. Has Anti-inflammatory Qualities
The saponins and polysaccharides found in astragalus can help reduce inflammations.
This works well with different kinds of problems caused by inflammations like arthritis and certain heart diseases.
3. Astragalus Helps Heal Wounds And Reduce Scars
Dried Astragalus roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat injured organs and tissues.
This ability is traced from the herb’s anti-inflammatory qualities.
A study (The healing and anti-scar effects of astragaloside IV on the wound repair in vitro and in vivo) by the Institute of Pharmaceutics at Zhejiang University showed astragalus to have anti-scarring and enhanced healing of wounds.
4. Improves The Body’s Immune System
In Chinese medicine, astragalus is used to boost one’s immune system.
This is because it helps regulate the body’s immune responses. You can read more about it in this published study (The effect of Astragaloside IV on immune function of regulatory T cell mediated by high mobility group box 1 protein in vitro).
Some studies also showed that astragalus helps your body in producing white blood cells. These are the soldiers of the body in protecting it from diseases and illnesses.
Other animal research shows that it can kill bacteria and viruses.
5. Astragalus Treats Colds And Flu
Astragalus is used as a natural home remedy for treating colds and flu.
It’s commonly combined with other herbs like angelica, ginseng, and licorice.
6. Protects The Cardiovascular System
Flavonoids in astragalus can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and the narrowing of blood vessel walls.
Its anti-inflammatory qualities work well in conditions when the heart’s walls are inflamed.
In this study (Pharmacological effects of Astragaloside IV), this herb also showed qualities of being able to reduce blood pressure levels and triglycerides.
If you’re looking for a more common herb to help reduce blood pressure, you can check my article about the health benefits of artichoke.
7. Astragalus May Help Physical Performance
Consuming astragalus may help improve your athletic performance.
According to a study conducted on mice, this herb helped increased the muscle glycogen content and the endurance capacity of mice.
8. Helps Manage Diabetes
Astragalus is also considered to be antidiabetic.
The flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins in this herb are said to be effective in treating and regulating type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
It can relieve insulin resistance and treat diabetes naturally.
You can read more about this on “Recent Advances in Astragalus membranaceus Anti-Diabetic Research.”
In China, it’s one of the most recommended herbs to help with diabetes management.
9. Astragalus May Help With Sleep And Stress
Anecdotal claims to say that astragalus can reduce stress levels and calm the body and mind.
This can be helpful if you have issues of having mood swings or if you are in constant nervous tension.
It can also improve sleep. If you have insomnia, interrupted sleep patterns, and sleeplessness, regularly consuming astragalus may help you prevent these.
10. May Help Protect Your Kidneys
In particular, some studies suggest that astragalus helps treat kidney problems in diabetics.
This study (Meta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathy) backs this statement up.
Conclusion
These are some of the health benefits of astragalus.
I haven’t heard of astragalus before writing this article. However, it’s nice to know its health benefits.
In this list of health benefits of astragalus, I like that it has anti-inflammatory qualities which is helpful with my arthritis condition.
What’s the health benefit of this herb do you need?
Please make sure to consult first with your doctor or medical professional if it’s safe for you to consume astragalus.
Be safe all the time.
And, please do share this article with someone you may think can find value in it.
Thank you!