He huang qi or Chinese astragalus (Astragalusmembranaceus) is considered for its properties and benefits one of the most popular plants in traditional Chinese medicine. It is native to Mongolia and the north and east of China, and grows in forest edges and riverbanks, but for some time it has begun to have a strong presence in European herbalists, both dried root chopped or powdered as in capsule and other presentations.
The astragalus plant is a robust legume, with compound leaves, oval leaflets, hairy stems and pale yellow flowers. For medicinal purposes, the roots are harvested in the third or fourth year of the plant’s life.
Medicinal properties
Among the components of Chinese astragalus, the presence of saponins (astragalosides), sterols, polysaccharides, flavonoids and amino acids stands out.
Traditional Chinese medicine classifies huang qi like a tonifying the body’s energy (chi) and indicates it to combat the symptoms of a chi deficient or depressed, such as fatigue, episodes of nervous diarrheathe lack of appetite and the tendency to catch cold often.
Your ability to strengthen the immune system has made it a first-rate resource also in the West. Promotes the generation of immunoglobulin and stimulates the production of macrophagescells with great phagocytic capacity that can stop the development of pathogens such as microorganisms and contaminants.
In addition to being considered a stimulant of the immune system, it is attributed antiviral, adaptogenic, diuretic and vasodilatory propertiesamong others.
What is it for?
Due to its properties, different health benefits are attributed to Chinese astragalus that explain its therapeutic indications:
- The talus is indicated as an immune stimulant to strengthen the lungs and to eliminate tremors and shuddering caused by thermal imbalances. In general it is also used to prevent respiratory infections.
- in chinese medicine It is combined with ginseng, schisandra, zin gan cao, bai zhu and other medicinal plants in a classic formulation that increases organic defenses.
- In addition, Chinese astragalus is considered an adaptogenic plant, that is, it helps the body to adapt to stress situations and sudden changes in temperature.
- As a preventative measure, Huang Qi or Chinese astragalus is recommended in herbal stores for the weeks prior to the beginning of spring as an aid to prevent pollen allergy and reduce symptoms.
- The Chinese astragalus is also indicated for reduce night sweats in menopause and to treat certain types of bleeding, such as uterine bleeding, in the latter case associated with other Chinese plants.
- as agent antiviralis used to facilitate the herpes removal like cold sores.
- Astragalus extracts have been shown to restore the immune function of cancer patients and alleviate to some extent the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
- It is one of the plants that Chinese medicine has used to strengthen itself against the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19.
How to take
At herbalists you can buy astragalus in dried or powdered root form, in tincture, liquid extract, and capsules.
Astragalus powder can be taken as an infusioncombined with other plants to compensate for its bitter taste.
Infusion to prevent colds
To increase the immune response and avoid the tendency to catch colds and flu, you can prepare an infusion of astragalus. This drink is also useful to combat fatigue and weakness.
To prepare it, powdered astragalus root is used, between about 9 and 12 grams, per infusion. Can mix with licorice root to soften its flavor a little highly bitter.
- How to prepare it: Dilute a tablespoon of the mixture (astragalus and licorice) in boiling water and drink a glass a day, on an empty stomach.
Contraindications
Astragalus is considered harmless to adults, but it is not recommended to use it if you are taking immunostimulant medicationsin order to avoid unwanted interactions. Also in case of autoimmune disordersunless the doctor prescribes otherwise.
Nor should it be given to children with feversince its immunostimulant action could cause the fever to increase slightly.
Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”