Astragalus
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a strength-building and longevity herb. It is known worldwide for its powerful tonic and adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It’s a tasty herb that is also used in many Asian culinary dishes for its flavor and health benefits.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Qi, Qi, and More Qi With Astragalus (Huang Qi).
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How to take FULL advantage of Astragalus's healing powers...
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Western
Western Name: Astragalus
Also Known As: Milkvetch, Locoweed, Goat’s Thorn
Organs/Systems: Immunity, Blood Tonic
Key Actions: Adaptogen, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Anti-aging
Medicinal Uses: Prevents colds and upper respiratory infections, lowers blood pressure, treats and helps prevent diabetes, protects the liver, and helps prevents anemia. Supports immunity from cancer and HIV Aids recovery from chemo and radiation treatments, fatigue, lack of appetite, stress, flu.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Huang Qi (translates as “Big Yellow”)
Also Known As: Big Yellow/Leader
Meridians: Spleen, Lung, Triple Warmer
Key Actions: Major Qi Tonic, Tonifies the Spleen, Raises Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, Tonifies Qi and Blood, Regulates Fluid Metabolism, Promotes Discharge of Pus, Generates Flesh
Medicinal Uses: Prolapses, uterine bleeding, postpartum fever, blood loss, chronic ulcerations and sores due to Deficiency, Wasting and Thirsting Disorders, cancer, heart health, numbness of the limbs, paralysis, painful obstructions, hepatitis, fibromyalgia, fatigue, upper respiratory infections, promotes urination, reduces edema, boosts the immune system, builds strength and stamina, builds Muscles, Tendons, Sinews, and Skin, increases testosterone.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
There are about 3,000 different species in this legume family, Fabaceae, of small shrubs. It can grow to be 20 to 40 centimeters in height.
Astragalus is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Mongolia, China, and North Korea. It likes grassy regions and mountainsides with lots of exposure to sunlight.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Young Leaf
Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Warm
Caution: Considered very safe. It can inhibit the release of lithium from the body.
Key Constituents: Cyclastagenol (an adaptogen also called TAT2), polysaccharides, flavonoids, and trace minerals, especially Selenium
History/Folklore: Astragalus is one of the 50 fundamental herbs described in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Classified as a tonic herb, it is considered safe, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and strengthening to the whole system. It is considered to be the supreme protector due to its ability to strengthen Wei Qi (Defensive Qi/Energy).
Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Persian medicine for thousands of years. The recorded history of the plant Astragalus dates back at least to the 1st century C.E., and the genus was well-known to Western European botanists of the 17th century.
Its Chinese name Huang Qi means Big Yellow and refers to the herb’s connection to the Earth Element, which rules the Spleen and Stomach in Five Element Theory in Oriental medicine. Yellow is the color of the Earth Element and is associated with supporting muscle strength, immunity, digestion, and Blood.
Astragalus is widely used in China to treat chronic hepatitis, cancer recovery, heart disease, diabetes, and a wide variety of lung infections. It is excellent and safe for treating all ages, young and old.
Astragalus is famous for energizing the outside or external aspects of the body, making it an excellent herb for active children prone to catching seasonal colds, allergies, or other microbial and infectious illnesses. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, strengthening the external aspects of the body helps to prevent the invasion of what is called Pathogenic Influences that can cause disease and weaken the body.
Astragalus is popularly used by martial artists to rejuvenate and build muscle.
When used in soups, the root’s sweet taste lends flavor and health benefits to help tonify the whole body. The young leaves can be eaten in salads and soups.
Astragalus is traditionally harvested when the plant is at least four or five years old or older, with the roots collected in the spring and fall.
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Bulk Up
Used by martial artists to rejuvenate and build muscle. Sweet “flavor” lends flavor and health benefits when used in soups to tonify your whole system.
1st Century A.D.
The recorded history of the plant Astragalus dates back to at least the 1st Century A.D., and the genus was well-known to Western European botanists of the 17th century.
Red Blood Cell Count
Increases red blood cell count in folks with degenerative or chronic illnesses. Excellent and safe for treating all ages, young and old, strong or weak.
Take FULL advantage of Astragalus (Huang Qi)!
Connecting Eastern and Western perspectives on HOW and WHY this herb works. Find out how to safely and effectively use this healing herb for treating conditions and for your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Find True Health. Explore uses, safety information, benefits, history, recipes, gardening tips, essential oil information, if it applies, and much, much more in this online course.
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