Astragalus is a root that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It's been shown to be effective at increasing your body's ability to deal with stress and has many other health benefits, particularly for the immune system. Read on to learn more about astragalus and how you can use it for your health.
Stress & Your Health
Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of life. It is the body’s natural response to something that you perceive as threatening or harmful, such as an accident, illness, or exam. Stress can be healthy if kept under control. However, prolonged stress can cause ill health. In the last two and a half years, many of us have been under more stress than usual as a result of the pandemic.
Stress is a natural response to situations that are perceived as threatening or challenging. But, if you can't escape it, the effects of stress will build up over time and eventually lead to illness. Chronic stress affects physical health through its impact on the body's immune system and also has a negative effect on mental health - for example, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Astragalus, Your Health & Your Immune System
Astragalus is a powerful adaptogen, which means it helps to protect the body from stress. Adaptogens are a type of herb that can help regulate your body in times of stress, providing a "lift" in energy without the jittery effects associated with caffeine.
When most people think of stress, they often think of feeling burned out and diminished energy. However, stress can impact your body in many different ways, including your immune system. Your immune system is your body's first line of defense against illness and disease. It's made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect you from infections and other health problems. When your immune system detects an intruder in your body, it sends out cells called lymphocytes to fight off the threat.
You've probably come down with a cold during a time when you felt stressed and run down. That's because stress reduces your immune system's ability to fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria. Luckily, herbs like astragalus can help.
Astragalus helps support a healthy immune response by supporting your body's natural defenses. It also helps to promote a healthy response to stress, which in turn improves your resilience. As part of this process, astragalus stimulates the production of natural hormones and other substances like white blood cells that help regulate your immune response. Astragalus has also been shown to support your body's ability to heal itself. It contains a compound called saponins, which are thought to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, astragalus has been shown to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes. Other studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of astragalus for treating chronic fatigue syndrome. There is also some evidence to suggest that astragalus may provide support to patients with congestive heart failure.
How to Take Astragalus as a Supplement
You can take astragalus supplements in tablet, powder, or tincture form. Astragalus can also be found in tea blends; however, at a lower potency.
Astragalus is sometimes combined with other adaptogenic herbs, like licorice and ginseng, for synergistic effects (the sum is greater than the parts).
Astragalus can be taken safely for up to four months. Dosages range from 250 milligrams to more than 1 gram per day. If you are using the dried root, take 9-15 grams daily. If you are taking a tincture, use between 6-18 milliliters daily. A powdered solid extract can be used at a dose of 750-1500 milligrams daily. Keep in mind that clinical doses may be higher if you are working with a practitioner.
Where To Buy Astragalus
A popular astragalus supplement is Astragalus by Botanica. This tincture format suggests taking 2-4ml 3 times a day. It’s made with organic astragalus root with 12.5mg per drop. It’s also made with certified organic alcohol and distilled water for a base. This formula is loved by many because it’s also gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, and non-GMO.
Generally, people tolerate astragalus well, and very few side effects are noted. However, it is worth pointing out that astragalus should not be used during fever. Astragalus has not been studied on pregnant or breastfeeding women, so its use is not recommended.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
No comments yet