Astragalus Supplements

What Are Some Old Medicinal Uses For Astragalus?

In many texts devoted to traditional Chinese herbal medicines there are five definitive treatments that stand out as primary utilizations for astragalus and a few more diverse and recent uses that are being closely watched. The five primary uses according to traditional medicine are:

i. Meant to revitalize one’s qi and enhance spleen. Also used to increase appetite, bind loose stools, assist with exhaustion [reenergize], and curtail bleeding.

ii. Rejuvenate qi in order to stimulate yang in abdominal – pelvic area [prolapse of rectum, uterus or stomach]

iii. Rejuvenate the qi on the way to fortifying an individual’s body [fighting the common cold in weakened patients, curb abnormal perspiring caused by this weakness]

iv. Alleviate infections of the skin and enhance healing process due to abscesses, eroded or damaged skin, harmful gashes. Astragalus ingested to treat stomach lining wear, ulcers and atrophic gastritis.

v. Act as a diuretic and to alleviate edema, specifically spleen deficient form of edema

vi. Newer diverse uses include treatment for diabetes and low blood sugar, hemiplegia, asthma, and lowered white blood cell counts; astragalus is prescribed for these illnesses when one’s qi and or yang appear lacking.

Expert practitioners of ancient herbal medicine must be able to determine between treatment based on dogmatic beliefs and those not based upon vigilant patient study and therapies based on evidence determined via clinical research and patient experiences. In other words it would not be prudent to believe that a prolapsed organ will simply return to its place of origin because that patient will ingest astragalus in its various forms. This treatment was based on three reflective concerns:

I. Indications are that a prolapse proves muscle weakness, according to qi, musculature is dependent upon the spleen qi so deficient spleen qi means astragalus for the spleen.

II. The prolapse of an organ means it has dropped from its place, the rising flow of qi means if a rejuvenation of the yang and qi will assist this upward flow than astragalus would appropriately be utilized in directing the action of rising forces that fight against the dropping organ.

III. A prolapse leaves one feeling full and swollen where the dropped organ relocates, not unlike fluid buildup, certain herbs promote fluid drainage such as astragalus, hence it may offer some relief from the prolapse.

In theory the reasoning behind these astragalus uses remain unfailing in Asian medicinal conjecture, that is not to say there is any evidence that using astragalus in treating a prolapse will actually do anything to effectively assist in improving the prolapse. If a prolapse were to be non-surgically repaired it would mean building up the muscles in the area around the organ in question through exercise.

In so doing if taking astragalus has the effect of energizing someone to exercise more diligently and perhaps relieving some physical discomfort. The astragalus itself may not only assist with the symptoms but also provide a more receptive host for the health challenge to be undertaken and aid in garnering discipline.

There is no doubt that the active ingredients in astragalus can have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract of those who ingest it. Symptoms involving the stomach, bowel and general digestion can be directly affected by elementary action of the ingredients in the system. There have been after all proven to be Saponins and polysaccharides as basic elements in astragalus and their potential benefit in smaller dosages contacting digestive tract lining could only be helpful.

The diuretic effect is somewhat more difficult to ascertain because of fluid intake along with any tonic and the metabolized active ingredients themselves will be discharged via urination so would they remain active in the system to prove they had anything to do with the diuretic effect? Certainly a higher dosage would be needed and would only mean a higher elimination of the active elements. In any case in order to ingest enough active ingredient copious amounts of fluid would need to be taken which in itself would cause frequent urination.

Expert opinion must be sought if astragalus usage is to have any positive effect on any indicated illness or condition. The correct dosage is vital to have any effective result on the proposed application of the astragalus. The herbal practitioner dispensing the medicine must make a proper diagnosis and properly interpret signals and heed warnings that are shown in traditional Asian texts.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Or Complications with Astragalus?

Astragalus is marketed and sold as a health supplement in North America and so distinctly different from pharmaceutical brand medications [which require stringent testing before they hit the market] it does not need to acquire Federal approval from the FDA that is evidence that is both safe and effective. This on the condition they do not make any wild claims the astragalus product is found to cure certain specific diseases.

There is no guarantee that you will be getting what you pay for or what is actually printed on the packaging and there is always the risk of unwanted material mixed into the formula. You may not receive accurate dosage requirements and genuine quantities per dose may also be exaggerated or non-existent.

Many of these supplements lack the research data to determine whether there are any adverse reactions or contraindications with certain foods, conventional medications or similar herbs and health supplements. There are some papers published regarding these side effects and reactions but they are far from thorough. When a drug is approved federally by the FDA there are copious amounts of research results and testing data available to determine patient risk and benefit ratios. In the case of astragalus there is limited evidence and deficient reporting about these interactions and adverse health effects so caution is the rule.

Overall astragalus is thought to be relatively safe with few side effects being reported. Symptoms documented to this point consist of bloating in the stomach region, loose stools, low blood pressure, and dehydration. If you are afflicted with an autoimmune illness you should avoid astragalus until you speak to your physician. There are fears that astragalus could interfere with blood clotting and anyone consuming blood-thinning meds should be careful. Certainly before taking any herbal remedy you should discuss potential risks with your doctor and astragalus is no different.

Astragalus has actually been documented as lowering blood sugar levels in some individuals, which is bad news if you are a diabetic or suffer from hypoglycemia. There is always the potential to have an adverse reaction when combining herbs and conventional medications, some of which can be extremely dangerous. Though reactions are uncommon, be sure to speak to either your pharmacist or physician, preferably both, before commencing on a herbal health regimen if you are currently taking additional meds for an illness.

Play it safe and speak to an expert about your plans for astragalus and your health routine. It may well be safe for you but why risk it? Anyone with an illness that includes bleeding should avoid astragalus as should anyone preparing for surgery, stay away from it for two weeks leading up to the date of surgery. There is little if any information regarding the safety of astragalus and pregnant women or nursing mothers, until more research is completed they would be advised to avoid it.