Medicinal uses for Astragalus
Medicinal uses for astragalus
Astragalus has many medicinal uses, including treatment for night sweats and diarrhea. It can also be useful as an energy tonic when taken daily, and is also used in the treatment for hepatitis and cancer. Further, it can be used to boost the efficiency of certain antiviral medications, including acyclovir and amantadine.
Another use is treatment of heart disease, although this use has not been proven as an effective treatment for humans and further research is required. By causing the blood vessels to relax, astragalus may act as a diuretic to lower blood pressure. Note that this herb should not be used in place of a doctor’s prescribed treatment.
An additional use is to improve the immunity system. Astragalus may have the effect of preventing colds and flu’s by multiplying the amount of immune cells that are produced in the body. However, it is not wise to use this herb if you are already sick and suffering from a cold. During the winter months, it is suggested to eat a bowl of soup with astragalus root added to prevent the onset of colds. Some of its benefits are to be relief from weakness and fatigue.
However, the use of astragalus to improve the immune system also requires additional research to understand if it is an effective treatment. Because astragalus is usually combined with other herbs when administered, its usefulness is difficult to prove.