Astragalus health benefits include heart, cardiovascular, and Lyme support. It’s included in our CardiAce Heart Health Kits.
Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb, is renowned for its wide-ranging health benefits, particularly in promoting heart and cardiovascular health. This adaptogenic herb is known to help regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Its potent antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, which is crucial in preventing damage to heart tissues and blood vessels.
Astragalus also supports immune health by bolstering the body’s natural defense mechanisms. It enhances the activity of white blood cells and increases the production of antibodies, helping the body fend off infections.
These immune-support effects are especially beneficial for people with Lyme disease, where Astragalus is often used as part of a supportive treatment plan to strengthen the immune response against the Borrelia bacteria.
In addition to its specific health benefits, Astragalus contributes to overall wellness by reducing fatigue, enhancing stamina, and promoting longevity. Its adaptogenic properties help the body manage stress, making it a valuable supplement for maintaining balance and vitality in daily life.
Below, I’ll highlight common Astragalus health benefits and uses.
Astragalus Health Benefits: Heart Health
Astragalus is a powerful herb known for its significant benefits to heart health. It plays a key role in supporting cardiovascular function by helping to regulate blood pressure and improve circulation.
One of the primary ways Astragalus benefits the heart is through its potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to the development of heart disease.
By neutralizing free radicals, Astragalus helps protect the heart and blood vessels from damage, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.
Astragalus has anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for heart health. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for heart disease, and by reducing inflammation, Astragalus helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and prevent plaque buildup.
Astragalus also supports the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces the workload on the heart, supporting the efficient circulation of blood throughout the body.
Astragalus Health Benefits: Lyme Disease Support
Astragalus is increasingly recognized for its supportive role in managing Lyme disease, a complex condition caused by the Borrelia bacteria, typically transmitted through tick bites.
Known for its immune-support properties, Astragalus helps strengthen the body’s natural defenses, which is crucial for those battling Lyme disease. It enhances the activity of white blood cells and increases the production of antibodies, making the immune system more effective at identifying and combating the Borrelia bacteria.
One of the key benefits of Astragalus in Lyme disease support is its ability to modulate the immune response. This is particularly important because Lyme disease can cause the immune system to become overactive or dysfunctional. By helping to regulate immune function, Astragalus may reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing to more chronic stages.
In addition to immune support, Astragalus has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate some of the joint pain and inflammation commonly associated with Lyme disease. Its antioxidant effects further protect the body from the oxidative stress that can be heightened during a Lyme disease infection.
Overall, Astragalus is a valuable herbal ally in supporting the body’s resilience and recovery in the face of Lyme disease.
Antioxidant Properties
Astragalus is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, which play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by an excess of free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to various health issues, including heart disease.
The antioxidants in Astragalus neutralize these free radicals, thereby preventing cellular damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
In addition to its antioxidant benefits, Astragalus is also effective in regulating cholesterol levels. It has been shown to reduce levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, which is a major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis—a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
Unhealthy cholesterol levels can contribute to ailments such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disorders.By lowering LDL cholesterol and potentially increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, Astragalus helps to maintain a healthier balance, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The combined effects of antioxidant protection and cholesterol regulation make Astragalus a valuable herb for supporting cardiovascular health. By minimizing oxidative damage and managing cholesterol levels, Astragalus helps to keep the heart and blood vessels in optimal condition, contributing to overall wellness and longevity.
Astragalus Health Benefits for Energy, Anti-Aging, and Brain Health
Astragalus is highly valued for its ability to bolster energy, support anti-aging, and provide neuroprotection. As an adaptogen, Astragalus helps the body manage stress, enhancing physical and mental stamina. This increased resilience leads to better energy levels and reduced fatigue, making it a popular choice for those seeking sustained vitality throughout the day.
In terms of anti-aging, Astragalus is believed to promote longevity by supporting cellular health. Its antioxidant properties protect cells from oxidative stress, a major factor in the aging process.
Astragalus has also been shown to have a positive effect on telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age. By potentially slowing telomere shortening, Astragalus may help delay the onset of age-related conditions and promote a longer, healthier life.
Astragalus also offers neuroprotective benefits, particularly through its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain. These properties are crucial in protecting neurons from degeneration, which is essential in preventing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
By supporting brain health, Astragalus contributes to better memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, making it an important herb for maintaining mental sharpness as we age.
Learn More About Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most widely valued traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Astragalus offers a wide range of potential heart health benefits. Astragalus health benefits include the potential to help improve health outcomes and overall wellness.
This all-natural herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Traditionally used to support “qi” (life force), this herbal extract is regarded as an immune stimulant, tonic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-proliferative, and expectorant.
To date, over 200 compounds have been identified in the phytoconstituents of the root. These compounds include isoflavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Multiple biological activities of these compounds have also been reported.
Linden Botanicals sells Astragalus as an herbal supplement. We also sell it as one of five all-natural herbal supplements included in our proprietary CardiAce Heart Health Support Kits.
CardiAce Kits are a synergistic collection of five time-tested heart health herbal supplements designed to support vascular health and healthy heart function, bolster mitochondrial energy, improve cardiac stress tolerance, and protect against free radical damage. CardiAce Kits come in two sizes: 100g (~50 servings) and 250g (~125 servings).
To learn more, check out the Astragalus FAQ and the CardiAce FAQ.