Astragalus - Huang Qi 101

 Do you sell Astragalus?

Yes! You can order it as an herbal extract from our online store.

What other names does Astragalus go by?

Astragalus membranaceus is commonly known as Huang qi. Other common names used to describe the herb include yellow life energy, Bei qi, hwaggi and Milkvetch. We call it the Star Healer. 

What is Astragalus (Huang Qi) known for?

Astragalus membranaceous is a flowering medicinal herb in the family Fabacae. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Mongolian medicine, where it is used as a heart tonic. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is thought to dry dampness and clear heat from the lungs and smaller digestive organs. In Ayurveda, it is used to support detoxification pathways, support digestion, and modulate the body’s immune response. It is considered anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, and supportive of the liver and gall bladder.

What support does it provide?

Huang qi is regarded as an immune stimulant, tonic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-proliferative, and expectorant.

So far, more than 200 compounds, including isoflavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and amino acids, have been identified in the phytoconstituents of the root. In addition, multiple biological activities of these compounds have been reported.

What heart health support does it provide?

Astragalus benefits start with heart health. Astragalus membranaceus contains a set of more than 30 bioactive polysaccharide compounds collectively called Astragalus polysaccharides. These compounds work together with the herb’s saponins and isoflavonoids to support heart health.

The constituents of Astragalus root help support healthy heart function at a cellular level by protecting cardiomyocytes, supporting healthy vascular endothelial function, attenuating inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy, and helping to regulate intracellular calcium.

What are the cardiovascular properties of Huang Qi?

Astragalus extract may support heart and vascular health. Preclinical research suggests that astragalus my be active in protecting cardiomyocytes, supporting healthy vascular endothelial function, attenuating inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy, and helping to regulate intracellular calcium These benefits and the support of healthy metabolic function make the Star Healer a promising support to the cardiovascular system.

What are some other cardiovascular health benefits?

Heart health and vascular health – the health of the arteries and veins of the circulatory system — are interrelated. Astragalus benefits include supporting the healthy functioning of blood vessels and supporting the efficient circulation of blood throughout the body.

Regular consumption of Astragalus herbal tea may help strengthen the heart muscles, thus enhancing the pumping of blood. The extract can also help maintain and improve the health of the vascular system. The extract may improve the health of the lining of the veins and arteries, as well as help with vasodilation, reducing the effort needed to circulate blood.

Furthermore, the antioxidant benefits of Astragalus extract can help protect the cardiovascular system from reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS molecules are used by the body to fight pathogens, but they can also damage healthy cells. Some evidence also suggests that Astragalus benefits include decreasing the concentration of metalloproteinases. These compounds are known to contribute to vascular dysfunction.

Regulating cholesterol levels in the body supports the cardiovascular functions of the heart. Unhealthy cholesterol levels can contribute to ailments such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disorders. Astragalus herbal extract has the potential to inhibit cholesterol absorption in the small intestines and increase cholesterol metabolism. Drinking herbal tea made from Astragalus extract can help regulate cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels in the body. This combination can contribute to overall cardiovascular health.

Does it support immune health and energy?

Yes .Immune health support and energy support are two other key Astragalus benefits. The major isoflavonoids from Astragalus root, including formononetin, ononin, calycosin, and its glycoside, may help to strengthen the immune system and increase energy.

Approximately 170 kinds of triterpenoid saponins have been isolated from Astragalus root thus far. Some of these saponins have shown the ability to stimulate the production of splenocytes without cytotoxic side effects. Other attributes of the saponins are reported to have anti-aging, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties.

What cold and flu support does it provide?

Astragalus can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to support the immune system and help reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu.

Can Astragalus (Huang Qi) help with seasonal allergies?

Astragalus is thought to help with seasonal allergies. Used daily, it may reduce sneezing and runny nose symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. 

What are its anti-inflammatory activities?

The herb may reduce inflammation at the joints and lymph nodes, which are issues often associated with Lyme disease.

In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties are used to support treatment of symptoms of arthritis as well as joint pain and muscle spasms from extended exercise. Astragalus may help to protect the heart from inflammatory damage.

Is Astragalus an adaptogen?

Yes, A literature review of Astragalus membranaceous scientific studies suggests that Astragalus does possesses adaptogenic properties. It may help protect body from physical, mental and emotional stressors. 

What are the traditional uses of Astragalus (Huang Qi)?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, it is thought to strengthen the qi of the heart. The herb is described as sweet and warming to the spleen and lung. It is considered a tonic for both the digestive and immune systems. It is also described as warming the muscles and strengthening the striae. This helps to invigorate qi.

In Ayurveda, it is used to support detoxification pathways, support digestion, and modulate the body’s immune response. It is viewed as anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, and supportive of the liver and gallbladder. Highly revered in India, preparations are used as a cardiotonic. Traditional uses also include strengthening and nourishing the joint tissues and supporting the proper function of the colon, lungs, liver, and spleen.

What does Astragalus taste like?

How do I consume Astragalus extract?

Instructions: Add 1/4 teaspoon of concentrate to 8 ounces of water or a cup of juice. Stir until dissolved. Drink 1-2 glasses a day.

How did you choose your Astragalus (Huang Qi) supplier?

For each of the products we sell, company owner Michael Van der Linden and members of our team do substantial research, visit the source, and meet with the collectors and processors personally. We back up our faith in our source and our processors with testing.

Does Astragalus contain caffeine?

No.

What if I have more questions about Astragalus?

Contact us!

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