Astragalus Root Health Benefits: A Powerful Tool for Stress Support, Liver Health, Boosting Energy Levels and Much More
Astragalus root is a fascinating natural
healing agent that has an incredible array of health benefits.
Here we will explore what astragalus root is and the many astragalus root health benefits that can be helpful for many different healing needs.
What Is Astragalus Root?
Astragalus, also referred to as Huang Qi, or milkvetch, is a plant that is used for many medicinal purposes that originated within the Traditional Chinese Medicine modality.
The roots of the astragalus plant are specifically used, as this part of the plant houses the most powerful healing properties.
Astragalus root contains compounds and biomolecules such as astragalosides, saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which account for most of its healing capabilities.
There are over 2,000 species of astragalus, however the 2 main species used most commonly for medicinal purposes include Astragalus mongholicus and Astragalus membranaceous. 
Astragalus Root Health Benefits
Astragalus root can be used to support a wide variety or organs and systems throughout the body, which make this natural healing tool appropriate for many different healing needs.
These health benefits include:
- Adaptogenic Properties
Astragalus root is an adaptogen, which means that it can help the body adapt during times of increased physical, mental, or emotional stress. Taking adaptogens during these times is incredibly important, due to the adverse impact that stress can have on the body.
Adaptogens can also help to improve energy levels and reduce anxiety.
- Liver and Kidney Support
Astragalus can help to protect the liver. The liver is our body’s largest organ that is responsible for over 500 physiological functions including detoxification, digestion, and much more.
Astragalus can also help to improve kidney function by improving blood flow.
For much more on natural livers supports, click here.
- Immune System Support
Astragalus can help to stimulate the immune system, in large part because it helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells. White blood cells help to eradicate pathogens and heal infections.
Astragalus can also support seasonal allergies and reduce symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and shortness of breath.
- Anti-Inflammatory
The saponin and polysaccharide compounds found in astragalus make it a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation is at the root of many different symptoms from brain fog to chronic pain to hormone imbalances and much more.
Using natural anti-inflammatories is an appropriate tool for a very wide variety of healing protocols, due to the fact that most chronic health conditions involve some degree of chronic inflammation.
- Supports Brain Health
Astragalus can help to reduce neuroinflammation and can help protect against cognitive decline. This herb has been used to effectively manage Alzheimer’s and can also help to improve memory and focus.
- Lung and Respiratory System Support
Astragalus can help to reduce lung and bronchial inflammation and swelling, which can notably reduce the symptoms of lung conditions such as asthma, allowing for deeper and easier breathing.
It can also help to decrease sensitivity to lung irritants and asthma triggers.
Additional options for natural lung and respiratory support can be found here.
- Supports Heart Health
Astragalus can help to widen blood vessels and henceforth to increase the amount of blood that the heart pumps out.
It can also help to improve heart function in general, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation of the heart.
- Antioxidant Properties
Astragalus can help to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing the damage caused by free radicals. This is incredibly beneficial for our health, as a balance between antioxidants and free radicals is required to maintain health and the proper physiological function of the body.
More on how antioxidants work and additional effective antioxidant options can be found here.
- Blood Sugar Balancing
Astragalus can help to balance blood sugar levels, improve glucose metabolism, and prevent insulin resistance by increasing insulin sensitivity.
It has also been used to effectively balance blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Astragalus Root Supplements and Teas
Astragalus root can be consumed as a supplement or as a tea. Supplements usually comprise a powder that is put into capsules, or a liquid extract that is used to make a tincture.
A standard dose for supplemental use is 500-2,000 milligrams per day with food.
If consumed as a tea, steeping for at least 15 minutes will allow for an optimal therapeutic effect to be utilized.
In Closing….
As we’ve explored here, astragalus root is a powerful natural healing tool that can be used for an amazing variety of healing purposes from stress support to liver support and much more.
Astragalus is an appropriate addition to many different types of healing protocols and is a wonderful example of the healing power of nature.
REFERENCES