Astragalus membranaceus (Yellow Vetch or Huang chi)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminoseae

Part Used: Root

Acti ve Constituents:

Beta-sitosterol, choline, flavanoids, polysaccharides, saponins

Medicinal Actions:

Adaptogenic, anhydrotic (stops sweating), anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, diuretic, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, immunomodulator

Medicinal Uses:

1)Astragalus is an immunomodulator especially indicated for patients in a weakened state. It is used with weakened patients because it also stimulates the flow of bile in the liver to increase the appetite and digestion of foods.

2)It seems to have specific, mild action as a diuretic, when edema is produced due to weakness or inability of the kidneys to diurisis. It has been used as a diuretic with patients who have not responded to other diuretics.

3)In patients with cancer receiving traditional chemotherapy, it also protects adrenal hormone function and decreases the bone marrow suppression that may occur.

4)Astragalus has shown active anti-bacterial action against shigella, streptococcus, diplococcus and staphylococcus. The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown.

5)In the cardiovascular system, Astragalus has shown effect as a hypotensive. Think of using this when a patient is in a weakened condition with hypertension.

6)In Chinese medicine, Astragalus is considered to be a qi tonic and supports immune function through this action.

Pharmacy:

Decoction: 1-2 Tablespoons Root/cup H2O

Tincture (1:5): 1 tsp/ TID

Fluid Extract: ½ tsp/ TID

Powdered Root: 2 gm TID to 4 gm TID