Astragalus is a perennial plan. It grows to about 16 inches and is found in the northern and eastern parts of China and Mongolia.

Recent research in the United States using Astragalus has centered around people that have had their immune system compromised with such treatments as chemotherapy or radiation.*

Dr. Weil was on Larry King Live recently.  Here is some information on Astragalus according to Dr. Andrew Weil.

"Throughout our lives our immune systems are under assault from environmental toxins. Living in crowded cities, traveling frequently in airplanes, and spending time in day care centers and schools all expose us to many more germs than people had to deal with in the past. We can protect and strengthen our immunity by eating right, getting enough activity and rest, practicing stress reduction, and cultivating healthy emotional states. There are also several herbs, such as astragalus, that can help enhance immune function. Obtained from the root of Astragalus membranaceous in the pea family, astragalus has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it is used to ward off colds and flu. Astragalus can be beneficial for:

• People who "get everything going around"
• Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapies which suppress the bone marrow
• Those with immune deficiencies
• Healthy people through the entirety of the flu season

Look for standardized extracts in capsules and follow package directions."

Information:

Huang Qi Root or Astragalus, has been extensively tested both chemically and pharmacologically in China and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.

The root of 4 year old plants is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is currently used in China and Vietnam for its immune supportive and tonic properties to fortify the body's defense mechanisms while lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.*

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), huang qi (Astragalus membranaceus) is "classified as an herb that tonifies the qi" (i.e., vital internal energy). Huang Qi (Astragalus Membranaceus) contains flavonoids, polysacchsarides, amino acids, trace minerals and triterpene glycosides such as the astragalosides I-VII.

There has been several preliminary clinical trials in China suggesting that Huang Qi can benefit immune and heart functions. Recent research in the West has shown that the root can restore normal immune function in cancer patients.¹

Additional information about the benefits of Astragalus can be found on the University of Maryland Medical Center site at http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/Astragalusch.html

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