Science Forums 2

[Michaelangelica]

http://www.mountainpridemedia.org/oi...astragalus.htm

Astragalus from Ancient China

Or In Your Backyard
Monogram of a Helpful Herb

by Renee Lang, ND

A note to readers: Astragalus has reportedly been used for 4,000 years in China, where by at least one account, people keep the herb in water containers for the continual tonic effect. Dr. Lang offers the following monograph or description of this herb, also used in North America, where related varieties are known as milk vetch.

Astragalus, Huang chi root (Astragalus membranaceous)

Family: Pea Family

Part used medicinally: Root

Taste: Very bitter

General Info: Astragalus, native to China, can now be found in multiple countries around the globe. While over 2000 species of Astragalus exist, only 16 can be grown in the United States. Astragalus, used medicinally in China for thousands of years, strengthens weakened individuals on multiple levels.

Therapeutic Actions: Astragalus enhances immune system function by increasing white blood cells. It nourishes the adrenals, and balances digestive and heart functions. Astragalus also protects the liver from the damaging effects of toxic agents. In short, Astragalus plays a vital role in establishing health in debilitated and weakened individuals.

Immune system effects: enhancer, restorative, stimulator, and modulator. Anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Adaptogensystem rebalancer and adrenal supportive. Heart protective and hypotensive (decreases blood pressure). Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

Research Supporting the Use of Astragalus: Multiple research studies on the benefits and uses of Astragalus exist. Conditions studied range from hepatitis, cancer, heart disease, fatigue, and immune function.

PHOTO
http://www.ajc.com/health/altmed/sha...ragalusch.html

http://www.rmrp.com/Photo%20Pages/AA...s%20100DPI.htm

http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/po..._racemosus.php

With respect to number of species, the genus Astragalus is huge. In fact, it is the largest genus of vascular plants, with over two thousand five hundred species.
Even though North America contains over five hundred species, it is not the centre of diversity for the genus – that title belongs to southern Asia.
This cream milkvetch is representative of many of the plants in the genus: adapted to live in an arid or semi-arid climate.

Anyone know which one is the most medicinal?