Chinese medicine has used the astragalus root for many years. This is because the root is linked with many health benefits.
Astragalus root is an ancient root that Chinese medicine and some forms of Ayurvedic practices have endorsed since the root seems to promise a range of health benefits. Over the years, astragalus has been used to ‘lower’ the pace of aging and manage aging problems, fight inflammation, and boost immunity. Astragalus has come in handy to manage colds, flu, fatigue, and allergy to chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Learn from this article what astragalus is and its potential health benefits.
Astragalus: what is it?
Astragalus is an ancient root that is extracted from legumes and some types of beans. Astragalus is also known as the vetch milk or Huang qi (Chinese). Although most astragalus supplements in the market contain two forms of astragalus known as Astragalus membranaceus or Astragalus hongholia, there are about 2,000 species of the astragalus root.
Chinese medicine and some Ayurvedic practices have used astragalus root for a long time for different purposes, mainly health-related. Today, astragalus root is marketed as capsules, tablets, teas, or liquid supplements. In the hospital, there are IV injections for astragalus. The roots of astragalus have plant powerful plant compounds, which render the root its many potential health benefits. For this, the astragalus roots have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s why it’s used for seasonal allergies, common colds, flu, and even for managing chronic conditions like cancer and kidney disease.
Health benefits of astragalus root
As discussed in the preceding paragraph, astragalus roots have been used both for traditional medicine and modern medicine. It has a wide array of potential benefits, and these include;
i. The roots may provide a boost for your immunity
One of the lines of appreciation of the astragalus roots has to do with its ability to boost one’s immune system. Disease-causing pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi often attack the immune system, invade the body, and cause illnesses. Astragalus roots have plant compounds that can fight these disease-causing agents and prevent the body from catching illnesses. In addition, some studies point that astragalus roots may boost the production of white blood cells, the blood component responsible for fighting infections. Because of this, astragalus roots help with liver disease and viral diseases such as the common cold. Still, there is a need for further research to affirm these claims.
ii. Astragalus roots may ease the effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one form of treatment for managing cancer. Although its use is widespread, the therapy kills non-target cells and leaves behind many side effects, including vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Some studies show that astragalus roots may help ease some of these effects. For instance, it helps alleviate diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea by 59%, 50%, and 36%, respectively. In fact, when astragalus is administered through IV over the first weeks of chemotherapy at least thrice a week, the fatigue that characterizes chemotherapy can be managed.
iii. Astragalus could help you manage your blood sugar levels
Diabetes type 2 is one of the diseases that’s killing many people today on a global scale. In China and possibly other Asia countries, astragalus seems to be the most frequently recommended and prescribed drug for managing diabetes type 2. This could be because of the powerful plant compounds in the astragalus roots that work to lower sugar levels in the blood. Several test-tube tests have been run. The result is that astragalus root reduced blood sugar levels and boosted sugar metabolism. In human beings, the roots and supplements have aided people in weight loss. Of course, this area also needs further studies, but the existing studies promise a lot so far.
iv. Taking astragalus roots could help a person manage chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a common condition that’s affecting many people. The causes of this condition are still not clear, but nutritional deficiency is one of the suspected leading causes. Health practitioners now recommend a series of supplements to help a person manage chronic fatigue syndrome, and astragalus root supplements are among these. Research shows that because of the antioxidants in the astragalus roots, the supplements can fight oxidative stress, a condition that leads to chronic fatigue and illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
v. Astragalus roots may help you manage seasonal allergies
In Chinese medicine and modern medicine, astragalus has been used to manage seasonal allergies, whether as herbs or supplements. The roots have various antioxidants and plant compounds, and these boost the body’s ant-viral capacity. Thus, the supplements and the herb can effectively manage common colds and seasonal allergies.
vi. Astragalus may boost your kidney health
Time and again, people are affected by different kinds of kidney problems, including kidney failure and kidney stones. Some studies were done in the laboratory promise that taking astragalus supplements can boost your kidney health. Measures of proteins and urine are two critical laboratory markers of kidney function. Yet, the very studies show that astragalus supplements improve these markers and blood flow to the kidney. In one study, patients with kidney problems were given 7 ½ – 15mg of astragalus supplements. After six months, they had improved by 38%. Still, there is a need for further studies to determine the efficacy and efficiency of astragalus for kidney problems.
vii. You may benefit from the anti-cancer properties of astragalus roots
Since cancer is claiming lives today and there are more than 100 forms of this disease, with some being unpreventable and untreatable, scientists are now studying day and night to develop effective cancer therapies. One suggestion is the use of astragalus roots. Remember, the roots have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help lower the risk of some form of cancer and manage their symptoms. These include cancer of the liver, kidney, and colon.
Conclusion
Astragalus roots are ancient roots that have been in use in Chinese medicine for a long time. Today, the roots are marketed as capsules, tablets, teas, and liquid supplements. This is because astragalus roots show great potential and can help with an array of conditions, including lowering blood sugar levels, managing side effects of chemotherapy, and treating seasonal allergies and viral infections.
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
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