The dried root is used medicinally.

Astragalus has been used for the following:

• Adaptogen. Protects the body from anxiety and illness.
• Anemia. One early study indicated astragalus may improve blood counts in people with aplastic anemia. The study was poorly designed, so more research is required.
• Colds and influenza. In TCM, astragalus is used as part of herbal mixtures to control or treat colds, although TCM theory holds that, in some cases, it may make colds worse. Proof in animal and laboratory tests indicates it may act against viruses like the ones that cause colds.
• Diabetes. Astragalus seems to lower blood sugar. More studies are required to decide whether it can assist to treat diabetes.
• Fatigue or lack of appetite from chemotherapy. The research discovered astragalus may help lower side effects from chemotherapy. The studies have not been well designed, however. More research is required.
• Heart disease. Several analyses indicate that astragalus may work as an antioxidant and help treat heart illness. Further analyses indicate astragalus may help reduce cholesterol levels.
• Hepatitis. A few investigations have used a mixture of herbs including astragalus to treat hepatitis. Results have been combined.
• Kidney disease. An initial study indicates astragalus may help protect the kidneys and may help treat kidney illness. More additional studies are required.
• Seasonal allergies. One analysis discovered that astragalus may help lower symptoms in individuals who have allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
• Cancer. Initial studies suggest astragalus may have anti-tumor effects, specifically against melanoma and leukemia.

Available Forms

Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:

• Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)
• Capsules and tablets, standardized and non-standardized
• Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings in Asian countries
• Topically for the skin

How to Take It

Pediatric

There is not a lot of scientific evidence about giving astragalus to children, so ask your doctor first. According to TCM, you should not give astragalus to a child with fever because the herb may make the fever last longer or grow stronger. Dosage should be determined by your doctor.

Adult

The dosage depends on the condition being treated, age, and weight. Work with your physician to determine the safest and most effective dosage for you. Higher doses may suppress the immune system. For best results, use a standardized astragalus supplement. Dosages depend on a number of factors, such as whether astragalus is being used primarily as an adaptogen or for other reasons. People should work with a knowledgeable provider to determine the appropriate dosing schedule for their needs.

Precautions

At recommended doses, astragalus has no serious side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with other herbs and medications (see Possible Interactions section).

Evidence about whether astragalus is safe for women who are breastfeeding or nursing is lacking. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

People with autoimmune diseases should speak with their doctor first before taking Astragalus because it may stimulate the immune system.

Many practitioners recommend against using any single “adaptogenic” herb over long periods of time. Instead, they might suggest rotating among several “adaptogens” every couple of months.