Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement for many conditions, including upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic kidney disease, among others. Astragalus has been promoted as a complementary approach to hepatitis, cancer, and other conditions. Astragalus has been shown to have few side effects at low-to-moderate doses. However, it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications.
Astragalus supplements have been studied as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer. Astragalus has also been shown to improve heart function in patients with congestive heart failure. Researchers have observed the potential of this herb to protect and stimulate bone marrow cells in anemic mice. Astragalus appears to lower blood sugar levels and may help control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest that astragalus may help reduce side effects from chemotherapy.
The recommended dosage of astragalus varies depending on the form of the supplement. The typical dosage range for astragalus root powder is 500-1,000 mg per day. For astragalus extract, the recommended dosage is 100-150 mg per day. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
Astragalus has been shown to have few side effects at low-to-moderate doses. However, some possible side effects with oral use include rash, itching, nasal symptoms, or stomach discomfort, but these are uncommon. Large doses can cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, probably because of direct irritation to the intestinal mucosa. It is important to note that astragalus interacts with a number of other herbs and prescription medications.
In conclusion, Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been promoted as a dietary supplement for many conditions and has been shown to have few side effects at low-to-moderate doses. Astragalus supplements have been studied as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. It has also been shown to improve heart function in patients with congestive heart failure and may help control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
Sources:
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-astragalus/
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/astragalus
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/astragalus-what-should-i-know-about-it-89410
- https://supplements.selfdecode.com/blog/astragalus/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-963/astragalus
