04/14/2026
Astragalus membranaceus, also know as astragalus, locoweed, or milk-vetch, belongs to the Fabaceae, Legume or Pea family. It’s native to Northeast China, Siberia, and Mongolia, where it grows on sunny grasslands and mountainsides. Plants in the Pea family range from edible to mildly poisonous, which may depend on the plant part used. For example, astragalus contains an alkaloid in the seed coats, which inhibit an enzyme necessary for metabolism in mammals. The roots of the same plant are valued as a medicine, however not all vetch varieties are used.
Astragalus is a perennial herb that reaches three feet tall, with slender, ascending, many-branched, slightly hairy stems. The leaves are alternate and pinnate, with 12-18 elliptical leaflets. It has 2-22 dark yellow flowers and the root grows 12-35 inches long.
In healing, astragalus is an immune modulating and adaptogenic herb that valued for current and post-infection, especially when the infection has left a person weak and without energy. It assists through the inflammation stage, as well as the tissue proliferation stage, and helps add antibodies in the blood.
Plant Parts Used: root
Taste/Tendencies: sweet and moistening/warming
Therapeutic Actions: immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cardiotonic, nephritic, diuretic, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, protective with some chemotherapy, anti-aging, cognitive enhancer, and pulmonary protective.
Medicinal Uses: long-term immunological protection, chronic illness, and cancer. Immunological action over time rather than acute assistance. Weakened individuals with night sweats, loose stools, frequent infectious illnesses, poor digestion and poor nutritional status, lack of general vitality. Antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-malarial.
Constituents: high-molecular-weight polysaccharides, flavonoid glycosides, and triterpenoid saponins are the most used in pharmacology. Other components found include amino acids, fatty acids, and trace elements.
DOSAGE:
Tincture (1:5 in 40%): 20-30 drops or 4-8 ml, 3x/day
Decoction: 9-15 grams/cup water
Capsule: 1,000 mg, 3x/day
Fluid extract (1:4): 10-60 drops, 1-4x/day in a little water
DURATION: May be taken long-term. Low to moderate doses have few side effects and generally considered safe.
Contraindications:
May interact with medications that suppress the immune system.
Individuals that have received an organ transplant should generally avoid immunomodulators.
Always ensure astragalus used is species-specific, as some contain neurotoxins, nitrotoxins, and/or excessive selenium in some plant parts, usually the seeds. However, other plant parts, such as leaves and roots, may be edible!
High doses or overdoses may cause indigestion and should be avoided in case of fevers. Possible headache, tightness in the chest, insomnia, dizziness, HBP, or allergic reaction.
Immune stimulating properties are not suitable for uncontrolled or active states of autoimmune dis-eases.
No adverse effects reported for pregnancy and lactation.
Note: It has been reported that astragalus strengthens both nonspecific and specific immunity and is ideal for most anyone who is immunocompromised. Be cautious of the prescribed medicines, as well as the active state of the disease.
Image: Researchgate.com
