Steeped in traditional use throughout Eastern and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Astragalus has been used across millennia and as such, has been referred to by many names. These names include Milk-Vetch Root, Ogi, Astragel and Huan Qi (or “yellow leader”) on account of its pale-yellow roots. Astragalus is one of the highest regarded herbs in TCM as a warming (yang) tonic remedy and is considered the king of adaptogenic TCM herbs.
Astragalus is a member of the Leguminosae or pea family, and is closely related to Licorice, although its flavour, appearance and uses are vastly different. A carefully prepared juice, made from the plant’s roots, is one of the more popular herbal tonics in China and has increasingly been used as an energy drink to increase stamina and endurance.
Traditional uses include:
To help enhance increased vitality and wellbeing
To relieve fatigue and support vitality
Tonifies, augments and supports Qi
Promotes energy and stamina
To enhance a healthy immune system function and response
To build resilience to chronic stress
As a preventative agent for the common cold
To support immune system health