Astragalus root, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known as Huang Qi, has emerged as a powerful natural remedy for supporting gut health and overall wellness.
It is also a key ingredient in our Cosmic Hue plant tea blend.
In this article, we'll explore what astragalus is, its key health benefits, how to prepare it as a tea, and important considerations for using this powerful herb effectively.
What is Astragalus?
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an adaptogenic plant that helps your body handle stress and maintain balance. The root contains concentrated healing compounds that support immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity. In traditional medicine, it's been used for centuries to strengthen the body's vital energy and enhance natural healing processes.
Modern research has validated many of these traditional uses, showing that astragalus contains active compounds like flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides that all contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Benefits of Astragalus Root Tea
Immune System
Astragalus root strengthens your body's natural defences by boosting white blood cell production and enhancing immune function.
This makes it particularly valuable during seasonal changes when your body needs extra support, helping maintain robust immunity year-round.
Digestive and Inflammatory Support
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties provide natural relief for digestive discomfort while supporting optimal gut health by calming systemic inflammation.
Since gut health influences immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing, regular consumption helps maintain a healthy digestive system and reduces systemic inflammation.
Heart Health
Astragalus improves cardiovascular function by supporting healthy blood flow and blood pressure regulation. It also helps protect heart tissue and improve overall cardiac function. This is especially valuable since stress and inflammation can impact heart health over time.
Blood Sugar Balance
Astragalus root helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it valuable for type 2 diabetes management.
Studies indicate it may improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels when used as part of a comprehensive health strategy.
Energy and Stress Management
As an adaptogenic herb, astragalus naturally combats fatigue and helps your body handle physical and emotional stress.
Unlike stimulants, it works by supporting your body's natural stress response, helping maintain balanced energy throughout the day.
Regular consumption can improve resilience and sustain energy levels without the crashes associated with caffeine.
Chemotherapy Support
When administered through an IV, it significantly improved patient comfort by decreasing feelings of nausea by more than one-third, cutting episodes of vomiting in half and reducing instances of diarrhea by nearly 60%
Preparing Astragalus Tea
The key to preparing effective astragalus tea lies in proper steeping time and temperature. A longer steeping time allows for better extraction of the beneficial compounds, while maintaining a gentle simmer prevents degradation of active ingredients.
To make effective and tasty astragalus tea use 2 teaspoons dried root per cup of water. Pour hot water into your teapot with the roots inside the pot. Let the tea steep for at least 10 minutes. Pour the tea via a strainer into your cup and enjoy!
Of course you can always try Cosmic Hue that includes astragalus as well as six other powerful plant ingredients.
Important Considerations
Who Should Be Cautious
People with autoimmune conditions should consult their healthcare providers to ensure safe usage. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also obtain medical clearance before consuming astragalus tea. Those taking immunosuppressants or blood sugar medications need professional guidance to avoid potential complications. Additionally, individuals with high blood pressure should carefully monitor their response when using this herb.
Potential Interactions
While astragalus is generally safe, it can interact with several types of medications. These include drugs that suppress the immune system, medications for blood pressure management, diabetes treatments, and blood thinners.
Anyone taking these medications should discuss astragalus use with their healthcare provider to prevent adverse interactions and ensure safe consumption.
Recommended Usage
To achieve optimal results with astragalus tea, begin with a single cup daily while paying attention to your body's response. Being consistent and incorporating it into your daily routine is key for experiencing the full benefits.
While astragalus tea can be enjoyed at any hour, many people find morning consumption particularly beneficial, as it helps establish a positive tone for the day and supports sustained energy levels. However, feel free to adjust your timing based on your personal schedule and preferences.
The most important aspect of consuming astragalus tea is maintaining awareness of how your body responds. If you notice positive effects, you may gradually increase consumption, but always stay attuned to your body's signals and adjust accordingly. This mindful approach ensures you'll receive maximum benefits while maintaining safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Astragalus root tea offers a natural approach to supporting your body's healing abilities. Whether you're looking to boost immunity, support heart health, or enhance overall wellbeing, this ancient herb delivers powerful benefits backed by both tradition and science.
The key to success with astragalus tea, as with any natural remedy, lies in consistent use and mindful observation of your body's response. Just as our founder Manny discovered during his healing journey, the power of plants can be transformative when used as part of a holistic approach to health.
Ready to experience these benefits yourself? Our Cosmic Hue blend combines astragalus with other carefully selected plants to support your gut health and wellness journey.
Sources
Astragalus mongholicus Bunge | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. (2015). Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:478720-1
Astragalus. (2020, August). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus
Astragalus Root: Heart Benefits and Side Effects. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/heart/astragalus-root-heart-benefits-side-effects
Block, K. I., & Mead, M. N. (2003). Immune System Effects of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus: A Review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 2(3), 247–267. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735403256419
Duan, P., & Wang, Z. (2002). Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 22(7), 515–517. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12592686/
Liu, M., Wu, K., Mao, X., Wu, Y., & Ouyang, J. (2010). Astragalus polysaccharide improves insulin sensitivity in KKAy mice: Regulation of PKB/GLUT4 signaling in skeletal muscle. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 127(1), 32–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.055