Our First Award Nomination
We are so excited to share that our first award nomination ever! Bravo’s Astragalus Tea has been nominated in the nutrition category alongside a number of amazing natural products brands.
Our tea makes it easy to incorporate the many health benefits of astragalus into your every day routine. We need our fans to vote- so please take a moment to visit this link and vote today- voting ends July 31st, 2019. (voting now closed)
Astragalus Root: an Ancient Herb
Astragalus root is only now becoming popular in the western world, but it’s been one of the most consumed herbs in Asia for thousands of years. A classical Chinese text called Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing contains the first known mention of the herb. Written around 200 AD, the text discusses the many medicinal herbs used at the time. It’s name in Chinese is huang qi, which means “yellow leader”. Dried astragalus root has a yellow tone (as well as yellow flowers) and the “leader” part of the name is because it’s one of the top herbs used in Chinese medicine.
It’s most common use is to support healthy immune function. Even so, you’ll find astragalus root in many herbal blends for different applications for it’s many benefits but also for how it works synergystically with other herbs.
Best taken daily, the herb is one of the best ways to keep the immune system in top form. A few weeks before cold and flu season, back to school time, or even before you travel are great times to use it.
Astragalus in TCM Herbal Theory
- Taste profile (sweet, bitter astringent)
- The herbs temperature profile (hot or cold)
- The natural element that it’s related to
- A season that it’s associated with (five seasons in TCM)
- System of the body that it’s connected to
Lung and Spleen Meridians
The spleen meridian and lung meridian have strong associations with astragalus. The meridians are systems in the body where energy flows through. As it flows, it affects different organs along the way. The spleen meridian starts at the upper mid back, flows up behind the armpit, then flows down to the inner ankle, foot and finally the big toe.
An imbalanced spleen meridian might cause leg or knee pain, jaw pain, puffy face, joint issues, vomiting, excess phlegm, and loose stools. The spleen has connections to the earth element and Late Summer- the fifth season in TCM.
The lung meridian works with the heart meridian to control breathing. Starting at the solar plexus area, it flows upward over the stomach, then down the diaphragm, then flows down to the large intestine. When we follow the path of energy in the body, it’s easier to see why TCM considers whole systems. As the energy travels, it touches and effects different organs.
Lung meridian imbalance can cause wrist problems, shoulder pain, asthma, bronchitis, and lost voice.
This is a general explanation of these two systems and how astragalus works with them. Real TCM theory- especially when used by practitioners, is much more complex and issues vary from person to person. Please remember that these statements are not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.
Modern Research and Astragalus
Many modern drugs began with the study of herbal remedies and how they affected the body. Western medicine and TCM methodologies are completely different. Still, Western science is taking a serious look at why TCM is still relevant in the modern world.
Since astragalus is one of the most well known herbs, it’s no wonder that it’s been the subject of many new studies. Modern studies are expanding understanding of the herb from a Western perspective.
Astragalus Root and Healthy Immune Function
Studies show that astragalus may support white blood cell production. This could be the reason why many use the herb to support immunity. Astragalus is rich with “immuno-stimulants”, nutritional components that may stimulate immune response. Some of these include:
Asparagine
Calycosin
Cycloastragenol
Astragalosides
Betaine
Kumatakenin
Glucuronic acid
β-sitosterol
Soyasaponin
Formononetin astraisoflavan
The immuno-stimulants may affect the cardiovascular system and the neuroendocrine systems. Some studies looked at astragalus to measure it’s potency against germs, bacteria and viruses.
Astragalus Root for Cardiovascular Health
There are some human studies focused on astragalus. One studied its ability to support patients with congestive heart failure. Patients who received astragalus saw increased heart function. This effect may have been due to astragalus supporting healthy inflammation response. Researchers noted that astragalus might be helpful for stimulating the immune system. They concluded that it could be helpful for fighting the common cold and other infections.
Astragalus Root for Energy & Stamina
Everyday Astragalus Use
