Astragalus Supplement: A Herb to Boost Your Immunity Naturally?
Are you ready to supercharge your health at the exhilarating crossroads where Mother Nature embraces cutting-edge science? Take a quantum leap into the world of Astragalus, an ancient, yet forward-looking botanical titan – well, that’s what the astragalus hype promises, anyway.
The astragalus supplement makes a lot of big promises.
From taming the tempestuous seas of blood sugar levels to fortifying the stronghold of your cardiovascular system, and marshaling a legion of immune defenders – astragalus is often marketed as the Swiss Army Knife of wellness.
But hold your horses! It’s not just about acquiring a new shiny bottle for your cabinet; let’s look at the actual science of the herb and how it can help you enhance your health and wellness.
In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about astragalus:
- What the adaptogenic herb can do for you (and what even is an adaptogen)
- How to take astragalus for the best effect
- What are the best supplements to choose – and how to distinguish reputable herbs from counterfeit
- … and more
Let’s jump right in!
Conditions Helped by Astragalus Supplement
Astragalus supplement is a versatile natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions. In China, astragalus has been used for over 2000 years and is still continuously researched for its numerous health benefits.
Here are some of the most well-known benefits of taking astragalus supplement:
Blood Sugar Control
Astragalus supplement has been found to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This makes it a potential natural remedy for people with diabetes or those who are at risk of developing the condition.
Research studies have shown that taking astragalus supplement is associated with an improvement in several diabetes markers. The herb impoved blood glucose spikes, it optimized lipid levels, and improved insulin sensitivity. It also showed promise in dealing with some of the complications of type 2 diabetes which are often devastating for supplements.
This all goes back centuries. When we look back at ancient wisdom, we see that astragalus supplement has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to tonify the spleen and improve digestion, which can indirectly help regulate blood sugar levels.
Heart Health
Heart disease is one of the big public health issues we face in the 21st century. Our changing lifestyles put us at higher risk for cardiovascular complications – so, any supplement that can support you toward a healthier heart is worth exploring.
Disclaimer: this obviously doesn’t mean astragalus can replace a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise, don’t smoke, and get good sleep – those are the cornerstones of heart health.
But what about astragalus? Astragalus might be able to bolster cardiac functionality in those who already have heart disease. The herb seems to help dilate blood vessels, improving bloodflow.
In one trial, patients with heart failure were administered 2.25 grams of Astragalus in two separate daily doses alongside traditional therapy. The group who took astagalus improved more than the ones taking conventional drugs alone. There is even talk that astragalus can improve myocarditis, a difficult to diagnose and extremely dangerous infection of the heart muscle.
As research continues, it seems that astragalus has a lot of promise for heart health. If it can show results this good for some of the sickest patients, it could be even more beneficial for those of us looking to improve our wellness
Immune Support
Astragalus supplement is perhaps best known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains polysaccharides and saponins that help enhance immune function and improve resistance to infections.
Research studies have found that taking astragalus supplement can help increase the production of white blood cells and natural killer cells, which play important roles in fighting infections. In some animal studies the herb directly managed to fight infection – even serious infections like a sepsis.
While we don’t have large-scale human studies yet, the initial results are promising. If you’re looking for a supplement to help you through flu season, astragalus might just be it.
How to Take Astragalus Supplement
Now that you know about the potential benefits of astragalus supplement, let’s take a closer look at how to take it safely and effectively.
Alone or in Combination with Other Herbs
Astragalus supplement can be taken alone or in combination with other herbs. It is often combined with other immune-boosting herbs such as echinacea, andrographis, and reishi to enhance its effectiveness. Traditionally (astragalus is a common ingredient in Chinese medicine), it goes in serums and tonics that bring multiple herbs together. This is fairly common for herbal medicine where plants rarely work on their own.
Do you have to follow this ancient wisdom? No, you can definitely benefit from an astragalus supplement on its own – but it’s likely to work even bether in combination with other ingredients.
And what about form?
Astragalus can be taken in various forms such as capsules, tinctures, and tea. Capsules and tinctures are the most convenient and practical ways – but there’s really no wrong way to go here. Of course, IV is not an option at home, but other than that all forms of astragalus can be beneficial.
Safe Dosages of Astragalus Supplement
Astragalus supplement is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended dosages. The recommended dosage depends on the supplement so it’s best to follow the directions on the package – the producer knows her product best.
Higher dosages of up to 60 grams per day have been used in some studies with no reported side effects. However, these dosages should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
How to Choose the Best Astragalus Supplement
When choosing an astragalus supplement, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Quality: Choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and follows good manufacturing practices. This is important because the FDA doesn’t keep an eye on supplement manufacture, it only checks pills when they hit the shelves
- Formulation: Look for a high bioavailability astragalus supplements, formulated to help you get the most of the herb. For example, certain tinctures are specifically made for rapid absorption.
- Additional Ingredients: Some supplements may contain additional herbs or nutrients that can enhance the effectiveness of astragalus. This is how the plant was traditionally used in herbal medicine so it’s worth favoring those options.
So, do any supplements check all the boxes? We did the research for you and picked out some of the top options on the market
Here are our top picks for the best astragalus supplements:
Nature’s Way Astragalus Root Capsules
Nature’s Way is a reputable brand known for its high-quality herbal supplements. Their astragalus root capsules contain 470 mg of astragalus root per capsule, standardized to contain 0.5% astragalosides. This is one of the most affordable options on the market – you are truly getting a bang for your buck.
The capsules are vegetarian and free from common allergens. It’s also one of the most reputable brands you can choose – plus, they are third-party tested to confirm you’re getting the exact herb you were promised.
And what do the people have to say? Here’s a prosmising Amazon review:
Herb Pharm Astragalus Tincture
Herb Pharm is a well-respected company that specializes in making liquid herbal extracts. Their astragalus tincture is made from certified organic astragalus root and is free from artificial preservatives and sweeteners. It’s also free of alcohol, making it an excelent choice if you’re trying to avoid ethanol for personal, health or religious reasons.
Happy customers here, too? Absolutely – here’s one of the most detailed Amazon reviews:
Who Should Avoid Astragalus Supplement
While astragalus supplement is generally safe for most people, there are certain groups of people who should avoid taking it. These include:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Little is known about the safety of astragalus supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid taking it during these times.
- People with autoimmune diseases: Astragalus supplement can stimulate the immune system, which can be problematic for people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. It’s best to avoid taking astragalus supplement if you have an autoimmune disease.
- People taking immunosuppressant drugs: Astragalus supplement can counteract the effects of immunosuppressant drugs, making them less effective. If you are taking immunosuppressant drugs, it’s best to avoid taking astragalus supplement.
Finally, a note that isn’t a contraindication but you should still be mindful of it. If you’re taking medications for diabetes and blood pressure, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking astragalus supplement. For most people the herb will actually do you good, but since these are serious conditions it’s always best to get your doctor’s okay first.
Conclusion
Astragalus supplement is a natural herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to promote health and wellness. It offers a range of potential benefits, including blood sugar control, heart health support, and immune-boosting properties.
When taken in recommended dosages, astragalus supplement is generally safe for most people. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
With the right guidance, astragalus supplement can be a powerful tool for enhancing your health and boosting your immunity naturally. Check out one of our favorite astragalus supplements today:
FAQs
Let’s answer some of the most common questions we get about astragalus:
What is Astragalus supplement good for?
Astragalus supplement is a natural herbal remedy that offers a range of potential health benefits. Some of the most well-known benefits include:
- Blood sugar control
- Heart health support
- Immune-boosting properties
Astragalus supplement has been traditionally used to treat a variety of other health conditions, including fatigue, stress, and digestive disorders.
Can I take Astragalus everyday?
Astragalus supplement is generally safe for most people when taken in recommended dosages. Follow the instructions on the box and listen to your body.
What are side effects of Astragalus?
Astragalus supplement is generally safe for most people when taken in recommended dosages. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions or interfere with certain medications..
Is astragalus the same as Ashwagandha?
No, astragalus and ashwagandha are two different herbal supplements, although both are adaptogens.
Astragalus is derived from the root of the Astragalus membranaceus plant and is primarily used for its immune-boosting properties. Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is derived from the root of the Withania somnifera plant and is primarily used for its stress-reducing and energy-boosting properties. While both herbs have some overlapping health benefits, they are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.
