Astragalus is a herb that has long been known for its medicinal properties and is used in the treatment of many diseases. Until now, it is actively used in traditional medicine. But due to its rarity, the plant is included in the Red Book. In nature, astragalus grows in the form of grass, small shrubs or dwarf shrubs. In Russia, it is found everywhere.
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Astragalus herb: photo and description
Astragalus has inflorescences as fluffy as the leaves.
Astragalus in most cases refers to perennials belonging to the legume family. The plant has several erect stems up to 60 cm high with oblong paired or odd-pinnate leaves of a complex structure, covered on the back with a light white down. Its root is many-headed, rod-shaped. Astragalus flowers are grouped in spike-shaped or capitate inflorescences of lilac, yellow or white.
The flowering period of Astragalus begins in late spring, and in July the fruits are already beginning to ripen - rounded caryopses, outwardly similar to beans. They are single- or double-seed with valves.
Astragalus is popularly called “cat pea”, “centaury” or “grass of life”.
Plant varieties
In the natural environment, there are many types of astragalus, but not all are used for therapeutic purposes. Here are the varieties most in demand in traditional medicine:
- Daursky - the plant is distributed throughout Russia, the Caucasus and Ukraine. It grows mainly in meadows, fields, wastelands, mountain slopes and on light edges near forests. It is also called "cotton candy". For medicinal purposes, both the herb and the roots are used.
Variety of astragalus with purple inflorescences
- Swamp - this variety can be found in Western and Eastern Siberia, the Far East and Asia. It grows mainly in forest belts, river valleys and meadows.
1 meter tall plant with pale yellow corollas
- Malt-leaved is a species found in large numbers on the territory of Ukraine and in the central part of Russia. Prefers to settle on forest edges and in mixed forests.
Perennial with a rising stem up to 90 cm long
- Woolly-flowered - its distribution area is localized in Moldova and Ukraine, as well as in the forest-steppe of Russia. Grass can be found on flat terrain with dense vegetation.
This variety is distinguished by the presence of light white pubescence on the leaves and flowers.
- The membranous is now an endangered species. Found in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and tropical countries.
The herb of the plant is used as a wound healing agent
- Sandy - this specimen is recognized by traditional medicine. Only the ground part is used as a medicinal raw material. The grass grows along water bodies and roads, in woodlands, on sandy soil. It is especially widespread in the middle zone of our country, in the Ukraine, in Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Germany.
The root of this plant is not used for medicinal purposes.
- Chickpea - our grandmothers also used this plant to treat heart and stomach diseases. This species of astragalus grows mainly in Central Europe in open spaces and near water bodies.
Infusions from this representative have a sedative effect on the body, and also lowers adrenaline in the blood.
As a remedy, we have the most widespread two varieties of astragalus - woolly and membranous, which are similar in biochemical composition. However, the latter representative has a stronger therapeutic effect on the human body.
The healing properties of Astragalus for women and men
To date, the best studied pharmacological properties of woolly Astragalus. These include the following:
- sedative;
- hypotensive;
- diuretic;
- anti-cancer;
- antibacterial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- immunostimulating;
- choleretic;
- antipyretic;
- expectorant;
- pain reliever;
- tonic;
- hemostatic.
The beneficial effect of astragalus herb on almost all organs of the human body was experimentally derived. It has a powerful anti-aging effect. In particular, the expansion of the coronary vessels and their cleaning occurs, which increases blood circulation. Thanks to organic acids in the composition, the work of the digestive tract is normalized, flavonoids absorb ultraviolet light and prevent the development of malignant tumors. Malt Astragalus has additional beneficial properties: laxative and expectorant effect.
People who systematically take infusions and decoctions based on astragalus are always in good health. This applies to both physical and mental health.
Astragalus infusions are most in demand in folk medicine.
Consuming a variety of herbal forms will also benefit the following health problems:
- hypertension;
- nephritis and glomerulonephritis;
- angina pectoris;
- swelling;
- rheumatism;
- gynecological diseases;
- renal failure;
- scrofula;
- diabetes;
- physical and mental fatigue, mental disorders;
- impotence;
- tachycardia.
Astragalus water infusion is usually prescribed for people who have had a stroke. The herb enhances cerebral circulation, thereby significantly shortening the rehabilitation period. Due to the silicic acid in the plant, it is possible to enhance the therapeutic effect in the treatment of tuberculosis and lung cancer. At the same time, silicon does not harm the kidneys in any way. Astragalus rhizome is in no way inferior to ginseng root in terms of its general strengthening effect.
The systematic use of astragalus tea contributes to the healing of the whole body
Contraindications
Surprisingly, all preparations from astragalus woolly and membranous do not harm a person at all and do not cause side effects. An exception is the individual intolerance to individual components in the herb. Therefore, before starting phytotherapy, it is recommended to consult with a specialist.
Astragalus has long been used as a means of enhancing labor pains. Because of what infusions and decoctions from the herb should not be drunk during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Astragalus as a medicine
In folk medicine, the internal and external use of infusions and decoctions based on astragalus is practiced. All parts of the plant are involved: roots, inflorescences, foliage and stems.
The rhizome and the ground part of Astragalus are more often used for the preparation of medicinal raw materials
Universal healing recipes will improve health:
- Root infusion... Pour 40 g of ground Astragalus rhizome with boiling water in an amount of 500 ml. It is advisable to use a thermos for this. The liquid is infused for half an hour, then a third of a glass is consumed three times a day after the main meals. A similar composition helps with constipation.
- Infusion on the grass... Take 1 tbsp. l. dry herb in the form of a powder, 1 tbsp.boiling water. After two to three hours of infusion, take the composition of 50-100 ml 3 times a day. It is an effective therapeutic and prophylactic agent for hypertension. It is also used to support heart function. If you take 2 tbsp. l. herbal raw materials with the same volume of water, you will get an effective anti-inflammatory agent for gargling with colds and flu.
- Alcohol tincture... Mix 45-50 g of root and 450 ml of vodka. The product is removed in a dark place for 10-12 days. You can take it 15-20 drops 2 or 3 times a day before meals. This tincture is indicated for atherosclerosis.
Table: a selection of recipes for dosage forms on Astragalus, depending on the disease
| Disease | Composition | Preparation | Application |
| Epilepsy |
All components are taken in 1 tsp. + 300 ml boiling water | Steam the grass with water and leave for 15-20 minutes, then filter | Drink infusion in the morning (on an empty stomach) and in the evening (shortly before bedtime) 150 ml each |
| Angina pectoris |
All components 40 g + 250 ml boiling water | Insist 1.5-2 hours | Is taken orally 2 tbsp. l. 4 times throughout the day |
| Raynaud's disease | Measured in equal proportions:
| Means number 1: for 1 liter of boiling water take 35-40 g of the mixture and insist in a thermos from evening to morning. Tool number 2: prepare in the same way, but all components are doubled | The received drink is taken according to a certain scheme:
The course of treatment is 2 weeks. Take 150 ml of infusion for 4 doses per day. During this time, compresses are made and the painful areas are rubbed with the same infusion. |
| Cardiovascular diseases |
| Put the mixture in a water bath and keep for about a quarter of an hour, then filter and cool to room temperature. Replenish evaporated water to get the original volume | For 24 hours they drink 3 times 2 tbsp. l. infusion. They do this for 6 weeks |
| Atherosclerosis |
Ratio - 1: 3 | Keep the mixture in a dark and warm place for 10 days | 10 days take 28-30 drops three times a day, after which they take a seven-day break |
| Reduced immunity |
| Insist 15-20 minutes | Drink 80 ml 3 times |
| Chronic constipation |
| Dilute and let it brew for at least a quarter of an hour | The solution is used for enema |
Video: how to make an anti-aging elixir from a plant
Alternative to folk remedies
If you do not have the time and desire to prepare homemade medicines from astragalus, you can buy ready-made dietary supplements at the pharmacy. They are selected depending on the disturbing disease. Such preparations can be based on an extract from the root or the ground part of the plant. In addition to them, there are other complementary components in the composition, which enhances the positive effect on the body.
Astragalus bio-treatments are available in capsules
Such food supplements are approved by medicine and are auxiliary means in the complex treatment of many diseases. All dietary supplements are accompanied by instructions for use. If you strictly adhere to the indicated dosages, then you can not be afraid of negative consequences.
Since all herbs from the Red Book cannot be torn, it is possible to buy astragalus at pharmacies. There are also available its different forms: alcohol tincture, extract.
In pharmacies, all dosage forms of Astragalus are dispensed without a prescription.
Reviews
I make myself tea and cocktails with Astragalus to relax after a hard day's work! The root does not affect the taste particularly strongly, I just add ginger, lemon, mint there. Tasty, what can I say.
And my mother advised me to drink Astragalus. I had wild pains in my head after work (another 8-10 hours to watch without looking at the computer). And when the migraine attack, I drink the infused Astragalus root and after 20-30 minutes again a clear look and vigor!
This herb has a high selenium content. It lowers blood pressure and acts as an excellent hepatoprotective agent. Astragalus also helps maintain women's health, she said.
I come from Khakassia, and in our neighboring village this herb is very well known as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent. There are few people living in this village, and some of them take this broth - they never have a heartache!
Astragalus is a plant that has been proven for millennia and has practically no contraindications. You can buy it at the pharmacy or grow it in your own garden. If you adhere to the main recommendations, then such a herb will not only help get rid of many diseases, but also prolong youth. Moreover, as a result, there is no tangible difference, whether it is taking infusions or ready-made dietary supplements.
