Ayurvedic Herb

Astragalus (has a safety note)

BotanicalAstragalus mongholicus (syn. Astragalus membranaceus)Also calledHuang qi, Milk vetch root, Mongolian milkvetch

A pale, sweet, mildly beany root from Chinese tradition, simmered into soups and teas through the cooler months.

* Safety note: Can interact with immune-suppressing medicines and is best avoided with autoimmune conditions; read the cautions. Read the cautions

Astragalus, root (dried slices or pieces)

Dried astragalus root comes in pale yellow slices that look a little like flattened tongue depressors. Simmered, it gives a mild, sweet, slightly beany tea, and in Chinese homes a few slices often go into the soup pot through autumn and winter and are lifted out before serving.

Known as huang qi in Chinese medicine, astragalus is one of that tradition's best loved tonic roots. It is not part of classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable Ayurvedic description of its energetics, so we share it here as a guest from Chinese tradition.

Ayurvedic Properties

Not described in classical Ayurveda, and we have not found a reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, so most of its energetics are shown as unknown. It is one of the most widely used tonic roots in Chinese herbal tradition.

RasaTastes
  • Sweet
ViryaHeating or cooling
Not known
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Not known
AgniEffect on digestion
Not known

There is no traditional Ayurvedic basis for judging its effect on digestion.

GunaQualities
Not known
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: not known
  • Pitta: not known
  • Kapha: not known
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Because astragalus has no classical or reliable modern Ayurvedic profile, we do not assign it a dosha effect. Its mild sweetness makes it an easy, grounding addition to warm soups and stews.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support steady energy and stamina.
  • Traditionally used to support the body's natural defenses through the cooler seasons.
  • Traditionally used to support recovery and strength after a tiring time.

How People Use It

  • TeaSimmer 1 tablespoon of astragalus root in 2 cups of water, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain and sip warm.
  • FoodDrop 2 or 3 slices into a pot of soup, broth or congee as it simmers and remove them before serving.
Try This

Autumn Astragalus Soup Pot

A simple, nourishing broth to keep on the stove on a cool weekend.

  • 3 or 4 slices astragalus root
  • 1 tablespoon goji berries
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 1 carrot and 1 small onion, chopped
  • 6 cups water or vegetable stock
  • Salt to taste
  1. Put the astragalus, ginger, carrot, onion and water or stock in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
  3. Add the goji berries for the last 10 minutes.
  4. Lift out the astragalus slices, season with salt and serve warm.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Little is known about astragalus in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and animal research suggests it may be harmful to a developing baby. Avoid it during pregnancy or while nursing unless your doctor or midwife approves.
  • Astragalus may affect the immune system. People with autoimmune conditions should avoid it, and it may interact with immunosuppressant medicines. In one report it lowered levels of the transplant drug tacrolimus.
  • Astragalus may add to the effects of blood pressure medicines, water pills and blood thinners, and has shown estrogen-like activity in the lab. Check with your doctor if you take any of these or hormone therapies.
  • Reported side effects include tiredness, headache and low blood pressure.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using astragalus regularly, especially if you take any medication.

In Our Shop

Organic Astragalus Root

Organic Astragalus Root, from $4.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Astragalus →

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.