by Dr Mercola
What Is Astragalus Oil? Astragalus oil comes from the root of a plant known as Astragalus membranaceus, which has various names including Huang Qi, Bei Qi and Hwanqqi. It is native to northern China and the elevated regions of the Chinese provinces. A member of the pea family, astragalus was coined Huang Qi which means ‘yellow leader’ because of its yellow root.
Astragalus also has a sweet-smelling yellow blossom and a hairy stem and grows best in sandy, well-drained soil, under the sun. The plant and its uses were discovered by a Chinese herbalist named Shen Nong nearly 5,000 years ago who made a detailed record called “Shen Nong Pen Tsao Ching” (circa A.D. 100), which listed around 300 plants he discovered and researched. Other varieties of astragalus can be found in Northern hemisphere countries with temperate climate like Mongolia,4 North Korea5 and Japan.
Uses of Astragalus Oil
Chinese medical history attributes the use of astragalus to strengthen and replenish ‘qi,’ the body’s life force and protective energy, more commonly referred to in the western world as the immune system. There have been no studies reported about the cosmetic use of astragalus oil, so for now, it’s best to use it for massages.
However aside from the oil, astragalus, particularly the root, can be made into other products like liquid extracts, tinctures, teas and creams (for topical use). Products that contain traces of the plant were proven useful in helping treat the following conditions:
| Chronic weakness | Fatigue | Weak digestion |
| Shortness of breath | Bloating | Ulcers |
| Low immunity | Heart failure | HIV/AIDS |
| Night sweats | Nephritis | Low adrenal energy |
| Urinary tract infections | Chronic colds, allergies or flu prevention |
For other astragalus products, consider the recommended dosage amounts:
• Tea/herbal decoction: Use 3 to 6 grams dried root per 12 ounces of water, thrice a day
• Powdered root: Take 250 to 500 milligrams, three to four times per day
• Capsules: Take two to three capsules (500 milligrams) per day9
• Tincture: and liquid extract: Take 2 to 4 milliliters (approximately 1/2 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon) three times a day
• Ointment: 10 percent astragalus applied to the surface of the wound only (do not apply on open wounds without the advice of a health care practitioner)
Composition of Astragalus Oil
The astragalus plant contains the following components:
Human Givens
| Polysaccharides | Saponins | Flavonoids |
| Amino acids | Trace elements | Essential oils |
| Organic compounds like choline, betaine and gluconic acid | Minerals like zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, selenium and sodium | Dietary and crude fibre |
| Bitter compounds that increase the flow of urine | Mucilaginous compounds that enhance the immune response |
Benefits of Astragalus Oil
Should you use any astragalus product, such as astragalus essential oil, here are some of its potential benefits:
| Bolsters immune function | Increases white blood cell count | Helps stimulate the production of antibodies |
| Improves digestive health | Improves overall function of the heart and cardiovascular system | Promotes metabolic function |
| Helps manage diabetes | Promotes normal cholesterol levels | Enhances liver and kidney function |
| Assists in increasing bodily resistance to virus and bacteria | Helps cure stomach ulcers through the inhibition of gastric secretions and the reduction of gastric acid |
How to Make Infused Astragalus Oil
If you want to make an astragalus oil infusion at home, follow this simple method
MATERIALS:
• Astragalus roots
• Carrier oil (serves as your base; popular choices include sweet almond, coconut and olive oil)
• Spoon for mixing
• Unbleached cheesecloth, muslin or fine gauze
• Double boiler or a crockpot
• Glass jar for storage
PROCEDURE:
1. Combine the herbs and oil in a double boiler. The ideal ratio would be 1 cup of carrier oil to every 1/4 ounce of astragalus.
2. Heat slowly over low heat (140 degrees Fahrenheit) for six to eight hours.
3. When done, strain the mixture and transfer it to a glass jar (or any container of your choice).
Store your finished product for about six months in a jar in a cool, dark, and dry spot to ensure that the oil retains its aromatic and medicinal properties. Do not heat the oil in a microwave. This is not recommended for oral use.
How Does Astragalus Oil Work?
Astragalus products like teas and capsules are usually taken internally, while the oil is best used topically. This is what the plant can potentially do for your body:
| Help blood vessels to relax | Lower blood pressure | Helps stop fatty plaque deposits from clogging arteries so blood can move more freely |
| Enhances body energy (astragalus is an adaptogen) | Aids in decreasing acidity levels in the stomach | Reduces blood sugar levels |
Is Astragalus Oil Safe?
Although there are no major reports about the negative effects of astragalus, it is best to avoid consuming the plant or the oil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have undergone transplant surgery or any surgery, or if you are suffering from the following illnesses:
| Autoimmune diseases | Multiple sclerosis | Psoriasis |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Type 1 diabetes | Systemic lupus erythematosus |
It is recommended that you consult a physician before using the plant orally, especially for children. While there have been no major reports about irritation from handling this plant, I advise that you take a skin patch test to determine any potential allergies.
Side Effects of Astragalus Oil
Even if there are no recorded incidents of the ill effects of astragalus, make sure to take note of the following potential side effects:
| Increased visibility of pimples and blemishes for people with acne, ruddy complexion or blood impurities | Increased effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon |
| Interference with actions of diuretics, phenobarbital, beta-blockers and anticoagulants | Rise in growth hormone levels |
| Allergic reactions (especially if you are allergic to members of the Leguminosae or pea family) | Counteracting of the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients |
