Immune & Energy Benefits of Astragalus

The Legend

The story of Huang Qi, also known as the Yellow Elderly Man, is a tale that has been passed down through generations. He was a kind and skilled acupuncturist who helped many people in need. One day, he lost his life saving a child from falling off a cliff. An herb grew on his tomb and the people decided to name this herb after him. This herb became known as Huang Qi, or Astragalus, and has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits.

Astragalus membranaceous is a root that has some incredible benefits for health. One of the greatest things about it is its taste, which is why it was the first adaptogen that many people started taking. Adaptogens help to improve energy levels and promote overall health and wellbeing.

The Original Qi Tonic

Traditionally, Astragalus was known as a Qi tonic. In Taoist philosophy, Qi is considered the fundamental energy that animates and sustains all life. According to the Three Treasure System of Taoist Tonic Herbalism, Qi is one of the three treasures that are essential to a healthy and balanced life. The other two treasures are Jing, which represents the essence or primal energy that is stored in the body, and Shen, which represents the spirit or consciousness.

9 Reasons to Love Astragalus

Qi is responsible for the body's vital functions, such as breathing, digestion, and circulation. It also gives us our energy and vitality, both physically and mentally. In Taoist Tonic Herbalism, astragalus is considered a Qi tonic, which means that it helps to nourish and strengthen the Qi energy in the body. By doing so, it helps to increase energy levels, boost the immune system, and promote overall health and vitality.

It also supports Wei Qi, which is a protective energy that circulates under the skin and muscle. This translates into modern science in the extensive research on the immune benefits of astragalus. Studies have shown that Astragalus can increase the production of white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. It also enhances the immune activity of other cells like macrophages, which are responsible for eating up foreign invaders. Additionally, Astragalus can help support a healthy immune inflammatory response, preventing chronic inflammation and promoting healing when inflammation is needed.

Astragalus is also known to be a strong anti-viral herb, with early research showing that it has "obvious anti-influenza virus activity." It was traditionally considered a lung tonic and has been shown to be very cardioprotective. Astragalus can also help promote healthy blood sugar balance, which is why it is frequently prescribed for diabetes management in China.

Why It has been loved for 1000s of Years

In conclusion, Astragalus membranaceous, or Huang Qi, is a root that has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. It is known as a qi tonic and can help support healthy energy levels. It also has many immune health benefits, including increasing white blood cell production and enhancing the immune activity of other cells. Astragalus is a strong anti-viral herb and can help promote healthy blood sugar balance and heart health. With all of these benefits, it is no wonder why Astragalus has been so highly valued in traditional herbal medicine for centuries.