Content
- 1 Description and characteristics
- 2 Where does the herb astragalus grow?
- 3 Types of Astragalus
- 4 Chemical composition
- 5 Beneficial properties of astragalus
- 6 Methods of preparation and use
- 7 The use of astragalus herb in folk medicine
- 8 Application in cosmetology
- 9 Contraindications
- 10 Growing astragalus from seeds at home
- 11 Collection and preparation
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 Reviews from doctors about the medicinal properties of astragalus
The popular name for astragalus is the herb of immortality. There are many legends associated with the plant. Astragalus has been used since ancient times to treat various diseases.From Greek the name can be translated as “dice” due to the specific shape of the bean-shaped seeds. It is noteworthy that the medicinal properties and uses of astragalus are still under study.
Description and characteristics
Scientists consider grass to be one of the oldest plants existing on the planet. Previously, the use of astragalus was available only to members of the upper class. With the help of herbs it was possible to cure serious illnesses. In modern folk medicine, remedies based on medicinal plants are used for the treatment and prevention of vascular and heart pathologies, acute respiratory viral infections, and diseases of the digestive system.
Astragalus refers to a whole group of herbaceous and shrub plants, which numbers approximately 1,500 species. This fact determines the characteristics of the chemical composition.
Grass is classified as a legume. The plant can be either annual or perennial. Typically, astragalus is a subshrub or small shrub, which is called:
- cat peas;
- Chinese ginseng;
- yellow root;
- royal grass.
All subspecies of astragalus have similar characteristics:
- The roots are represented by a whole system, consisting of a main dense rhizome and branches extending into the ground.
- The leaves are small in size and oblong in shape.
- The inflorescences are compared to acacia. Astragalus flowers have a purple or white hue. In most cases, they are yellow in color and are collected in a bud-inflorescence (bell). The flowering period usually begins in the second half of May.
- The fruits resemble a round pod. This is typical for most legumes. As the seeds ripen, the capsule opens to allow them to penetrate into the soil. Fruiting begins in July.
Where does the herb astragalus grow?
The culture grows everywhere, but prefers a temperate climate and areas with occurrence of manganese or uranium ores. About 900 species of grass grow in the CIS.
Types of Astragalus
11 types of grass are listed in the Red Book. The medicinal plant astragalus is used for the production of medications. In Russia and some neighboring countries you can find the following varieties of Chinese ginseng:
Sandy
The distribution area of the grass is the middle zone and countries with a temperate climate. Sandy Astragalus grows along rivers and roads. The culture is widely used in medicine.
Sandy Astragalus is in the regional Red Data Books
Danish
A low perennial plant with bright purple inflorescences. It can be found in the Far East, the Caucasus and the Krasnodar Territory, Belarus. The grass prefers steppes and rocky mountain slopes.
All parts of the Danish astragalus are used in folk medicine
Licorice-leaved
The grass is found in the Caucasus. Yellowroot prefers pine and oak forests. Astragalus is valued in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Its medicinal properties can be compared to ginseng. The plant is distinguished by large leaves and oblong flowers. Raw materials are harvested during flowering and the formation of beans.
The height of Astragalus licorice can reach 90 cm
Woolly-flowered
The wild perennial is in demand in medicine. The variety is characterized by an abundance of inflorescences. The grass can be found in the steppes of Russia.
Astragalus wooliflora is cultivated for medicinal purposes.
Membranous
The subspecies is known as the “yellow prince”, due to its powerful tonic effect on the body.The herb is quite in demand in medicine.
Astragalus membranaceus prefers open and sunny areas for growth.
Bolotny
The subspecies can be found in the Far East and Siberia. Astragalus, a close-up photo of which is located below, is a perennial. It reaches a height of 1 m or more. The grass inflorescences are represented by fluffy tassels.
Astragalus marsh is used to treat the reproductive system and digestion
Chickpea
The plant resembles chickpeas in appearance. The grass reaches a height of 1 m. The pale yellow inflorescences number up to 60 flowers, which appear in the first summer months. Astragalus chickpea does not like acidic soil. It is often used for decorative purposes to decorate areas.
The medicinal properties of chickpea astragalus have not been scientifically proven
Sickle-shaped (sickle-shaped)
Habitat: Georgia, Türkiye, Russia, Armenia. The grass is classified as poisonous. Astragalus sicklefruit is included in the Red Book of Altai. The grass prefers mountain birch forests and deciduous forests.
The medicinal properties of sickle-shaped astragalus are due to the content of flavonoids, alkaloids and coumarins
Horned (horned)
This is a subshrub, the height of which reaches 1 m. Flowering of Astragalus cornucopus begins in June. The fruits appear in July. Habitat: cold steppes of Kolyma and Don.
Astragalus hornata is a honey plant
Foxtail
The perennial grows in Western Siberia and Central Asia. Flowering is observed in June. Astragalus foxtail is a medicinal plant containing flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The raw materials for potions are flowers, leaves and stems.
Astragalus foxtail is used to treat malaria
There are other types of grass. For example, spiny astragalus can be found in the Caucasus.
Chemical composition
Official medicine has recognized the medicinal properties of only two types of astragalus:
- membranous;
- woolly-flowered.
Among the beneficial substances contained in astragalus are:
- ascorbic and folic acids;
- vitamin E;
- retinol;
- manganese;
- barium;
- iron;
- molybdenum;
- phosphorus;
- silicon;
- selenium.
The content of flavonoids, which have pronounced anti-cancer properties, is essential. The organic acids contained in the herb take part in almost all processes occurring in the body.
Astragalus is rich in polysaccharides. They are considered the main source of energy, which is necessary for metabolic processes. The healing herb includes tannins. High molecular weight compounds of natural origin ensure cleansing of pathogenic flora and toxins.
Astragalus is a source of essential oils. They relieve inflammation and also have a calming effect on the nervous system. Essential oils soften the skin and have antiseptic properties.
Substances included in astragalus also include alkaloids. The components have analgesic and sedative qualities. Astragalus synthesizes phytosterols. They regulate cholesterol concentrations and normalize the functioning of the immune system. The plant is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases due to the presence of carbohydrates and fiber.
Beneficial properties of astragalus
The medicinal plant is a storehouse of useful substances.Some types of cat peas are successfully used for therapeutic and preventive purposes due to their unique properties.
The medicinal herb astragalus has the following beneficial effects:
- antitumor;
- hemostatic;
- sedative;
- hypotensive;
- antibacterial;
- antidiabetic;
- wound healing;
- immunostimulating;
- antioxidant;
- diuretic;
- vasoconstrictor;
- antiviral;
- anti-aging.
Astragalus is beneficial for the heart and brain due to its hepatoprotective effects. The herb is used as an antidote for poisoning. The use of cat pea potions helps prevent the development of malignant tumors.
Beneficial properties of astragalus for men
The use of remedies based on medicinal herbs is justified for diseases of the reproductive system. Chinese ginseng improves potency and the quality of seminal fluid, having a beneficial effect on hormonal levels. The use of medicinal potions based on cat peas helps reduce the severity of inflammatory processes.
Healing properties for women
Chinese ginseng helps with infertility. For reproductive disorders, infusions with astragalus should be used. Externally, the product is used to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate rashes.
What is good for children
The use of the astragalus plant for medicinal purposes has not been studied enough. Children are given herbal-based products with great care to boost immunity and treat ARVI. The components included in Chinese ginseng can cause allergic reactions.
Methods of preparation and use
In folk medicine, liquid formulations are more often used. They are highly effective and easy to prepare.
How to brew astragalus (tea)
Dry roots are used to make a healthy drink. Take half a liter of water per tablespoon of raw material.
Royal herb tea has beneficial effects on the immune system
Tincture
This is a universal product that is infused with vodka. It is intended for external and internal use. To prepare the tincture, you need to pour 40 g of roots with vodka (0.5 l). The bottle is tightly sealed and placed in a dry and dark place. The product is shaken periodically for ten days. Before use, the composition is filtered.
Chinese ginseng tincture is taken on an empty stomach, 30 drops.
Infusion
The product can be prepared according to different schemes depending on the indications for use. Usually take a tablespoon of raw material per 100 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the required amount of plant parts.
An infusion of the yellow root is drunk after it has cooled as a preventative and restorative drug.
Decoction
The product is prepared from the roots of Chinese ginseng. They must first be crushed. A tablespoon of raw material is poured into a glass of boiling water and simmered in a water bath for half an hour. The composition is filtered after cooling.
Drink two tablespoons of cat pea decoction.
Ointment
The invention provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, wound healing effects.The dosage form includes glycerin, astragalus (sainfoin) extract and purified water. The product is used for the treatment of skin pathologies and abrasions.
Ointment from the royal herb has a high penetrating ability
Astragalus root extract
The dosage form cannot be prepared independently. The grass is grown under special conditions using fertilizers containing selenium. The extract can be purchased at a pharmacy and used for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. Adults drink 15 drops of the product per appointment.
Children can be given Chinese ginseng root extract starting at age three.
The use of astragalus herb in folk medicine
The medicinal properties of the plant have been proven through scientific research. Remedies from the medicinal subshrub are used for the treatment and prevention of the digestive and reproductive systems.
Cat Pea for Erectile Dysfunction
For sexual impotence, drink a drink prepared from the above-ground part or dried roots (a tablespoon). The product is infused for two hours and filtered before use. The dosage is a quarter glass. The drink is drunk four times a day.
To improve potency, an infusion of Chinese ginseng is taken for a month
Yellow root for female infertility
To prepare the infusion, you need to add a glass of water to a handful of chopped roots or dried herbs. The mixture is simmered over fire until the original volume is reduced by half.
A filtered infusion of cat peas is drunk before intimacy.
Chinese ginseng for diabetes
The yellow root remedy helps reduce the concentration of sugar.To prepare a healing infusion, you need to pour a tablespoon of chopped roots with a glass of boiling water. The solution is infused for four hours and drunk on an empty stomach, 50 ml three times a day.
The duration of therapy with cat pea infusion is three months.
Royal herb for hypertension
High blood pressure worries about 75% of older people. An infusion of Chinese ginseng helps relieve symptoms of hypertension, for example, pain in the occipital region. Pour boiling water (200 ml) over dry herb (20 g). The product is ready for use after two hours. The course of therapy is three weeks. You need to take a tablespoon of the drug per day (five times).
After a short break, cat pea therapy can be resumed if there is no desired effect.
Astragalus for oncology
The medicinal plant is used as part of the complex therapy of malignant tumors. Typically, healing drugs are used after irradiation and taking medications. Chinese ginseng (root or herb) is made into infusions and taken as tea.
A remedy made from the yellow root for oncology, drink a tablespoon on an empty stomach five times a day
Astragalus for the treatment of borreliosis
The herb improves the functioning of the immune system, which is necessary after a tick bite. The use of formulations based on Chinese ginseng can prevent the development of the disease or make its course easier.
Cat pea products should not be used for chronic progression of Lyme disease.
Astragalus for multiple sclerosis
Experts recommend taking an infusion prepared in a standard way. For 20 g of dry grass (root powder) you need to take 200 ml of boiling water.The product is infused for two hours. The drug is drunk half a glass for two weeks, an hour before meals.
An infusion of royal herb is beneficial for the cardiovascular system
Astragalus for fibroids
The causes of a benign tumor in the muscular layer of the uterus are poorly understood. If they are large in size, fibroids can significantly worsen a woman’s quality of life, causing pain and bleeding.
To treat nodules in the myometrium, infusions of Chinese ginseng are used. Dry herb (a tablespoon) is poured with a glass of boiling water. The product is infused for an hour.
It is recommended to drink five cups of yellow root medicine per day to eliminate fibroids.
Application in cosmetology
The astragalus plant, the photo of which is above, is a well-known crop in folk medicine. The grass is also called the source of beauty and youth. Astragalus can not only be brewed and drunk. It is used in home cosmetology for facial skin care.
For rejuvenation, the roots or infusion of cat peas are mixed with cottage cheese and honey. Duration of exposure to the mask is 15 minutes. A decoction of Chinese ginseng is also applied to the face as a compress. To eliminate cellulite, a mixture of honey and royal herb infusion is applied to problem areas, and the top is insulated with polyethylene. After half an hour, the wrapping composition should be washed off.
Contraindications
Astragalus is not recommended for use in some cases. Contraindications include periods of pregnancy and lactation, children under three years of age. You should not ingest products based on royal herb if you have hypersensitivity reactions.
Growing astragalus from seeds at home
Choose a sunny place for planting grass.It should be slightly darkened. Astragalus is not picky about soil. It is only important to avoid stagnation of moisture. It is advisable to give preference to loose and fertile soils.
Astragalus easily tolerates periods of drought. Mature plants do not need constant watering. Organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable for feeding grass. They must be applied at planting and in the fall.
During the cold season, the above-ground part gradually dies off, and the rhizome remains to overwinter in open ground conditions. Astragalus can grow in the same place for up to five years, then the planting area needs to be renewed.
Sowing of seeds is carried out in autumn or early spring in open ground (three cm deep, maintaining a distance of 40 cm). Astragalus seedlings can withstand spring frosts.
Collection and preparation
Astragalus is called the herb of life of the Kremlin leaders. For the collection and subsequent preparation of raw materials for medicinal purposes, both the above-ground part of the plant and the roots are suitable. It is necessary to collect specimens only in ecologically clean areas during the period of active flowering. The grass is cut carefully so as not to damage the roots. They are harvested in the second half of autumn. The roots are carefully removed with a shovel, cleared of soil, rotten parts are cut off, and washed. The material is dried in a ventilated room.
It is important to clean raw materials from debris. Plants with signs of damage by various pests should not be collected. High-quality material (grass) needs to be dried in the open air. It is possible to use a dryer. The temperature should be set to 55 °C.
Dried herb or astragalus root is stored in fabric bags or tightly closed glass containers. Raw materials can be used throughout the year.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and uses of astragalus are under study. Traditional medicine has recognized the medicinal properties of two subspecies of the plant. The herb has several names and has hemostatic, hypotensive, and wound-healing effects.
Reviews from doctors about the medicinal properties of astragalus
The plant is compared to Chinese ginseng due to its beneficial effects on the human body. Reviews from doctors contain information about the possibility of using astragalus for therapeutic and preventive purposes.
