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Traditional medicine still successfully “withstands competition” from the pharmaceutical industry. Many of the plants and herbs used have been known to mankind for a very long time, their effectiveness has been tested and proven by time. Astragalus densely branched belongs to this group. The health benefits of the plant are also recognized by official medicine, including it as an integral component in some of the dietary supplements sold in pharmacies.
What it looks like and where it grows
Astragalus densely branched is a shrub from the Legume family. The plant is endemic, its distribution area is limited to Turkmenistan and Iran (mountainous regions of eastern and central Kopetdag). Among the soils, it prefers slopes and screes covered with stones and rubble, on which other plants rarely take root. The optimal height is 1000-1400 m above sea level. Astragalus densely branched in folk medicine of different countries is known under many nicknames - “yellow root”, “royal grass”, “cat pea”, “centaury”.
Astragalus densely branched grows in a very limited area
The densely branched Astragalus shrub does not differ in size, reaching approximately 1 m in height.The shoots are straight or ascending, intensively branching closer to the top. Because of this, the crown appears loose. Internodes are developed and rather short. The branches are densely studded with long (3-3.5 cm) sharp thorns, bent almost horizontally. The root is very powerful, taproot, and practically does not branch. This is what is most often used in folk medicine.
The leaves of the plant are pinnately shaped, with pointed, even spiny tips. Each consists of 6-10 pairs of small leaves. They are located alternately. The petioles are also covered with spines, gradually become lignified, and remain on the branches when the foliage of the plant falls.
The flowers of Astragalus densely branched are axillary, collected in twos, dotting the entire length of annual shoots. The petals are pale yellow, with purple veins. Diameter – 5-7 mm. Flowering occurs in June-July. The fruits ripen in August-September. The beans are ovoid, with dense pubescence, small (about 4 cm long). Each contains one seed. Even when they are fully ripe, the beans on the plant do not burst.
From the shape of the leaves it is easy to understand that the densely branched astragalus belongs to the legume family
The medicinal properties of densely branched astragalus were well known to the ancient Greeks, Arabs and Scythians. Among the latter, the plant was generally considered the “grass of immortality” and was intended exclusively for the needs of the nobility. Women and children were prohibited from consuming compositions of Astragalus densely branched under penalty of death.
Chemical composition
The use of Astragalus densely branched in folk medicine is due to the rich chemical composition of the plant:
- plant mucilage Bassorin and Arabin;
- treterpene saponins;
- flavonoids quercetin, kaempphenol, isorhamnetin (polyphenols of natural origin, the effectiveness of which in the prevention of cancer has been scientifically proven);
- organic acids (participate in almost all metabolic processes occurring in the body);
- polysaccharides (a valuable source of energy for humans, in particular for metabolism);
- tannins (a natural antiseptic that helps remove pathogenic microflora and toxins from the body);
- essential oils (have antibacterial properties);
- alkaloids (natural analgesic, mild sedative effect);
- coumarins and phytosterols (synthesized by densely branched astragalus independently, have a beneficial effect on the immune system, reduce blood cholesterol levels);
- vitamins (A, B9, C, E);
- steroids (biologically active substances);
- macro- and microelements (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, sodium, silicon, less often selenium, gold, molybdenum, barium).
Traditional medicine recipes based on densely branched astragalus have a wide spectrum of action
Medicinal properties
The medicinal properties of Astragalus densely branched are quite versatile. This plant is used in folk medicine for the following purposes:
- strengthening the cardiovascular system, cleaning blood vessels;
- activation of the kidneys and excretory system (acts as a diuretic);
- normalization of high blood pressure;
- combating excessive excitability, emotional swings, insomnia;
- treatment of migraines, dizziness attacks;
- increasing body tone, restoring strength and improving immunity;
- liquefaction of mucus in the bronchi and lungs.
Astragalus densely branched contains polysaccharides in a fairly high concentration. But this does not mean that preparations made from it according to traditional medicine recipes are prohibited from being used for diabetes of any type and for being overweight. On the contrary, they normalize blood composition, reduce glucose levels, and activate metabolism, which is very useful for those who want to lose weight.
Medical uses and recipes
Traditional medicine offers the following options for using the densely branched Astragalus root in different cases:
- With a general decline in vitality. A teaspoon of crushed raw materials is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and kept in a water bath for an hour. After this, the liquid is filtered, warm water is added, restoring the original volume. The product is taken in 2 tbsp. l. before every meal.
- For sore throat. 2 tbsp. l. crushed Astragalus densely branched roots are poured with 100 ml of water, after half an hour, heated over low heat to a boil. After waiting 5 minutes, remove from the stove and let it brew for 4-5 hours. Before use, filter the finished product, drink it three times a day, 2 tbsp with meals. l.
- For tonsillitis. Mix about 1 tsp. crushed roots of densely branched astragalus, dry coltsfoot, chamomile, linden blossom, thyme, sage, eucalyptus leaves. 1 tbsp. l. This collection is poured into a glass of hot water and boiled. Drink immediately, without allowing it to cool too much, a glass 3-4 times a day.
- For insomnia. 2 tbsp. l. crushed Astragalus densely branched root is poured with a glass of boiling water, left to infuse for 40 minutes. About 2 hours before bedtime, drink half a glass, and another hour later - the rest (with sediment). The course of treatment lasts 2 weeks.
- For bronchitis, phlegm in the lungs.In approximately equal proportions, take the roots of astragalus, marshmallow and licorice, fennel fruits, and coltsfoot leaves. 1 tbsp. l. the collection is poured with a glass of cold water, after 2 hours it is boiled for 5-7 minutes. The finished broth is filtered and drunk a day, dividing the total volume into 3-4 servings.
- With neurosis. 2 tbsp. l. Astragalus densely branched roots are poured with a liter of boiling water and heated for 10 minutes. Immediately pour into a thermos and let it brew overnight. In the morning, filter the broth, drink 2-3 times a day, half a glass, about half an hour before meals. The maximum duration of treatment is 3 weeks.
- With age-related weakness. About 100 g of fresh crushed Astragalus densely branched roots are poured with a liter of dry red wine or 400 ml of vodka. Infuse for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking the container periodically. The finished tincture is filtered and taken, respectively, 30-40 or 10-15 drops twice a day, half an hour before meals.
The most complex positive effect on the body is exerted by tea made from Astragalus densely branched with ginseng, sweetened with honey. You need to take 1 tsp. chopped roots, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, strain after 30 minutes. This is the daily norm, divided into 2-3 servings. Drink 15-20 minutes before meals.
Contraindications
There are few contraindications for taking remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine based on Astragalus densely branched:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) and increased blood clotting.
- The entire period of pregnancy and lactation. There have been no scientific studies regarding the effects of Astragalus densely branched on the body of the mother and fetus.
- Individual intolerance. An allergic reaction can never be ruled out.To conduct the test, apply a small amount of the prepared product to the crook of your elbow or the inside of your wrist. For itching, burning, redness, rash, and swelling to appear, 20-30 minutes is enough.
Collection and preparation
In ancient times, the gum of Astragalus densely branched was most often used in folk medicine. Now it is in demand mainly in the pharmaceutical industry, but they only use white gum. It is used as a “binder” in tablets and emulsions.
They get it by simply cutting the shoots of Astragalus densely branched before flowering. Under pressure, a thick whitish mass immediately begins to appear on the surface. After waiting 5-6 days for the gum to dry, it is collected by simply scraping it from the plant. The color may change to yellowish or brown, in which case the substance is considered “technical”. The collected gum is dried to a powdery state (the so-called tragacanth).
Nowadays traditional medicine uses the roots of Astragalus densely branched. The best time to harvest them is early autumn. The “donor” can be a plant aged 3-4 years. The roots extracted from the ground are thoroughly washed and dried naturally.
The roots of densely branched astragalus are harvested by digging up only adult plants
Conclusion
Astragalus densely branched is a healing plant, the help of which people have resorted to since antiquity. A wide range of effects determines its demand in folk medicine. The benefits are also confirmed by scientific studies of the chemical composition.There are not many contraindications for taking decoctions and other folk remedies based on densely branched astragalus, but you should first consult with a specialist and check for individual intolerance.
