Being widely used in Chinese medicine, astragalus is a potent adaptogen with anti – viral, anti – inflammatory and immune – enhancing activities. It contains the active ingredients flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, polysaccharides, and amino acids. Astragalus has a mild diuretic property as well.

Athletic Benefits of Astragalus:

1. Boosts energy level.
2. Supports against overtraining syndrome.
3. Improves immune function in athletes suffering from chronic infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and frequent common cold.

Non – Athletic Benefits of Astragalus:

Astragalus may be beneficial in the following conditions:

1. Recurrent sore throat and common cold.
2. Hepatitis.
3. Chronic infections.
4. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
5. Chronic diarrhea.
6. During radiation therapy
7. After chemotherapy
8. Indigestion
9. Chronic fatigue.
10. Diabetes
11. High blood pressure.

Astragalus should be avoided in the following conditions:

1. Febrile conditions. It may make the fever last longer or grow stronger.
2. Along with immunosuppressive medications.
3. Along with lithium. Astragalus may increase risk of toxicity with lithium.

Dosage and Side Effects:

The recommended dosage is: as dried herb 5 – 10 grams a day, capsules or tablets 1000 – 1500 mg a day, or tincture 10 – 15 ml a day.