Astragalus: Benefits, How To Use, Dosages & Side Effects
Astragalus is a medicinal herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
What makes this herb so unique is that it can have numerous benefits on general health and well-being.
With its long history of use in traditional medicine and its numerous health benefits, Astragalus has gained popularity as a natural remedy in recent years.
In this article, we will look at the various benefits of Astragalus and how to use it safely and effectively.
What Is Astragalus?
Astragalus is a plant native to Asia and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.
The reason why it is still so commonly used to this very day is because of its effectiveness. Its roots are rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins, which are thought to be responsible for its many health benefits.
These benefits range from impacting cardiovascular health to supporting optimal kidney function. In addition to these benefits, it's also said it's a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging effects.
We will examine Astragalus's health benefits more thoroughly, showing you exactly what this herb offers - make sure to keep reading.
The Health Benefits Of Astragalus
Many of you might wonder - what exactly is Astragalus good for?
Well, there are numerous benefits you can experience from taking this herb. Let's review each benefit and how it can positively impact your health.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Astragalus may help improve and support cardiovascular health. It's thought to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
In a clinical study, heart failure patients took 4.5 grams of Astragalus daily for 14 days, paired with treatment.
These patients experienced more significant improvements in cardiovascular function than the group that only got treatment.
The current data of Astragalus on heart health look promising, but as we've mentioned earlier, more human research needs to be done.
2. Immune System
Another benefit Astragalus is known for is its positive impact on the immune system. It may protect your body from bacteria, germs, and viruses that can cause sickness.
It supports your immune system by increasing your body's white blood cell production. These white blood cells are crucial for preventing sickness.
Even in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astragalus was believed to help improve the immune system and fight off diseases.
3. Blood Sugar Levels
Astragalus may be able to help with lowering blood sugar levels in those that have diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
The roots of the Astragalus plant contain various compounds, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins, which are believed to be responsible for its blood sugar-lowering effects.
They work by inducing their hypoglycemic effects through various insulin-sensitizing pathways. The cells in the body are better able to respond to insulin and use glucose for energy.
Because it may effectively lower blood sugar levels, it's one of China's most prescribed herbal extracts for diabetes patients. Another supplement that can be interesting for supporting blood sugar levels is Citrus Bergamot.
4. Anti Inflammatory
Astragalus also comes with anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a natural response by the immune system to protect the body from injury and infection.
Astragalus is rich in saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.
These compounds can help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that play a role in the inflammatory response.
Studies have shown that Astragalus may effectively reduce inflammation in various conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Please note that further research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of action and optimal doses of Astragalus for anti-inflammatory purposes.
5. Anti Aging
Lastly, Astragalus may also help with anti-aging. One of the hallmarks of aging is oxidative stress, which happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals (molecules that can damage cells) and antioxidants (molecules that help protect cells against damage).
Astragalus contains compounds that can help reduce oxidative stress and may help protect against age-related damage to cells.
In addition, Astragalus has been found to have immune-boosting effects, which may help support overall health and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
Astragalus Dosage Information
Now that we've gone over the many benefits of Astragalus, it's essential to know at which dosages it starts working optimally.
Because if you aren't taking the proper dosage, you may not experience the health benefits.
It's important to know there are different ways to take Astragalus, but we highly advise taking the encapsulated product. We always recommend taking encapsulated extracts, as this is the most effective and convenient option.
The best Astragalus dosage is between 500mg to 2000mg per day. Most products contain 500mg per capsule, so you'll take anywhere from 1 to 4 capsules daily.
If it's your first time using Astragalus, we recommend starting with just 500mg daily. By doing this, you can see how you react to just a small dosage of this herbal extract.
Once you feel comfortable, you can begin to increase the dosage slowly. Most individuals use around 1000mg to 1500mg daily, as they find this to be the optimal dosage.
We advise splitting your daily intake into two doses - the first in the morning and the second in the evening. Take each serving on an empty stomach about thirty minutes before your meal (if you're having one).
Besides capsules, some people take dried powders, tinctures, and teas. Please remember that there will be a different dosage for these other options.
Best Time Of Day To Take Astragalus
There is no specific best time to take Astragalus, and the timing of the supplement can vary depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle. However, some people find it helpful to take it at certain times to maximize its potential benefits.
For example, some people prefer to take Astragalus in the morning with breakfast to help boost their energy levels and support their immune system throughout the day.
Others may prefer to take it at night to help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Ultimately, the timing of Astragalus intake will depend on your individual needs and health goals.
Astragalus Side Effects
We're going to start by saying that Astragalus is well-tolerated by most people. Research shows that dosages of up to 60 grams for up to 4 months have reported no side effects.
But that doesn't mean it's completely free of side effects. A small number of people do experience side effects when taking Astragalus. These side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Runny nose
Usually, these adverse effects come and go, meaning they won't last long. And again, only a tiny group of people experience these.
People with medical health conditions or who are currently taking medications should exercise caution when taking Astragalus.
For instance, people with autoimmune diseases, those with diabetes, or individuals taking immunosuppressant medications should avoid using Astragalus or should only take it under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
If it's your first time taking Astragalus, be smart, and take a small dosage to see how your body reacts. From there on, you can increase the dose, depending on your goals.
Finding The Best Astragalus Supplement
When searching for the best Astragalus supplement, there are several factors to consider to ensure you are getting a quality product that is safe and effective.
Here are some things to look for:
- Form: Astragalus supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and teas. Choose the form that is most convenient and easy for you to use.
- Dosage: Look for a product that provides the recommended dosage of Astragalus per serving. The optimal dosage may vary depending on individual health needs and goals.
- Quality and purity: Choose a supplement from a reputable company that uses high-quality Astragalus root and has strict quality control standards to ensure purity and potency.
- Price: Get your hands on a product that is priced competitively. Make sure it gives you enough value for what you're paying.
Here at Huge Supplements, we sell high-quality, high-purity Astragalus.
Each container contains a total of 60 servings (120 capsules), and each serving packs a massive 1000mg of Astragalus. This is more than double what you're getting compared to other products.
It is priced at just $19,95 per bottle, which will last you two full months at the optimal dosage. Click here to learn more and see what others say about our product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Astragalus is a powerful herb with numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
It has been shown to support the immune system, improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and potentially even slow the aging process.
While more research is needed to fully understand Astragalus's effects, it has shown great promise as a natural way to support overall health and wellbeing.
As with any supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking Astragalus to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your needs.
With its long history of use and growing scientific evidence, Astragalus is a fascinating herb that is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to support their health naturally.
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