Astragalus Organic Extract

Clef des Champs' organic Astragalus tincture is used in herbalism to help maintain the health of the immune system. Astragalus is an antioxidant and immunity booster.

Fresh organic astragalus plants are cut and macerated in organic alcohol. The preparation is brewed daily for 30 days, pressed, decanted and sifted.

• No additives, colors or preservatives
• No added sugar, gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free, non-irradiated
• General tonic : Convalescence, overwork, exhaustion, stress, anxiety. melancholy, burnout mood disorders, loss of appetite, chronic fatigue, menopause, vulnerability to infections, lack of resistance, chronic nephritis, gastric ulcer
• Respiratory system : Recurrent infections, colds, flu, allergies, asthma, pneumonia, rhinitis, chronic sinusitis
• Degenerative diseases : Diabetes
• Liver disorders : Chronic hepatitis
• Cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy

Mode of action

As is the case for ginseng and most adaptogenic tonics, the pharmacological activity of astragalus is due to a set of factors and not to a few clearly identified constituents. Astragalus contains more than 40 saponosides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, trace elements, amino acids and coumarins. Astragalus is an antioxidant and an immunity stimulant: reduction in the production of free radicals, increase in superoxide dismutase and reduction in lipid peroxidation.

Astragalus is often used for its effects on immunity, the liver and the cardiovascular system. It is considered that astragalus is more suitable for people in the prime of life or for adolescents, while ginseng is more recommended for older people.

Favorable associations

ECHINACEA tincture in cases of immune disorders. Take 15 to 25 drops, 1 to 5 times a day.

NETTLE infusion in cases of immune disorders. Drink 1 liter per day.

ANGELIC tincture for overworked and exhausted mothers. Take 5 to 15 drops, as needed.

ANGELIC, DANDELION, BURDOCK in infusion in cases of digestive disorders, liver crisis, hepatic overwork.

GINSENG in decoction (in soup with astragalus) in cases of stress and overwork during studies or intensive mental work.

ELEUTHERO in capsules during chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Take 3 capsules, 2 times a day.

Traditional uses

Originally from China, more specifically from the northeastern regions, Mongolia, Manchuria, Tibet, astragalus is not very widespread outside these territories, although it can easily be cultivated in all temperate regions. More than 400 other species of native astragalus are found in North America, mainly concentrated in the west of the continent. Several of these species are edible, others are toxic to livestock (locoweds). Some species are toxic because of the selenium they contain. Astragalus americanus is the North American species that most closely resembles A. membranaceus. Astragalus is one of the major tonics of chi, it is therefore a key plant in the Chinese pharmacopoeia; we find mention of astragalus in the Shen Nong Ben Cao dating back 2000 years. In 1531, In the Medical Casebook of Shi-Shan, a great doctor of the time, we find a discussion on the use of astragalus in combination with ginseng. The concept of the adaptogen is relatively new to Westerners, but the Chinese have been working with this notion for millennia...

Astragalus is a plant of endurance, resistance, strength, reconstruction, protection (during allopathic treatments against cancer for example). Astragalus keeps us moving and allows us to be more efficient in our daily lives. It is a plant for conditions of fatigue, exhaustion, letting go, or a plant to get through particularly demanding life trials.

References:

1 McGuffin Michael et al. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1997.

2 BrinkerFrancis. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Third Edition. Sandy: Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.

3 ChandlerFrank. Herbs-Everyday Reference for Health Professionals. Ottawa: Canadian 

Pharmacists Association; 2000.

4 Chevalier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of medicinal plants. Montreal: Reader’s Digest selection, 1997.

5 Leung Albert Y., Foster Steven. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 2nd edition. New York: Wiley-Interscience Publication; 1996.

6 Who. WHO monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. Volume 1. World Health Organization. Geneva; 1999.

7 Winston David, Kuhn Merrily A. Herbal Therapy & Supplements. Philadelphia: Lippincott; 2000.

8 Duke James A. The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus: Rodale Press; 1997.