Astragalus: medicinal properties and contraindications

The people astragalus is not accidentally called the grass of immortality. This legendary plant has exceptional properties that have been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases. The ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, who laid the foundations of modern pharmacology, gave such an unusual name to the flower for the similarity of its bean-shaped seeds with dices, which in ancient times were made from a mutton ankle. This comparison makes sense because the Latin term "Astragalus" comes from the Greek name for dice.

Astragalus, according to botanists, is the oldest plant on the planet, as confirmed by historians. Healing grass was widely used by Scythian tribes. But such a medicine was available only to people of the upper class, and women and the elderly, under pain of death, were forbidden to prepare and drink medicinal infusions from wonderful herbs. But noble people with the help of longevity herbs were cured of the most serious diseases. There is evidence that even the feeble old people, after drinking the infusion of astragalus, vigorously jumped into the saddle.

There is a version that the legendary plant was used in the last century by prominent political figures and heads of state. Modern healers also advise preparing home extracts and infusions for the prevention of colds, heart diseases, digestive and other problems.

Chemical composition

Immediately I want to pay attention that astragalus is a whole group of shrubbery and herbaceous plants, in which there are a total of more than one and a half thousand species. Therefore, the chemical composition of each variety has its own characteristics. But since only two subspecies are recognized as official medicine - woolly-flowered and membranous astragalus, we will consider their composition in more detail. Although the chemical formula of the medicinal herb is still poorly understood, the presence of the following biologically active substances has been established accurately.

The vitamin group includes ascorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), folic acid (B9), retin (A).

Mineral elements. Scientists have proven the ability of astragalus to accumulate gold and even heavy metals such as strontium. Of this group of substances, the plant contains barium, manganese, molybdenum, iron, and a number of other elements. Of the non-metallic elements, selenium, which is of the greatest value, as well as silicon and phosphorus, should be called.

In addition to these main groups of substances, the presence of such important components as:

1. Flavonoids - have pronounced anti-cancer properties.
2. Organic acids are involved in almost all biochemical processes taking place in the body.
3. Polysaccharides are considered the main sources of energy necessary for metabolic processes.
4. Tannins are natural macromolecular compounds that cleanse the body of toxins and pathogenic microflora.
5. Essential oils - relieve inflammation, soften the skin, soothe the nervous system, have antiseptic properties.
6. Alkaloids - are characterized by sedative and analgesic properties.
7. Phytosterols - Astragalus synthesizes these substances on its own, they stabilize the immune system and regulate cholesterol.

In addition to the listed active ingredients, astragalus is rich in fiber and carbohydrate content, which should be considered if you want to use plants for medicinal purposes.

Important note: the presence of natural sugars in large quantities does not mean that the plant can not be used for overweight people and diabetics. On the contrary, medicinal formulations based on this herb regulate glucose levels and improve metabolism, which contributes to weight loss.

How it looks and where it grows

Astragalus grass represents one of the largest families - the legume family. Depending on the subspecies, the plant may be perennial or annual.

Species diversity is reflected in the external signs and life form of the astragalus: more often it is grass and small bushes, less often - small shrubs.

The collection of names is no less rich, which clearly traces the nationality of the territory where this or that subspecies grows. For example, in Korea, the plant is known by the name "hwang-gi", in Japan it is called "taituriogi", in the regions of Tibet - "nyan-ar". Our astragalus also received many metaphorical names: royal grass, Chinese ginseng, cat peas, yellow root.

Despite such a variety of sonorous nicknames, all species have similar features that combine them into one family. Consider the characteristics characteristic of this plant:

1. Roots are a whole system of a dense central rhizome and numerous branches that go deep underground.
2. Leaves are small, oblong, arranged in pairs or singly.
3. Inflorescences in appearance are very similar to acacia flowers. They can be white or purple, but more often astragalus is found with small yellow flowers collected in a bell-like inflorescence bud.
4. The flowering period of Chinese ginseng begins in late May, and in July comes the time of fruiting.
5. Astragalus fruits have the shape of a rounded pod, which is typical for all legumes. When the seeds ripen, the box often opens spontaneously, and then the beans fall into the ground.
6. Distribution area. Representatives of this genus can be found in almost all corners of the globe, but the plant has more favorable conditions in regions with a temperate climate. But there is one unique feature - the culture likes to settle in places where uranium and manganese ores occur. Such preferences are explained by the fact that astragalus is especially gravitated to a noble metal, and uranium and manganese are gold companions.

In total, there are about 1600 species of astragalus in the world, with about nine hundred found in the territory of the CIS countries. The yellow root is mainly distributed in the regions of Central Asia. Only in Kazakhstan grows more than 300 species.

Views

Despite the species diversity, 11 varieties of astragalus are already in the Red Book. As already noted, only two species of this bean plant are officially used by the pharmaceutical industry in the manufacture of medicines.

We list those species that are found on the territory of Russia and neighboring countries:

1. Sand astragalus is found in countries with a temperate climate, in Russia it grows in the middle lane. Likes to settle along roads, near rivers. The plant is listed in the regional Red Books. Widely used in folk medicine.
2. The Danish subspecies is a short perennial with bright purple inflorescences. It is found in the Krasnodar Territory, the Far East and the Caucasus. Large areas of the plant covers in Belarus and Ukraine. This species loves the steppes and rocky mountain slopes. All parts of Danish astragalus are used in folk medicine.
3. The testicular astragalus is a herbaceous plant whose height is only 5-6 cm. It got its name because of oval white fruits. For medical purposes is not applicable.
4. The malt subspecies is very much appreciated in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. On the territory of the CIS countries, it is found in Ukraine and the Caucasus, likes to settle in oak and pine forests. It is believed that its healing properties are not inferior in strength to ginseng. This is one of the tallest species, reaching up to 90 cm. The malt leaves Astragalus has large leaves, and the flowers have an oblong shape.Harvesting of medicinal raw materials is carried out during the flowering period and the formation of beans.
5. Woolen astragalus is a wild perennial that is very popular in medicine. This species is distinguished by an abundance of inflorescences, found mainly in the steppes of the south of Russia. Today, this subspecies is specially cultivated for medical needs.
6. Webbed astragalus is popularly called the "Yellow Prince" for its ability to have a powerful tonic effect on the body. Also a very popular type in medicine. This herbaceous perennial, unlike its fellow family members, loves the sun and open areas.
7. The bog subspecies live mainly in Siberia and the Far East. It is a perennial herbaceous shrub, a meter or more high. Inflorescences look like fluffy tassels. Marsh Astragalus is used for home treatment of gynecological problems and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Perm subspecies is very rare and only in the Urals. It is a long-liver, since his age often overcomes the 30-year barrier. This rare species is not used in medicine.

Not all medicinal and wild species are listed here. But of all this plant diversity, of great interest, as already mentioned, are the species of webbed and woolly astragalus.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes and in cosmetology, both the ground part of astragalus and its roots are used. To collect plant material, it is necessary to select specimens that grow in areas that are clean by environmental standards. That is, grass, which has chosen places for living near industrial enterprises, along roads and near large settlements, is not worth harvesting.

Here are some useful tips to help you properly collect and save valuable material:

1. The most favorable time for collecting ground elements of the plant is a period of active flowering.
2. Herbalists are advised to mow the grass or carefully cut so as not to damage the root part.
3. Next, you need to clean the raw materials from extraneous debris.
4. If the plant has signs of powdery mildew or other pests are noticed, such specimens should be discarded.
5. Qualitative material must be determined under a canopy to dry.
6. If there is a dryer, then the raw materials must undergo processing at a temperature of no higher than 55 ° C.

It is better to store well-dried material in woven bags or hermetically sealed containers. We must try to protect it from substances with a powerful aroma. If you strictly adhere to all these rules, the raw materials can be stored and used throughout the whole year.

The roots of the centaury are harvested in late autumn. The procurement process consists of the following:

• carefully remove the roots with a regular shovel from the ground;
• then clear the material from the earth;
• cut off damaged or rotten parts;
• then rinse the roots with water;
• dry rhizomes in the shade or in a well-ventilated area;
• dry the roots in an electric dryer at a temperature of 25–28 ° C.

Like dried ground parts of the grass, roots can also be stored for up to a year if the required list of conditions is met.

The medicinal properties of astragalus woolly

Since it is the woolly-flowered subspecies of astragalus that found widespread use in medicine, it is worth describing the properties that are useful to humans in view of this fact. “Royal grass” in ancient times was famous for its ability to heal even the most hopeless patients. Indeed, the following actions are on the list of therapeutic options:

• hemostatic;
• antitumor;
• hypotensive;
• sedative;
• antibacterial;
• wound healing;
• antidiabetic;
• immunostimulating;
• diuretic;
• antioxidant;
• antiviral;
• vasodilator;
• anti-aging.

Also, during clinical studies, it was possible to establish that wild grass is an excellent hepatoprotector. Decoctions and infusions stimulate the work of the heart and brain. In some cases, with poisoning, the plant acts as an antidote. As a prophylactic, it has recently been actively used to prevent cancer.

The encyclopedia of traditional medicine has unique recipes for treating such simple diseases as a common cold and complex pathologies, which include heart failure. But even for completely healthy people, astragalus is useful, as it helps to eliminate insomnia and headache, relieve fatigue and irritation. Consider the benefits that wonderful grass has for the female and male body, is it possible to give homemade medicines based on it to children.

For women

Astragalus in ancient times has earned the glory of a powerful remedy for infertility. Therefore, modern women who have problems conceiving are also treated at home with infusions of this herb. The broth is prepared according to the following recipe:

1. A handful of dried grass or chopped roots pour a glass of water.
2. Put the mixture on fire and boil until half of the original volume of the liquid part remains.
3. Drink filtered warm broth before sexual contact. It is recommended to drink such a decoction until the desired pregnancy occurs.

There is another option for preparing a drink: pour 1 tablespoon with a glass of boiling water. dry grass. Insist a drink like tea, for about 10 minutes. You can drink up to 5 cups of this infusion per day.

The undoubted benefit of astragalus for women lies in the cosmetic abilities of the herb. Homemade masks and lotions will help level out minor defects on the face and wrinkles, and restore youthful elasticity to the age dermis. Of course, all these effects will enhance the woman's appearance.

For men

Representatives of the stronger sex should also take advantage of the modest plant, especially those who have sexual problems.

To do this, prepare a drink of 1 tbsp. dried roots or ground part of astragalus. After two hours of infusion, filter the solution. Drink 1/4 cup up to 4 times a day. For a sustainable effect, such a medicine should be taken for at least a month.

As astragalus dilates the bloodstream, it will help men suffering from hypertension and heart problems. Drinks with grass well cleanse the body, and given that astragalus also contains selenium, the metabolism can be normalized with the help of the plant.

For children

Due to the insufficiently studied properties of the plant, children should be given astral medicine with great care. It is better to consult a pediatrician on this issue, so that the specialist assesses the risks of this type of therapy. Despite the high safety, Astragalus contains components that can provoke an allergic reaction. Infant children are forbidden to give such drugs.

When losing weight

From the properties of astragalus described above it can be seen that the plant stimulates the course of the main processes in the body, including accelerating the metabolism. All these actions will only contribute to productive weight loss. And the presence of vitamins and mineral elements in this difficult period will provide the body with nutrients.

Astragalus in folk medicine

Although in the pharmacy network today you can buy prescription drugs containing astragalus without a prescription, many supporters of natural methods of treatment prefer to take folk remedies.From the ground parts of the plant and the roots, assembled independently, you can prepare simple, but very effective home remedies. We offer several effective recipes for the treatment of the most common diseases.

With diabetes

To normalize sugar levels, you should prepare a healing infusion according to the following scheme:

1. Take 1 tbsp. roots (crushed), pour them with a glass of boiling water.
2. To activate the beneficial components, infuse the solution for 3-4 hours.
3. After filtering, take on an empty stomach 40-50 ml three times. The course of treatment is 3 months.

Typically, the therapeutic effect is observed after the first weeks of regular intake of infusion.

With hypertension

An unpleasant clinic of hypertension will help remove astragalus infusion prepared according to the classic recipe:

1. 20 g of dry grass pour boiling water (0.2 l).
2. Insist 2 hours.
3. Take an infusion of 1 tbsp. before meals up to 5 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks. After a short break, treatment can be resumed if the condition has not improved.

In oncology

Astragalus is especially actively used in gynecology for benign myomas. To do this, prepare a concentrated solution for douching according to the following scheme:

1. Chopped roots (6 tablespoons) pour a liter of water.
2. Put the mixture on fire, boil for 10 minutes.
3. When the broth has cooled, strain.
4. For one procedure, 200 ml of solution is enough.
5. It is advisable to do 4-5 procedures per day. The course of treatment is 1.5 months.

In addition to the gynecological field, astragalus is widely used in oncology during the rehabilitation of patients after radiation and chemotherapy, as well as after surgical removal of the tumor. In such cases, the infusion is prepared from grass or roots (like regular tea). But you need to take such a medicine for 1 tbsp. on an empty stomach up to 5 times.

From allergies

With allergic manifestations on the skin, preparations with astragalus are taken orally, as well as baths or ointments are prepared for external treatment if the reaction is strong. For internal use, it is better to prepare an alcohol infusion. You need to take such a medicine 15–20 drops up to 4 times a day, until the signs of allergy disappear.

A solution for a therapeutic bath is prepared based on: for every 10 liters of water - 5 tbsp. l dry plant materials. But first, boil the entire amount of grass in 2 liters of water for 10 minutes. After half an hour of infusion, strain the broth and pour into a filled bath with a water temperature of 36–38 ° C. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. You need to take baths every other day.

From prostatitis

With any form of prostatitis, a decoction of 2 tablespoons will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms. Astragalus grass, flooded with 1 liter of water. It is recommended to boil the mixture in an enameled container over low heat and with the lid closed. The broth should be well infused, so it is better to pour it into a thermos and leave until the morning. Drink half a glass at a time. The time of taking the medicine does not depend on the meal schedule. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks or 2 months. The broth can also be used for microclysters, if diluted with water according to the formula 1: 2. Such a procedure will relieve spasm, improve blood circulation in the pelvis.

Note: All formulations proposed here are recommended after consultation with a doctor. Astragalus has many possibilities, but compositions based on it are not drugs in the literal sense of the word.

Types of healing compounds

Liquid dosage forms based on herbs and astragalus roots are most often used in folk medicine. Their popularity is explained not only by the strong therapeutic effect, but also by the simplicity of preparation.

Infusion

Depending on the disease, the infusion is prepared according to different schemes. Traditional option: 2 tbsp. raw materials - 200 ml of water. Pour the plant portion with boiling water in the indicated volume.Then let the composition reach the water bath for a quarter of an hour. When the infusion cools down a little, strain and bring the volume to the original 200 ml. This is a good restorative and preventative tool. Drink such an infusion in courses of 1.5 months. Single dose - 2 tbsp.

Tincture

Astragalus herb or rhizome infused with vodka is considered a universal remedy that can be taken orally or used for external treatment. Recipe:

1. 40 g of roots pour 0.5 liters of vodka.
2. Close the bottle with a stopper, for 10 days, identify in a dark place.
3. Shake the container daily.
4. When the tincture is ready, strain.
5. Take 20-30 drops before meals.

Decoction

To prepare a healing broth from the roots of astragalus, you must first grind them, and it is better to bring them to a powder state. Then take a spoonful of such a vegetable blank, pour a glass of boiling water and immediately put it to simmer on a small fire, but it is better to do it in a water bath. In this state, the solution should reach half an hour until ready. When it cools, filter. Dose at the reception - 2 tbsp.

Tea

Tea with herb longevity is useful for people with weakened immunity. Preparing a drink, like regular tea, with the only difference being that dry roots are used instead of brewing. The ratio of ingredients is as follows: per 0.5 l of water - 1 tbsp. raw materials.

Important: such tea should not be drunk at high temperature.

Syrup

At home, it is impossible to make astragalus syrup, and it’s not safe even if such a method existed. This is explained by the fact that the plants that go to make syrup are grown in specially designated areas using technology, when fertilizers with selenium are introduced into the soil. When vegetation ends, the collection of astragalus stems and roots is carried out. Subsequently, syrup is obtained from them. But in the pharmacy you can freely buy sweet medicine. Astragalus syrup is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The dosage for adults is 10-15 drops per reception, and for children - a drop of syrup for a year of life. That is, a 3-year-old baby can be given 3 drops of syrup.

Application in cosmetology

Many cosmetologists, not without reason, call astragalus grass a source of youth and beauty. After all, this unique plant can not only cure, but also make an attractive woman of any age. A set of actions, which are based on the rich composition of the grass, create the most promising prospects for its use in home cosmetology.

Here are just a few simple recipes that every woman should take note of.

Anti-aging mask

Mix 1 tbsp. infusion of grass or astragalus roots, prepared according to the classic recipe, with honey and cottage cheese (1 tsp each). Mix everything well, and apply the resulting mass in a uniform layer to the face. After 15 minutes, wash off the mask.

Compress

This universal procedure will help improve the condition of the problematic dermis and smooth out small wrinkles. With a warm infusion of astragalus herbs, moisten a gauze napkin, and then apply it to the face. Every 5 minutes, the napkin needs to be moistened. The whole procedure should ideally last 20 minutes.

Cellulite Remedy

The basis is also taken astragalus infusion and honey. Both components in equal proportions need to be mixed, and then apply the resulting composition to the problem areas, wrap everything with polyethylene. Wash off after half an hour.

Contraindications

A close acquaintance with a unique plant gives a complete picture of its beneficial qualities, which can provide invaluable help to anyone. But, as you know, even the moon has a reverse, dark side. Although astragalus is not well understood, contraindications to its use have been established. Drugs based on it should not be taken:

1. Pregnant and lactating women.
2. Persons with individual intolerance to any component that is part of the plant.
3. Infant and young children (except pharmacy syrup).

Very carefully should take decoctions and infusions for patients with hypertension of the second degree. In other cases, you can be treated, adhering to the recommended doses and rules for taking medications with astragalus.

The variety of forms and types of astragalus amazes the imagination, but at the same time makes you wonder how generously nature gives a person its wealth. The value of healing herbs cannot be expressed in monetary terms, since no one has been able to determine the true cost of health.

Astragalus photo