Astragalus Root

A popular herbal tonic in Chinese medicine, used to increase and improve the “wei chi” or protective energy that defends the body from attack by illness, chemicals, and environmental factors.

Astragalus is classified as an adaptogen and deep immune tonic, working from the bone marrow outwards to support immune function and regulate the body’s response to everyday stresses.

As a Spiritualized Essence, Astragalus is energetically protective as well, useful for people who lack strong boundaries, manifesting as either overwhelming or being overwhelmed by others’ emotional states and energies. This is also the level for long-term support of the immune system and adaptogenic balance.

It has been used for all types of infections, immune deficiencies, allergies, and to normalize blood pressure and heart function. Its protective effects to the tissues and its boosting of immune-supporting substances have been demonstrated even in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, on average doubling the life span of the patients who used it in one study.

Although Astragalus’ components do not themselves attack cancer cells, the American Cancer Society credited a fluid extract of Astragalus with restoring normal immune response in 90% of the patients studied. Because of this pattern of immune support, Astragalus is also being studied for use against AIDS, and is showing promise in that research as well.

Also available as a Spagyric Essence for physical support, for more short-term and acute immune tonic effects.

This Spagyric is featured in my talk Power to the (Plant) People: Herbs to Support Activism & Social Change.