shopping Astragalus - two varieties
Astragalus root, c/s image
[ 3390 ]Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus Root Cut & Sifted

1/4 Pound:  $7.25 Pound:  $16.10 
Astragalus root, powder image
[ 552 ]Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus Root Powder

1/4 Pound:  $4.87 Pound:  $10.83 
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Wholesale Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus
plant overview
restorative astragalus

Astragalus root has been used in China for centuries, where it is still commonly used to prepare restorative teas and tonics. Sometimes known as Syrian Tragacanth and Gum Dragon, astragalus root is also used in cooking to add a sweet, earthy flavor to soups, broths and stews, while the powdered root is mixed into foods or encapsulated as a supplement.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
Where in the World

habitat and range for astragalus

Astragalus is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea.

02.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information about astragalus

description
Astragalus membranaceus is a flowering herbaceous perennial of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) or Legume family that grows 16-36 inches tall. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12-18 pairs of leaflets. Small, light yellow pea-like flowers arise from leaf axils.

common names
& nomenclature

Astragalus membranaceus is known in China as "huang-qi" which means "yellow leader". "Huang" means "yellow," referring to the yellow interior of the root. "Qi" means "leader," referring to this herb as one of the superior tonics in Chinese medicine.

Also known as:
milk vetch, huang qi, bei qi, and huang hua,

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing astragalus

climate
Prefers a sunny location, but also found along forest margins, in shrub thickets, in open woods, as well as in grasslands near the edge of forests. It appears to be quite hardy and adaptable.

soil
It thrives in a deep, sandy, well-drained, somewhat alkaline soil.

growing
The seeds have a hard seed coat. If the small kidney-shaped seeds are nicked with a file, or rubbed between sandpaper, then soaked in water overnight, they germinate easily, usually within a week.

harvesting
The roots are collected after growing for four to seven years, harvested in the Spring and then dried.

preserving
Root can be dried as diagonal slices or as a powder. Can also be brewed into a tea. Store dried forms in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of The Story

astragalus history, folklore, literature & more

improving your immunity with astragalus and wellness
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese herb that’s used to treat many problems in the body. But it's especially known for helping to boost the body's immunity and to fight viruses—some of the toughest germs around.

For a helpful overall boost, astragalus can be combined with ginseng. The two work together to help with problems such as fatigue, lack of appetite, and problems with excessive perspiration. But used alone, even, astragalus can be very helpful for improving the body's immunity.

Viral infections, such as the common cold, viral pneumonia, and viral bronchitis are especially difficult for modern medicine to treat. There really is no cure for a virus from pharmaceutical companies. That's because a virus attaches itself to healthy cells in the body and takes them over. In order to kill the virus, you have to kill the cell too.

However astragalus works naturally to help prevent viral infections and can even help to fight them to an extent. It helps to produce a chemical called interferon in the body. This chemical actually works to interfere with the life cycle of a virus and kill it before it takes over.

Astragalus is also able to help boost the production of white blood cells in the body. These are the cells that are most responsible for fighting infection. So if you can actually boost the amount of white blood cells in the body, it will be easier for your body to prevent and fight disease.

Astragalus may be a very good herb for helping people with immune suppression to help improve immunity. It can help boost white blood cells that are dwindling because of other illnesses or congenital conditions.

The root of astragalus is what’s used for medicinal purposes. However, it can be used in capsules, teas, tablets, or liquid extracts. You can also find herbal teas that use astragalus root in their formulas. Powders can be simply sprinkled on food or added to smoothies in order to take the herb.

Whether you’re suffering from serious immune system problems such as cancer or HIV or you just want to prevent catching a cold during flu season, astragalus can help you to improve your immune function and stay well.

You should be particularly mindful of keeping it in supply during the winter months when germs tend to spread rapidly and leave people with runny noses and sore throats. It only takes a moment to sprinkle some powder on your morning meal and prevent illness from knocking on your door.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.