Organic Astragalus from Starwest is also known as "milk-vetch" and "loco weed". Native to east Asia, where it is known as huang-qi, Organic Astragalus Root is a member of the same botanical family that includes legumes such as beans and peas, although it does not actually bear pods itself.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), organic astralagus herb is used to treat diarrhea, lassitude and night sweats. It is also thought to have an energizing effect on the immune system and may be useful in the treatment of hypertension, though little hard laboratory research has been done in this area. Organic astralagus is the subject of some current research at UCLA and at least two pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. and China.
Among TCM practitioners, organic astralagus root is dried, then boiled with other herbs (often ginseng) and strained to create a decoction. Although generally safe, it should not be used by people who suffer from autoimmune diseases and may produce interactions or reduce the effectiveness of some prescription or OTC drugs. Astralagus should be taken under the guidance of a licensed naturopath or herbalist.
Starwest Botanicals is the largest U.S. purveyor of high-quality organic astralagus and other herbs and spices. All purchases of bulk organic astralagus have been subjected to stringent safety standards, and like all Starwest Products, come with a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
