Astragalus membranosus is a unique plant that has found wide application in oriental medicine. The herb was called "yellow prince" for its excellent tonic properties. The plant has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments. Moreover, astragalus extract can be used as an independent remedy or added to herbal preparations.

Astragalus membranosus is a unique plant that has found wide application in oriental medicine.

At least 1,600 plant species belong to the described genus. Grass is considered polymorphic, because absolutely all species grow as grass, shrubs or have the form of subshrubs.

For therapeutic treatment it is customary to use the membranous astragalus, the second name of which is similar. On the Chinese the name is pronounced astragalus huanchi ("huang qi"). Interestingly, in European countries the shrub is called the Chinese astragalus. This type belongs to the list of top 50 medicinal plants used in Chinese medicine.

Other varieties of the shrub are also used in traditional medicine. Healing properties are possessed by wool-flowered, densely branched and Dahurian species. In addition to the listed plants, Danish and pendulous astragalus have good healing abilities.

The plant has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments.

Plants of this genus grow in the zone with moderate climatic conditions. They also prefer the tropical zone and mountain systems. Siberia, Kazakhstan and northeastern China are the main places where the membranous astragalus feels comfortable. Thanks to its excellent compatibility with other plants, the shrub is well suited for complex recipes.

Gallery: astragalus membranous (25 photos)

Astragalus (video)

Useful properties of the plant

"Yellow Prince" is most often used in traditional medicine. It is believed that this species has a great healing effect.

It is no coincidence that "cat's pea" (one of the names of astragalus) is popular among herbalists in many countries. After the study, scientists were able to establish that the plant has many useful chemicals.

It has been proven that the leaves and flowers of the shrub are not as useful as astragalus root. It is he who contains a large number of active substances of biological origin.

The plant contains:

1. Polysaccharides. They play the role of good immunomodulators.
2. Flavonoids. With their help, ultraviolet emitted in excess can be absorbed. Funds with the "yellow prince" are shown to fight oncology.
3. organic acids. Correct Application herbal preparations will help normalize digestion.
4. Tannins, which provide the synthesis of hemoglobin in the blood and are responsible for strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Characterized by bactericidal action.
5. Essential oils, vitamins (C, E) and useful trace elements.

The yellow prince is most commonly used in traditional medicine. It is believed that this species has a great healing effect.

The plant has been used as effective way to improve tone. Astragalus is used as a remedy for diabetes and wound healing. It is prescribed if it is necessary to normalize the functioning of the lungs and adrenal glands.

Regular use of this variety has been found to improve heart function and relieve symptoms of severe heart disease. To prevent development side effects It is recommended to take the herb in moderate doses.

For several decades, the medicinal properties of astragalus have been used in the fight against cancer. Traditional preparations with the "yellow prince" help restore the normal functioning of the immune system, which was disrupted after highly toxic treatment.

Astragalus woolly-flowered (video)

Features of the harvest and how to use astragalus

Astragalus membranous grows in wild nature. Experienced herbalists pay special attention to harvesting medicinal herb, and subsequently hand it over to pharmacy chains. Rural residents in the areas where astragalus grows are independently engaged in harvesting plants and making useful products.

Traditional medicine will be effective if astragalus root extract has high quality, and the sequence of its preparation is clearly observed. The best time to dig up the roots is in the fall. After that, you need to remove all the earth from the surface by washing the root with water. Then you need to dry the raw materials well in a ventilated area.

It is recommended to cut the grass during flowering - this will preserve its medicinal properties. It is necessary to grind well and then dry the "cat's peas". Moreover, for drying, you can collect the plant in bunches and hang it from the ceiling or on the walls.

Preparations with a medicinal plant have the form of tinctures, extracts, tablets or decoctions. You can find astragalus membranous in the composition of preparations for injections, ointments for external use. healing herb goes well with ginseng. When purchasing any of the listed types of drugs, special attention should be paid to familiarization with the attached instructions.

Although the use of "cat's peas" rarely causes side effects, it is recommended to refrain from taking such drugs in patients with fever or people suffering from hypertension.

There are many ways to prepare a quality product yourself:

1. Syrup. With proper manufacture and use in patients, the aging of the skin is slowed down. This is due to the fact that astragalus membranous contains a lot of selenium. Children's doses - 1 drop per 1 kg of weight, while adults are shown to take 15 drops.
2. Root tincture. Helps to cope with edema, chronic glomerulonephritis, renal hypertension. The tincture is made on water (1 tbsp of crushed root is poured into 400 ml of boiling water) and infused in a thermos. Take 3 times a day for 1/3 cup.
3. Herbal medicinal decoction. It is used as a labor stimulant, with ascites or diseases of the spleen. 1 st. l. herbs pour a glass of water, boil and leave for 4 minutes. Drink 3 times a day for ¼ cup.
4. Alcohol infusion. It is recommended to use crushed roots as raw materials, because beneficial features they are more pronounced. The tincture requires high quality vodka or medical alcohol (70%).

"Yellow Prince" is grown not only in the Northern Hemisphere, today a medicinal shrub can be found on US plantations and in the tropics. Providing the plant with the necessary conditions for growth, one can expect high-quality raw materials for medicines.

Astragalus (herb of life) - pharmaceutical preparations (syrup, extract, etc.), reviews of doctors. Recommendations for Astragalus Herb, Leaves and Roots

Thanks

Astragalus has wound healing, hypotensive, hemostatic, diuretic, vasodilating, cardiotonic and diaphoretic effects, and therefore is used in the complex therapy of various diseases.

The Astragalus plant has become very popular in last years as a unique flower capable of curing severe chronic diseases and giving vitality to any person. Astragalus is credited with the ability to prolong human life, while maintaining and maintaining sufficient physical and mental activity. Such ideas about Astragalus are connected with the fact that it is called the “grass of life of the Kremlin leaders”, which was used by the general secretaries of the CPSU Central Committee to prolong life and maintain normal tone and vigor.

According to legends and rumors, the Kremlin leaders began to use Astragalus, since it was found out that this particular plant is the mysterious Scythian "grass of immortality", also covered with a halo of mystery and power. And allegedly thanks to Astragalus, the leaders of a huge country lived to old age, being in fairly good shape. The authors proving this point of view, as an argument, cite the fact that any mention of Astragalus was classified until 1969.

Unfortunately, it is not known for certain whether Astragalus is a herb that gave long life to the Kremlin leaders, but it has been absolutely established that this plant has medicinal properties, and therefore can be used in the complex therapy of a number of diseases.

What plants are meant by the name Astragalus?

It is well known that, according to the rules, the botanical name of any plant consists of two words, the first of which is the name of the genus, and the second is a refinement, which is, in fact, the name of the species. For example, the full name of a plant is written as Astragalus woolly, where the word "astragalus" is the name of the genus, and "woolly-flowered" is a refinement indicating a particular species. The plant Astragalus membranosa also belongs to the genus Astragalus, but is a different species from the woolly flower.

In everyday life, various plants are almost always called one word, which reflects the name of the genus. But since in everyday conversation it is always clear what the other person means by calling this or that plant in one word, then it is not necessary to specify what kind of species it is. However, the situation with astragalus is somewhat different.

So, under the common name "Astragalus" several plant species belonging to the same genus are combined. The fact is that Astragalus is the name of a genus that includes more than 1,500 species of medicinal shrubs, herbs and subshrubs. Most often, the common name "Astragalus" means either woolly-flowered Astragalus or membranous Astragalus. It is these two plant species of the Astragalus genus that have the most powerful medicinal properties and are used in alternative medicine.

Astragalus membranous has the most powerful healing properties, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine and grows in Transbaikalia, the Far East, China and Mongolia. Woolly-flowered Astragalus has similar properties, which grows on the European continent in temperate latitudes and, in fact, is European counterpart Astragalus membranosus.

In the further text of the article, we will consider the properties and methods of therapeutic use of Astragalus woolly-flowered and Astragalus membranous, uniting them under one short name"Astragal", because, in fact, they are analogues. We will use the full name of the plant species only if necessary to indicate any features.

general characteristics

Astragalus is a genus of herbaceous, shrubby and semi-shrub plants belonging to the legume family. The genus Astragalus enters about 1600 various kinds plants, some of which are used as medicinal herbs. Currently in Russia and the countries of the former USSR as medicinal herbs The following two types of Astragalus are used:

• Astragalus Woollyflowered , which is also called Dense-flowered Astragalus, Fluffy-flowered Astragalus or Astragalus dasyánthus Pall;
• Astragalus membranous , which is also called membranous Astragalus or Astragalus membranaceus.

Both of these types of Astragalus have very similar properties, therefore they are conditionally considered analogues of each other. However, Astragalus membranosus has a more powerful therapeutic effect compared to woolly flowers.

Since Astragalus woollyflowered and Astragalus membranous are used in the treatment of the same conditions or diseases, they are often not separated, but combined under one common name "Astragalus". In the following text, we will also combine both types of plants under one name, and we will indicate the full name of the species only if necessary to focus on any of its features.

Astragalus Woollyflowered

Astragalus woollyflower is perennial grass with complex pinnate leaves and light yellow flowers. On the surface of all parts of the plant there are protruding thin whitish or yellowish soft hairs, creating a pubescent effect. The fruits are slightly pubescent beans 10-12 mm long.

Woolly-flowered astragalus grows in southern and middle lane the European part of the former USSR (Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the European part of Russia) in the steppes, forest-steppes and mixed forests.

For medical use collect the herb Astragalus woolly-flowered. The collection is made during the flowering period (May-June), cutting off the stem at a height of 5-7 cm from the soil surface, after which it is dried in the shade at an air temperature of 50-55 o C. The grass should be cut before the formation of fruits. Dried grass can be stored in rag bags for a year.

Ready dried plants are used to prepare infusions used in the treatment of hypertension in the initial stages, circulatory failure of I or II degrees, as well as acute glomerulonephritis.

Astragalus membranous

Astragalus membranosus is a perennial herb with complex, unpaired pinnate leaves. The flowers of the plant are painted yellow-white and are collected in loose brushes, originating from the sinuses between the leaf stalk and the stem. The fruit of Astragalus membranosus is a dense bean, covered with a peel and hanging on a thin stalk.

Astragalus membranous grows on the territory of the Korean Peninsula, Eastern Siberia, the Far East and China (Manchuria) in forests (coniferous and deciduous), in the steppes, on sandy river banks, as well as on mountain slopes covered with rubble.

For medical use, the roots, grass, leaves and fruits of Astragalus membranous are collected. Grass and leaves are harvested during the flowering period (May-June), cutting off the stem at a height of 5-7 cm from the soil surface. The roots are dug up in autumn (September) and the fruits are harvested immature (August), when they have already grown, but their peel has not yet opened. Grass, leaves, roots and fruits of the plant after harvesting are dried in a dry, shaded place at a temperature of 50 - 55 o C. Ready dried parts of the plant (grass, leaves, fruits and roots) are stored in linen bags for a year.

Astragalus membranous roots are used in traditional Chinese, Tibetan and Korean medicine as a diuretic, choleretic, tonic and general tonic. In addition, the roots of the plant are used for eclampsia, diseases of the spleen, organs digestive tract and of cardio-vascular system as well as metabolic disorders.

In China, Astragalus membranosus is included in the pharmacopeia and is considered equal in its medicinal properties to ginseng. In Europe and the USA, Astragalus membranous root is used as an immunostimulating and diuretic.

The herb Astragalus membranosus is an obstetric aid, as it accelerates the separation and exit of the placenta. In addition, the Astragalus herb can be effective in the complex therapy of infertility and dropsy.

A photo

This photo shows woolly-flowered Astragalus.

This photo shows Astragalus membranosus.

What parts of the plant are used for medicinal use

AT medical practice The following parts of Astragalus apply:

• Grass (stem with leaves and flowers) Astragalus woolly-flowered and membranous;
• Leaves of Astragalus woolly-flowered and membranous;
• Root of Astragalus membranous (occasionally the root of Astragalus woolly is also used);
• Astragalus membranous fruit.

In practice, the most commonly used herb Astragalus woolly and Astragalus membranous root. Tinctures and decoctions are made from the roots and herbs for medical use.

However, traditional healers or practitioners of traditional Chinese, Korean, or Tibetan healing methods also make powder from the roots, or extract and syrup from the roots and the herb. Such powders, syrups and extracts are not standardized or certified, so use them at your own risk.

plant composition

The herb Astragalus woolly-flowered and the root of Astragalus membranous contain various biologically active substances belonging to the same groups. chemical compounds, and therefore, despite the difference, causing similar therapeutic properties of two types of plants of the same genus. The biologically active substances that make up the roots and herbs are shown in the table.

Biologically active substances of the herb Astragalus woolly	Biologically active substances of Astragalus membranous root
Triterpene glycosides and saponins	Triterpene saponins
Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, narcissin, isorhamnetin, astragaloside)	Flavonoids (formocoketin, kuatakeyin, calicosin, ononin)
Tannins	Astragalosides I, II, III
Coumarins	Sterols
Oxycoumarins	alkaloids
Essential oil	Phytosteroids (daucosterol, astramembranins I, II, beta-sitosterol)
Bassorin and Arabin	Essential and fatty oils

In addition, the herb and roots of both types of Astragalus contain the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin E;
• Vitamin C;
• Selenium;
• Iron;
• Aluminum;
• Zinc;
• Copper;
• Cobalt;
• Silicon;
• Magnesium;
• Manganese;
• Molybdenum;
• Chromium;
• Vanadium;
• Phosphorus;
• Sodium.

Astragalus accumulates significant concentrations of selenium, and therefore is an excellent source of this trace element.

Healing properties of Astragalus

Astragalus root and herb have the following therapeutic effects:

• Immunostimulating;
• Cardiotonic;
• Hepatoprotective;
• Antidiabetic;
• Antitumor;
• Antiviral;
• Hypotonic;
• Calming;
• Diuretic;
• Antibacterial;
• Vasodilator;
• Hemostatic;
• Antioxidant;
• Anti-aging.

Anti-aging effect Astragalus is to slow down the aging process and increase vitality. This effect has been confirmed modern research Therefore, Astragalus is quite appropriate to use as a means of slowing down aging and maintaining the human body in good shape.

Calming action plants are combined with an antidepressant effect, thanks to which Astragalus infusions and decoctions normalize the general mental state of a person and perfectly tone up, relieving blues, depression, anxiety and anxiety.

Cardiotonic action Astragalus is similar to the effects of cardiac glycosides, that is, infusions and decoctions of the plant dilate the vessels of the heart and kidneys, increase urination and, thereby, improve nutrition and oxygen supply, as well as myocardial contractility. Such effects have a positive effect on the state and functional activity of the heart, as a result of which heart pains are stopped.

Vasodilating effect Astragalus causes a decrease in blood pressure and improvement of microcirculation in all organs and tissues, including cerebral circulation. This effect, in addition to normalizing pressure, leads to an improvement in the supply of tissues with oxygen and nutrients, as a result of which headaches and dizziness disappear in a person. The effect of improving tissue nutrition and the trace element selenium, which is part of Astragalus, among other things, is used in the treatment of muscular dystrophies and Alzheimer's disease.

Antitumor activity plants due to the presence of isoflavone, which inhibits growth cancer cells.

In addition, Astragalus removes excess nitrogenous compounds (urea, creatinine, etc.) from the blood, acting similarly to the well-known drug Lespenefril.

Antibacterial effect Astragalus lies in the fact that the plant has a detrimental effect on a number of pathogenic microbes, such as shigella, beta-hemolytic streptococci, diphtheritic corynebacteria, diplococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Toxoplasma, Trichomonas, amoeba. In addition, Astragalus has a direct antiviral action, suppressing the development of Coxsackieviruses and adenoviruses.

Due to the normalization of the coagulation and anticoagulation systems, Astragalus optimizes blood coagulation, that is, depending on the need, it strengthens or weakens it. Thus, Astragalus stops internal bleeding and at the same time prevents thrombosis and thromboembolism.

In addition, Astragalus is very effective tool for the treatment of cold infections. Also, the plant increases endurance and is an excellent tool that allows a person to tolerate high mental and physical exercise, Being in great shape and without getting tired.

Scope of application

The herb Astragalus woollyflora and Astragalus membranous root are used for a number of the same ailments, but in addition, each plant is also additionally used for some different pathologies.

Grass Astragalus

Astragalus herb is used for the following diseases and states:

• Diabetes;
• Bronchial asthma;
• Acute respiratory diseases(ARI, SARS, colds, flu, etc.);
• burns;
• Articular rheumatism;
• muscular dystrophy;
• prolapse of the uterus;
• The initial stages of hypertension;
• Chronic cardiovascular insufficiency;
• angina;
• Cardiac ischemia;
• Acute and chronic nephritis;
• Edema or dropsy of the brain;
• Liver diseases;
• peptic ulcer stomach;
• neuroses;
• To accelerate the healing of wounds on the skin and epithelium (for example, with gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, cuts, etc.);
• Malignant tumors, including leukemias.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus membranous root is used for the following diseases and conditions:

• heart attacks;
• thrombophlebitis;
• Bleeding and tendency to bleed;
• Hypertonic disease;
• Cardiovascular diseases (IHD, heart defects, arrhythmia, etc.);
• Viral myocarditis;
• Diabetes;
• Liver disease;
• Asthenia (failure);
• Night sweats;
• Chronical bronchitis ;
• Colds;
• swelling;
• bleeding;
• Arthritis;
• Metabolic disease;
• Digestive disorders;
• Violations of the sensitivity of the limbs;
• Nephritis and diabetic nephropathy;
• Diseases of the stomach;
• Malignant neoplasms;
• Leprosy;
• infected wounds;
• Age spots, dryness and peeling of the skin;
• Diseases of the digestive tract.

Finished pharmaceutical forms and preparations containing Astragalus

On the domestic pharmaceutical market, there is a drug Flaronin containing as active substance crushed powder of the herb Astragalus and used in diseases of the kidneys. This drug is standardized, registered, tested and officially approved for use by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

In addition, in the category of biologically active additives (BAA) on the pharmaceutical market, there is Astragalus syrup developed by Academician Voshchenko, an aqueous-alcoholic extract produced by VILAR companies and TA-65 capsules containing Astragalus membranous extract.

Flaronin tablets should only be used as indicated. medicinal product. And Astragalus extract and syrup are recommended to be used either for prevention or for the treatment of mild pathological conditions (for example, colds, overwork, high mental or physical stress), or as part of complex therapy for serious diseases. It should be remembered that when serious illnesses extract and syrup of Astragalus should be used only as an addition to the main therapy prescribed by the doctor.

Astragalus tincture - cooking rules

To prepare infusions, decoctions or tinctures, it is necessary to grind the available raw materials (roots, grass or leaves) into the smallest possible parts. It should also be remembered that the approximate weight of chopped herbs and roots in various spoons is as follows:

• Teaspoon - 5 g;
• Dessert spoon - 10 g;
• Tablespoon - 15;
• Tablespoon with a slide - 20 g.

For the preparation of decoctions and infusions, it is necessary to use glass, ceramic, porcelain and enameled dishes. For filtering ready-made infusions, decoctions and tinctures, you can use gauze folded in several layers, clean cotton or linen cloth.

To be taken for prevention or for mild health problems such as severe fatigue, high mental or physical stress, seasonal hypovitaminosis, episodic digestive disorders, stress, depression or acute respiratory diseases, it is recommended to take a weak infusion of Astragalus leaves of any kind. The infusion is prepared as follows: 5 - 7 fresh or dried leaves or 1/4 teaspoon of chopped dry herbs are poured into a glass of boiling water and infused overnight. Infusion is taken before meals for 1/2 - 1 glass 1 - 2 times a day.

For the purpose of calming you can drink a weak infusion of leaves, which is conventionally called astragalus tea. Such an infusion is prepared as follows: 5 - 7 fresh or dried leaves or 1/4 teaspoon of chopped dry herbs are poured into a glass of boiling water, insisted for 10 minutes and drunk like tea.

For use in severe diseases prepare a standard infusion of herbs or Astragalus roots (unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor). To do this, take 20 g of dry chopped grass or one teaspoon of root powder, pour 200 ml of boiling water over it and insist for 2 hours. The finished infusion is filtered and taken one tablespoon 3-6 times a day, or administered in the form of microclysters with a volume of 20-30 ml 1-2 times a day.

For long term use you can prepare an alcohol tincture of the roots or herbs of Astragalus. In order to make a tincture, 50 g of crushed grass or Astragalus roots are poured into 600 ml of vodka or 70% alcohol. The composition is placed in a closed container and infused for 7-10 days, shaking occasionally. The finished infusion is filtered and taken 20-30 drops 3 times a day before meals for two or more months.

The use of Astragalus in various diseases

Consider the schemes for the use of Astragalus recommended by doctors for various diseases. It should be remembered that the indicated courses of Astragalus can be repeated, maintaining intervals between them of at least 1 month.

Hypertonic disease

Take a standard infusion (20 g of dry grass or a tablespoon of root powder, brew 200 ml of boiling water and infuse for 2 hours), one tablespoon 5 times a day before meals. The course of treatment lasts for 15 - 20 days. Such courses are periodically repeated, maintaining intervals between them with a minimum duration of 1 month.

Against the background of taking Astragalus infusion, people decrease

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Dear readers, today we will talk about an amazing plant, the history of which has been used for medicinal purposes for more than a thousand years and can serve as the basis for an exciting adventure film or book. The ancient Scythians used this plant to treat, rejuvenate and prolong the life of only members royal family and only male.

Why were only men so cared for by the ancient healers? The fact is that the rulers were afraid that women would not be able to keep the recipes for using the wonderful plant a secret and hostile tribes would become aware of it. What is this plant? This is an astragalus or, if applied to the Scythians, then a woolly-flowered astragalus.

The range of effects of astragalus on the human body is very extensive. Probably, there is no organ or system on which it would not have its beneficial and healing effect - from the common cold to oncological diseases. Also, the plant tones, strengthens, restores and heals the entire body as a whole, slows down the aging process, and has a rejuvenating effect. Let's talk today in more detail about this miracle plant: how it looks, what are its useful and medicinal properties, what diseases can be treated with it. And at the end of the article I will tell you why astragalus is called the grass of life of the Kremlin leaders.

Astragalus - what kind of plant

Astragalus is the name of a genus that includes about 2,000 plant species. Many of them are recognized as medicinal and grow in Western and Eastern Siberia, the Far East, and some in Central Asia. Others can be found in the European part of the CIS.

Astragalus types:

• marsh;
• Dahurian;
• shrubby;
• pendulous;
• rising;
• Danish;
• malt-leaved (sweet-leaved) and others.

Many types of astragalus are widely used in medicine - including the official one - in Mongolia, Korea, China, including Tibet.

More details about the medicinal properties of this plant can be found in the reference books Lavrenova G. V., Lavrenov V. K. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants” Volume 1 and Sanina I. L. “ Complete reference medicinal plants."

AT official medicine Russia recognized two types of astragalus: membranous astragalus ( perennial), which grows on the Korean peninsula, in Eastern Siberia, in the Far East, in China and Mongolia, and its European counterpart, woolly-flowered astragalus (also a perennial), which can be found in the middle and southern parts of the CIS (Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Russia ).

These two plants in official medicine are interchangeable and are used to treat the same diseases. True, membranous astragalus has a more powerful effect and, unlike woolly-flowered astragalus, in addition to its herbaceous part (stem with leaves and flowers), its root and seeds are also used for medicinal purposes.

Today we will talk about these two types of astragalus, and for convenience I will combine them under one name "astragalus".

Other names

Astragalus woolly-flowered and membranous are known in medicine and among herbalists and under other names. Pay attention to this when you buy a plant in pharmacies or markets.

Woolly-flowered Astragalus - Dense-flowered Astragalus, Fluffy Astragalus or Astragalus dasyanthus Pall.

Astragalus membranaceus - membranous astragalus or Astragalus membranaceus.

The ancient Scythians called astragalus woolly-flowered "grass of immortality" and "royal grass".

How to prepare and store astragalus

Astragalus can be harvested by collecting it in natural growth areas, but some sources indicate that woolly-flowered astragalus is listed in the Red Book. Therefore, you can consider other options - to grow a plant in a personal plot or even at home, as a houseplant. It is worth making an effort, because it is quite difficult to buy astragalus in pharmacies, and its beneficial properties in the treatment of various, including intractable diseases, are very significant.

Grass and leaves of astragalus are harvested during the flowering period (May-June) before the formation of fruits, cut with a knife or sickle at a height of 7-10 cm from the soil. It is impossible to pluck the plant so as not to damage the root system. You should also leave a few branches on each bush to form seeds.

Astragalus seeds are beans that are harvested in July-September, when 70-80% of the seeds will turn brown, and the beans themselves will be in the stage of wax ripeness.

The roots are dug in autumn (September-October), cleaned from the ground, cut into small pieces.

The raw materials are dried in the usual way, spreading a thin layer, in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated place. Don't forget to turn over often.

Dried raw materials are stored in linen bags made of natural fabric in a well-ventilated area. Shelf life - 1 year.

photo of astragalus

If we want to harvest astragalus on our own or grow it on a personal plot, then we should know how it looks.

The chemical composition of astragalus

Astragalus grass is especially rich in a variety of macro- and microelements. These are calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron, magnesium, cobalt, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, phosphorus, sodium. One of the important features of the plant is its ability to accumulate a significant amount of selenium.

Selenium is an important micronutrient, antioxidant, the sufficient amount of which in the body largely protects against many forms of cancer, heart disease, harmful effects radiation, normalizes blood pressure, helps lower blood sugar levels. Selenium improves brain function, strengthens the immune system, increases the overall tone of the body, promotes rejuvenation and increases life expectancy.

Of the vitamins in the plant, vitamins C and E are present.

Astragalus also contains triterpene glycosides (dazianthosides) and saponins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, narcissin, isorhamnetin and astragaloside), polysaccharides (glucans and heteropolysaccharides), tannins, coumarins and oxycoumarins, essential oil, amino acids.

According to scientists, the components in the composition of astragalus are combined in certain proportions, which provides the unique healing properties of the plant.

Useful and healing properties of astragalus

Astragalus has the widest range impacts on the human body. The plant has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, relieves swelling, has an astringent effect, has a hemostatic and wound-healing effect, promotes the resorption of even very strong hematomas.

The therapeutic effect of astragalus on the cardiovascular system is simply amazing. It has hypotonic, cardiotonic, vasodilating effects, the highly effective use of the plant as a means for recovery in the post-stroke and post-infarction period has been practically proven.

Astragalus also has a diuretic, hepatoprotective (protects and restores the liver), choleretic, antidiabetic effects, is successfully used to treat cancer, has a diaphoretic and expectorant effect.

In addition, this unusual plant has a calming effect, stimulates immunity, tones, strengthens the body, is an excellent anti-aging agent, antioxidant and antidepressant.

Health Benefits of Astragalus

Now let's talk in more detail about therapeutic effect astragalus on individual bodies and body systems, as well as what diseases are well treated with this plant.

For the heart and blood vessels

Astragalus, as I already wrote, is a highly effective remedy for the treatment and restoration of the cardiovascular system. It improves blood circulation, acts as a vasodilator, and, as a result, improves nutrition and oxygen supply to all organs and body systems.

Astragalus is used to treat circulatory failure. It helps to reduce pressure, especially in the initial stages. A high effect was obtained when it was used to treat atherosclerosis and cardiosclerosis.

Astragalus normalizes the balance of blood coagulation and anticoagulation systems, which provides protection against thrombosis and thromboembolism on the one hand and stops internal bleeding with another.

The benefits of astragalus are also great for the heart. It dilates the vessels of the heart, improves its functioning, thanks to which medicine, including the official one, successfully uses it in chronic cardiovascular insufficiency, coronary disease and angina pectoris, heart defects, interruptions and pain in the heart as a means to prevent myocardial infarction.

For the brain

Astragalus has a beneficial effect on brain function. Some consider this impact to be no less than or even superior to it. With regular use of astragalus improves cerebral circulation and tissue respiration of the brain.

Astragalus is used for various brain diseases, including high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, flushing to the head, flashing "flies" before the eyes. It is also used for swelling or dropsy of the brain and hematomas. In Europe, practical research is underway on the use of the plant in such a difficult-to-treat disease as Alzheimer's disease.

Simply amazing and fairly quick results are achieved when using the plant as a restorative agent after a stroke, even in people in serious condition. And what is more important: course use of astragalus protects against recurrent stroke.

I suggest watching a video about the benefits and use of astragalus for dizziness, tinnitus, for general strengthening organism.

For vision

Due to the positive effect of astragalus on the vessels of the brain, the blood circulation of the organs of vision is normalized, the narrowing of capillaries decreases, and pressure decreases, which is used to treat diseases associated with this effect.

For digestion

Astragalus helps to normalize digestion, is used to treat gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, including old ones. It is used for diarrhea and vomiting, a tendency to flatulence, as well as for chronic constipation.

For the kidneys

Official medicine recognized astragalus as effective remedy for the treatment of various kidney diseases, such as acute and chronic nephritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.

For respiratory diseases

Possessing antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, astragalus has found its use in diseases of the respiratory system. It is used to treat influenza, SARS, acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, as well as acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and other lung diseases, including emphysema.

Astragalus is taken orally in the form of infusions and decoctions, used for rinsing and as an ointment for rubbing the chest and back. It helps with dry cough, thins phlegm, relieves inflammation and sore throat, has a diaphoretic effect.

Also, due to the strong antibacterial effect, this plant is used for diphtheria.

Astragalus helps to strengthen the immune system, so it is good to drink it as prophylactic during epidemics of influenza and other colds.

For the female body

Astragalus is used to treat infertility, uterine prolapse, cervical erosion, uterine bleeding, painful periods, and also as a means to accelerate childbirth.

Also, the plant is used in folk medicine for benign and malignant formations of the female genital area, such as fibroids and uterine fibroids, cancer of the cervix, ovaries, and breasts.

For muscles and joints

Astragalus contains a unique complex of substances that provides normal work muscles. Thanks to this, official medicine uses it to treat various muscular dystrophies.

Also, the plant has found its application in articular rheumatism, osteochondrosis, deforming arthrosis, arthritis and polyarthritis.

With oncology

Traditional healers, both modern and in the past, have successfully used astragalus to treat various forms cancers, including leukemia.

However, although the plant inhibits the growth of cancer cells, modern representatives of traditional medicine recommend using it in combination with other medicinal plants and/or drugs.
Astragalus is also used after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with impotence and lack of appetite.

Due to the seriousness of these diseases, before starting treatment with astragalus, ALWAYS consult with your oncologist and / or herbalist.

For the nervous system

Both official and informal medicine note the beneficial effect of astragalus on nervous system, normalization of the general mental state person. Therefore, the plant has proven itself in the treatment of neurosis, depression, as well as irritability, mild excitability, feelings of anxiety and anxiety, insomnia, and in stressful situations.

Wounds, ulcers, bleeding, burns, inflammation

Astragalus, having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and hemostatic action, gives nice results in the treatment of various injuries skin- wounds and ulcers (including non-healing ones), cuts, abrasions, burns. It can be used in the form of compresses, for washing, wiping with alcohol tincture, as well as in the form of ointment and oil.

Also, the plant is an excellent tool for resolving hematomas and relieving edema.

For the elderly

In Soviet times, many Kremlin leaders, reaching old age, nevertheless remained in relatively good physical and intellectual shape. And astragalus also served as a means to help them achieve this.

Traditional medicine has recipes for the use of astragalus in the fight against aging. According to her, astragalus slows down the aging process and is used not only to maintain strength in the elderly and / or infirm people, but also helps to restore them.

According to one folk healer, astragalus cannot restore youth, but it can turn a frail old man into an active elderly person.

If you start using astragalus in a timely manner, it, having a general healing effect on the entire human body, is able to prolong life, maintaining and maintaining physical fitness and intellectual abilities in a fairly good and active state.

Astragalus also gives good results for memory problems and loss of strength inherent in the elderly.

For our entire body

Astragalus has found wide application not only for the treatment of certain diseases, but also as a prophylactic and healing agent for the whole organism. Plant preparations help strengthen immunity, normalize hormonal balance and metabolism.

It is recommended as a restorative agent for high physical and mental stress (it makes it easy to endure them), loss of strength, chronic fatigue syndrome, and also after a serious illness.

As a prophylactic, astragalus is used to maintain strength, energy and good physical and intellectual shape, slowing down the aging process. There is information about the rejuvenating effect of the plant.

Chinese folk medicine believes that the beneficial and healing properties of astragalus are superior to those of ginseng!

It is not for nothing that astragalus is called the herb of life, because "it restores life and vigor to the elderly, bestows health and strength on the young, and cures a huge number of ailments."

Astragalus. Contraindications

With such extensive and diverse useful and medicinal properties of astragalus, it has practically no contraindications.

The plant should not be used during pregnancy, as it is, as I already wrote, a birth aid. At the same time, there are recommendations for the use of astragalus for children with almost infancy. Although I still strongly recommend that you be careful and ALWAYS consult with a trusted pediatrician before starting. For the same reason, it is necessary to consult a specialist when breastfeeding.

Although astragalus is generally well tolerated and allergic reactions to it are extremely rare, people with a tendency to allergies should be careful and start taking preparations of the plant at a weaker concentration than indicated in the prescription. In the absence of negative manifestations, you can safely continue treatment at the dosage indicated in the recipe.

In the presence of serious chronic diseases and need permanent application medicines before starting treatment with astragalus, consult with your doctor about their compatibility.

I also want to recommend that you read the book by Ekaterina Melekhova "Astragalus - the grass of the life of the Kremlin leaders." Series "Kremlin secrets". Ekaterina is a journalist herself. The book is well written and interesting. So many facts of miraculous healing by this herb are given. There you will also find detailed descriptions use of the plant in various diseases. I think this information will be very useful for many people.

Tea with mint. pure joy

Botanical characteristic

Danish astragalus, translated from Latin - Astragalus danicus, the second name is sweet grass. This perennial belongs to herbaceous plants, and belongs to the legume family. Its stem is recumbent or slightly ascending, it is knotty and slightly branched, covered with tight-fitting reddish hairs, its height varies from ten to forty centimeters.

The leaves are compound alternate, unpaired, they are formed from 10-15 pairs of lanceolate-oval leaves, which grow together at the base. The flowers are pink-violet in color, irregular, moth-like, almost sessile, collected in rounded inflorescences, located on long peduncles.

This plant blooms in May, June, and is considered honey-bearing. Its fruits are represented by trihedral erect, rather hairy small beans.

Spreading

This plant in Russia is found in many areas, including the Caucasus, Siberia, and the Far East. The Danish astragalus is also found in Ukraine, mainly in the forest-steppe of the eastern part. It grows on rocky and steppe slopes, in meadows, forest clearings, as well as in light forests and steppes.

The part used and its chemical composition

The part used is the aerial part of this plant. It contains useful substances that have a certain effect on the body. I will list them: coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, traces of alkaloids.

Collection of Danish Astragalus and procurement of raw materials

It is customary to collect the aerial part of the astragalus during the flowering of this plant. The grass is carefully cut, and the flowers, leaves and stems are loosely laid out in some ventilated room on pallets, for example, raw materials are placed under a ventilated canopy, or special dryers are used in which it is necessary to maintain a constant optimal temperature.

It is worth saying that when using dryers, the raw material dries much faster and better, and does not have time to mold. The finished material is stored for no more than two years, it is carefully packed in canvas or paper bags, and placed, say, in a closet or a dark room.

Therefore, within twenty-four months it is necessary to have time to use it for its intended purpose, otherwise, it will lose its medicinal properties and become absolutely unsuitable for further use.

Application

This plant is not used in official medicine. And folk healers actively use Danish astragalus to treat many pathological processes, for example, in hypertension, with frequent headaches, in diseases that are caused by weight lifting. It is used as a tonic, as well as relieving fatigue.

It is recommended to use it for diabetes mellitus, and it is also used for general loss of strength, with nervous exhaustion, it is effective for obesity and arthritis, as well as for tuberculosis, influenza, stomach diseases and as a choleretic agent.

Recipes Using Danish Astragalus

- Infusion. You will need thirty grams of dry crushed raw materials, which must be poured with 300 milliliters of boiled water. The drug must be infused for four hours, after which it should be filtered through a fine sieve, and you can start taking it. It is recommended to use it 50 ml four times a day.

All ingredients must be crushed, mixed, and pour 500 milliliters of boiling water. The drug must be infused for thirty minutes, then it should be filtered. It is recommended to drink this composition with the addition a small amount honey, one glass three times a day.

- Decoction. It is prepared from the roots of the Danish astragalus, for this it is necessary to grind the raw materials, and take it in the amount of fifteen grams. Then two hundred milliliters of boiling water are added to it, after which they are put in a water bath and simmered for thirty minutes.

After half an hour, the drug is removed from the fire, cooled, after which the broth must be filtered with a double layer of gauze or you can use a strainer. It is recommended to take it three times a day after meals, about two tablespoons each.

Conclusion

Before you start taking therapeutic purpose decoctions and infusions prepared on the basis of Danish astragalus, it is strongly recommended to seek the advice of a qualified doctor. If any symptoms of diseases appear, the most correct decision would be to consult a doctor.

The doctor may well approve the use of such decoctions and infusions, but in the first place, after all, it will be drug treatment. Independence should not be shown here, as valuable time may be lost, and the situation will be aggravated by complications, which are much more difficult to cope with than treating the disease at the initial stage.

In order not to have to use different herbal remedies with a therapeutic purpose, it is necessary to temper the body from a young age, introduce active diverse physical activities into your lifestyle, as well as monitor your own diet, giving preference to the use of high-quality and fresh products.

Astragalus membranous, the “grass of life” or astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a popular and fairly well-known remedy of Siberian folk medicine in our country. The plant is one of the fifty basic herbs that are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

An annual or perennial herbaceous plant, having appearance shrub or shrub. The aerial part is represented by developed or significantly shortened stems. As a rule, the stem part has a characteristic pubescence in the form of simple or two-pointed hairs.

The foliage is odd-pinnate, but may be pair-pinnate, trifoliate or simple, with a single terminal leaflet. The flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences, quite often of a compressed type, capitate or spike-shaped. The calyx is bell-shaped or tubular, with a moth-like corolla.

Representatives of this genus are quite widespread in areas with moderate climatic conditions. Some species are found in mountain systems, but most of it grows on the territory of our country and neighboring states.

Gallery: astragalus membranous (25 photos)

Useful properties of astragalus (video)

Medicinal types of astragalus

Despite the fact that astragalus is represented by almost a thousand species, of which some were listed as rare in the Red Book, only certain varieties have pronounced healing properties and are used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.

The chemical composition of the plant has not been sufficiently studied to date, but is definitely represented by polysaccharides, glycosides, flavonoids and sitosterols. Some varieties are characterized by gum content. The densely branched species is especially in demand in medicine.

Astragalus membranous (cat pea)

Centaury is a perennial herbaceous plant with a height of the aerial part within 25-40 cm. differs in the formation of strong, upward sticking, single peduncles and loose multi-flowered, yellow inflorescences.

The root-based extract has a pronounced tonic and antimicrobial effect, and also very effectively regulates metabolic processes in the body. The root is used as a diuretic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular agent, and is also prescribed for eclampsia and some pathologies of the spleen.

Astragalus membranous (cat pea)

Danish Astragalus

The semi-shrub perennial variety has a grayish-green stem part, which is covered with black and white numerous hairs. The height of the aerial part varies between 10-40 cm and has a branching in the lower part. The foliage is sessile, unpaired.

Peduncles are long, with capitate flower racemes. The flowers are almost sessile, with a pubescent calyx and a purple corolla. After flowering, elliptical or ovoid bean-shaped fruits of a reddish-brown color are formed. The species belongs to the Red Book and is protected by the state.

Danish Astragalus

Astragalus chickpea

Herbaceous type of medicinal or ornamental perennial with a height of the aerial part in the range of 70-80 cm. The stem part is long, ascending or prostrate, sparse. The foliage is lanceolate or lanceolate-oblong, but sometimes oblong-oval, rounded.

The length of the peduncles does not exceed 10cm, with many-flowered dense inflorescences of spike-capitate type, represented by oval-oblong or characteristic oblong racemes. After flowering, sessile beans are formed, ovoid-spherical or spherical-swollen, with striations and the presence of a thin curved spout.

Astragalus chickpea

Astragalus sandy

A perennial, herbaceous type plant with a height of the aerial part in the range of 15-40 cm, which has a very characteristic for the species, branched and angular, ascending stem, on which numerous pinnate leaves with pubescent leaves of a linear type are located.

The bracts are covered with whitish cilia-hairs. The flowers are light purple or lilac, more rarely whitish, and are collected in rather short multi-flowered racemes. After flowering, beans of a pronounced linear-oblong shape are formed, with white feathering.

Astragalus sandy

Medicinal and beneficial properties of astragalus

Useful and healing properties of such a wonderful herbaceous plant have been known to mankind for a very long time. The root and herb have pronounced therapeutic effects:

• immunostimulating;
• cardiotonic;
• hepatoprotective;
• antidiabetic;
• antitumor;
• antiviral;
• hypotonic;
• sedatives;
• diuretic;
• antibacterial;
• vasodilating;
• hemostatic;
• antioxidant;
• anti-aging.

The plant is used in the preparation of remedies that have proven to be highly effective in kidney disease, bile stasis, enteritis and gastroenteritis. Plant raw materials are widely used for the treatment and prevention of pathologies of the female genital area, including gynecological failures. The root and herb are used in dietary supplements called Huanchi.

How to make astragalus tincture (video)

The use of astragalus in traditional medicine

In traditional, official medicine, astragalus infusion is widely used, as well as highly effective drugs on the basis of astragalus sulphate and woolly-flowered. Doctors recommend the use of preparations that contain a standardized herbal extract with 0.5% glycosides and 70% polysaccharides. Such drugs are widely used in the treatment of the following pathological conditions:

• hypertonic disease;
• swelling of cardiac origin;
• pronounced dropsy;
• renal pathologies;
• conditions with violation of the discharge of bile;
• diseases of the spleen;
• diabetes.

Herbal decoctions have worked well for infertility treatment, as well as in the treatment of furunculosis, abscesses and abscesses, which are complicated by pustular lesions. Among other things, the category of dietary supplements includes syrup from Boshchenko, a water-alcohol extract from the company VILAP and capsules "TA-65", which contain a plant extract. The tablet form "Flaponin" is used exclusively as directed by the attending physician.