Other Names: milk-vetch, goat's-thorn
Astragalus is a large genus of about 2,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family
Fabaceae. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Common names include milk-vetch
(most species) and goat's-thorn (Astralagus gummifera, Astralagus tragacanthus).
Astragalus membranaceus is a tonic herb originally used in Chinese medicine. It is believed to be a
galactagogue - a herb, that increases lactation, and recent studies show that it may strengthen the human
immune system.
The natural gum tragacanth, which is used in pharmaceuticals and textiles, is obtained from Astragalus
tragacanthus. It is claimed to help the immune system, and to increase the body's resistance to common viruses.
In western herbal medicine, Astragalus is primarily considered a tonic for enhancing metabolism and digestion
and is consumed as a tea made from the roots of the plant. It is also traditionally used to strengthen the immune
system and in the healing of wounds and injuries.
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