Can astragalus reverse aging? Does astragalus make you look younger? Increase telomere length? What are the benefits of astragalus to slow down aging? What is the dosage? How does it work? How to use astragalus to slow down old age? And finally, what are the side effects and contraindications of astragalus?
I. What Is Astragalus Root?
Astragalus is a plant that is cultivated in Asia, particularly in China and Korea. Called “Hang Qi” there, it is a very old herb whose existence is proven centuries earlier.
This plant grows in a sunny environment, preferably in humid and calcareous soil. Resistant to the cold, we find the astragalus at the edge of the forests of China. It is also a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Used in Asia to ensure well-being, it is a plant that gives fruits of oval shape and which is of a lilac color. But it is mainly the root of this plant that is used.
There are more than 2000 varieties of astragalus, but it is the Chinese astragalus that scientists are studying for its medicinal properties.
Although astragalus is a plant that is grown in China, it is increasingly beginning to cross borders and colonize other parts of the world.
II. Dosage and Consumption of Astragalus
The astragalus can be consumed in several ways, according to its various conditionings.
One of the ways to consume astragalus is in the form of root powder. You can take between 4 g and 7 g per day, in 2 or 3 doses.
It is also possible to take astragalus in the form of dry extract. Two to three times a day, you can take 250 mg.
In the form of a decoction, you can boil 15 g to 30 g of dried root in a liter of water.
Boil on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can consume between 500 ml and 1 liter of this infusion every day.
In tincture (1:8, in alcohol), you should take between 2 ml and 4 ml three times a day.
III. Can Astragalus Reverse Aging?
1. What Does Science Say
Astragalus is a plant of the Fabaceae family and is rich in several varieties. It contains active ingredients such as triterpenic saponins, flavonoids, or polysaccharides.
This plant also contains sterols, which are lipids, and lectins. Among the trace elements which compose the astragalus, we find iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.
Science recognizes this plant’s enormous virtues for human health, due to its numerous active ingredients.
It is thus admitted that astragalus has effects on the immune system, as well as on cancerous cells.
This plant is also scientifically recognized for its anti-inflammatory action and is studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
2. How Does It Act
Astragalus acts on the aging process because it has molecules that can activate telomerase.
Telomerase is an enzyme that can improve and even prolong the state of the chromosomes. It is important to know that at the end of each chromosome are the telomeres, which decrease with each cell division.
The more the chromosomes, and thus the telomeres, shrink, the older the body becomes. Moreover, the telomeres do not reconstitute themselves, which makes aging irreparable.
Thus, over time, with the decrease of telomeres, the human body ages inexorably.
Studies have thus highlighted the TA-65 molecule, present in astragalus, and supposed to be an anti-aging supplement.
The impact of this molecule on the length of telomeres is being seriously studied by scientists. It could be that this molecule is able to stop the reduction of telomeres, or even to make them grow.
An effect that, if synthesized, could slow down the aging process.
IV. Astragalus Anti-Aging Benefits?
1. Improves Heart Health
For many years, astragalus has been consumed around the world mainly because of its ability to act on the heart and cardiovascular system.
With scientific studies, it has been proven that its root helps to improve heart function.
To be more precise, the active components of the plant act on the activity of the heart pump.
So, it is believed that Astragalus helps to cure disorders and pathologies such as heart failure or angina pectoris.
2. May Slow the Effects of Aging
Astragalus is also known for its ability to slow down aging. Its active ingredients act at the cellular level, hence its anti-aging and anti-fatigue action.
Astragalus contains a molecule that stimulates an enzyme, telomerase, which can interrupt and reverse the phenomenon of cell aging.
This molecule is cycloastragenol, commonly sold under the name TA-65.
3. Cleans the Arteries
Astragalus is a very powerful plant containing several properties that strengthen immune health.
It strengthens the immune system due to the presence of polysaccharides in its active compounds.
With this ability, the Astragalus plant cleans the arteries and facilitates the circulation of blood and also the circulation of air in the lungs.
4. May Help Detoxify the Liver
Astragalus is known as a common ingredient in medicinal preparations in the field of traditional and Chinese medicine.
Among these natural remedies, there are several that can prevent and relieve viral or germ-induced respiratory ailments.
Astragalus root can be used to treat influenza, allergic rhinitis and colds, chronic bronchitis, and several problems related to the proper functioning of the liver.
5. Fight Stress
This plant helps limit the negative effects of emotional, physical and oxidative stress. With astragalus, the body can better react to fatigue and stress.
In traditional medicine, astragalus and other adaptogenic plants have been used for thousands of years. They are called “higher tonics” and have regulatory properties.
6. May Help Kidney Function
With dozens of scientific research studies being done on this plant, it is possible that other benefits of astragalus will be discovered in the future.
We know that it can help preserve our body and its systems: vascular, renal, cerebral, and immune.
According to current research, astragalus is able to help regulate white blood cell levels and also cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and could have a very positive effect on kidney function.
7. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Astragalus polysaccharides have an anti-diabetic action by creating an immune response in the case of type 2 diabetes.
It has been found that astragalus, particularly the polysaccharides that compose it, exerts its effects on diabetes mellitus by decreasing apoptosis (or cell death) of beta cells, the pancreatic cells that secrete insulin.
8. Boosts Virus Protection
This plant is also believed to be beneficial in terms of common digestive disorders.
According to many naturopaths, it can reduce stomach acid and promote the digestive process so that it is more efficient.
Overall, astragalus is an ally to our health.
9. May Help Cure Atopic Dermatitis
Astragalus has a modulating effect and with long-term intake, can give excellent results with a clear inhibition of certain components of the immune system involved in the inflammatory cascade.
With these virtues, it helps to cleanse the liver to remove impurities that release allergies on the skin such as Eczema.
10. Excellent Anti-Inflammatory
On the other hand, astragalus has the benefit of stimulating our immune system and is used for its anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic properties.
Many respiratory ailments can be relieved with astragalus-based preparations.
It is a plant that is also effective in the prevention of respiratory diseases.
It helps to boost and strengthen the immune system during epidemics of flu and winter diseases.
11. Astragalus May Reduce Telomere Loss in Immune Cells
Telomerase is a gene located in the cells that, stored between them, contribute to the aging of the skin. But this does not happen on its own but thanks to the frequent presence of stress.
So, with these valuable virtues that fight against stress, astragalus is used to reduce stress and thus reduce the loss of telomerase in the cells.
12. Other Benefits of Astragalus
On the human immune system, astragalus has an action that is somewhat similar to that of ginseng.
Like this root, astragalus can improve the state of the immune system, as well as the body’s defenses.
Moreover, it is mainly the root of the astragalus, as in the case of ginseng, which is used. This plant is immunomodulating. A term which means that it acts on the actions of the human immune system.
This action can be very useful to fight against allergies, which are reactions of the organism to external elements that the latter considers as dangerous.
It is there another of the benefits of the astragalus.
Still to evoke its action on the immune system, the astragalus is immunoreparative.
Its antioxidant properties allow it to fight against free radicals, an action which is a real brake on cellular aging. It is also thanks to these faculties that astragalus can, it seems, prevent pathologies such as cancer.
Astragalus also acts on neurons, improving their condition. This plant helps to preserve the health of the cortex, and protects the brain cells.
Another of the virtues of this plant is its beneficial action on stress and anxiety. Whether this stress is physical or oxidative, astragalus is able to provide tonicity and energy to those who lack it.
This invigorating and energizing plant is used in Asia to improve the health of the elderly and convalescents.
The respiratory and cardiovascular systems also gain a lot with the consumption of astragalus.
Able to relieve heart failure or angina, this plant is also able to act on certain respiratory pathologies. Astragalus is effective in particular on the evils caused by viruses or microbes.
It can act on bronchitis, as well as on asthma and prevent winter flu.
Another action of astragalus is to prevent osteoporosis. This is also one of the benefits of this plant for the elderly.
Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the bones and the bone system.
Studies have been conducted to demonstrate the impact of this plant on osteoporosis. Tested with several plants, the results have highlighted the positive effect of astragalus on osteoporosis.
Digestive disorders can also be treated and improved by taking astragalus. An herbal tea made from medicinal plants helps to balance the intestinal flora.
In this way, astragalus acts on ailments such as diarrhea or constipation. The intestinal microbiota can thus benefit from this natural medication.
V. How to Consume Astragalus to Slow Down Old Age
Astragalus can be cooked. It can be inserted in a recipe, a soup, or a vegetable broth. For that, you can use it grated, or in the form of strips.
The powder of astragalus can be mixed in a smoothie or yogurt. Astragalus can also be used as a seasoning, and be consumed in capsules.
By putting 15 g in 2 liters of water, you will act on your whole life hygiene.
It is also possible to use 5 ml of extract morning and evening, half an hour before each of your meals.
You can take one 500 mg capsule of astragalus once a day. Do this 5 days a week. Each year, do 3 cures of 2 months each.
VI. Best Time of Day to Take Astragalus?
Astragalus is among the plants that can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food.
But it is generally recommended to take the root of this medicinal plant twice a day for a minimum of 3 months and this after each meal!
VII. Side Effects and Contraindications of Astragalus
Consumed in excess, this plant can also have side effects.
For example, you may have gastric disorders. Stop taking astragalus if you develop allergies or gastrointestinal disorders.
But normally, these are mild ailments, which disappear quite quickly once you stop taking astragalus.
There are some contraindications to taking astragalus. These are mainly because the toxicology of this plant is not well known.
For this reason, astragalus is strongly discouraged for pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children.
Moreover, avoid taking it if you suffer from an allergy to Fabaceae.
Avoid consuming this plant if you have a fever.
In case you have taken astragalus for 2 months, at least one day a week, stop the treatment for a while before starting a new treatment.
If you suffer from an auto-immune disease, it is also better not to consume this plant. Indeed, its stimulating properties are not compatible with this type of disease.
VIII. Other Questions About Astragalus and Aging?
1. What Are the Benefits of Astragalus for the Skin?
Having particular properties that prevent the decomposition of aging cells, astragalus allows our skin not to age, and by its power of interaction with the liver, it prevents the skin from having itching and pimples appear.
This plant would also have the possibility of supporting the healing of the wounds and the burns of the epidermis.
2. Why Astragalus Has Been Recommended for Centuries to Treat Fatigue?
Astragalus contains several polysaccharides which are molecules formed by a large number of different elemental sugars.
These complex carbohydrates have the property of producing cellular energy by helping the body to fight fatigue more quickly.
3. Does astragalus help to lose weight?
Astragalus does not have any weight loss properties. With its many abilities, it is much more based on improving the immune system and bringing greater good to the body.
3. Does Astragalus Help with Weight Loss?
Astragalus does not have any weight loss properties. With its many abilities, it is much more based on improving the immune system and bringing greater good to the body.
4. Does Astragalus Increase Estrogen?
With these many properties, astragalus does not produce hormones but rather substances that enhance immune security.
5. How Long Does It Take for Astragalus to Work?
Astragalus, after consumption, does not take long to begin its effects.
After about ten minutes of consumption, you may feel a strong inner heat and a flurry of sweat all over your body.
In this case, you will know immediately that the properties of Astragalus have taken effect in your blood and attack the small health concerns you have.
But its effect on the body can be seen only after a minimum of one month’s consumption, or even more.
6. Is It Safe to Take Astragalus Every Day?
Astragalus is a plant that can be said to be safe as long as it is consumed reasonably.
On the other hand, users should know these few contraindications related to its consumption.
Also, the frequency of consumption of astragalus depends on the ailment you wish to cure.
In phytotherapy: For a tonic and anti-fatigue action, or for the general prevention of aging: 5 ml of standardized plant extract (EPS) composed of astragalus, to be taken morning and evening, half an hour before a meal. Or a capsule containing 500mg of astragalus extract once a day. Five days a week. Three cures for two months in the year.
– To limit cerebral aging, 5 ml of EPS composed of 1/3 astragalus, 1/3 turmeric, and 1/3 ginkgo, half an hour before a meal, twice a day. Five days a week. 3 two-month cures per year.
– In case of cold or persistent affection of the respiratory tracts: 5 ml of EPS composed of astragalus, morning and evening, half an hour before a meal. For twenty days. To be renewed 1 time if necessary.
7. Is Astragalus Safe for Kidneys?
Astragalus is in no way dangerous for the kidneys when taken to remedy a kidney disorder and especially when the treatment is followed correctly.
On the other hand, in case of excessive consumption of astragalus, can cause side effects.
So it is recommended to stop the astragalus cure when you suffer from mild gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, or allergic reactions.
When you consume it excessively, you may be exposed to immunosuppressive effects.
8. Does Astragalus Affect Menstrual Cycle?
Astragalus when consumed by women for a specific ailment is almost harmless.
Moreover, with its pharmacological properties, it provides women with great resistance during the menstrual cycle.
Its consumption makes the periods less painful and puts you in good conditions. It is the best ally of women. It also helps to relieve the symptoms of menopause.
9. Is Astragalus Good for Pain?
Yes, astragalus relieves pain thanks to its property that allows the joints to be flexible.
You can take astragalus as a preventive measure against joint pain or other body aches.
10. Can You Take Echinacea and Astragalus Together?
Echinacea is a plant to relieves respiratory problems and also unblocks arteries, it can be associated with astragalus for a much more accentuated and rapid result.
But always keep in mind that you should not abuse it at the risk of triggering the negative effects of astragalus or echinacea.
Useful Links:
Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic
