Astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine in combination with other herbs.
Its root is used for health care purposes.
Commonly combined with other herbs, astragalus has been promoted as a dietary supplement for many conditions, including upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic kidney disease, among others. It’s also promoted to strengthen and regulate the immune system. Topical use (application to the skin) of astragalus is promoted for improving blood flow and speeding wound healing.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) is a plant native to Asia. The Chinese name of the herb, huang qi, means "yellow leader," because the root is yellow and it is considered to be one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Other names for the herb include bei qi, hwanggi, and milk vetch. The part of the plant used medicinally is the root.
Astragalus is used in traditional Chinese medicine for night sweats and diarrhea. It is also used for energy tonics that are taken daily at certain times of the year. So far, scientific support for the potential benefits of astragalus is lacking.
One of the key uses for astragalus, in alternative medicine, is to improve immune function. Although evidence is needed, one of the ways astragalus is said to work is by increasing the production of immune cells. It may also have mild antiviral activity and help with the prevention of colds. There's little evidence from human studies, however, on the effectiveness of astragalus as an antiviral.
Astragalus is also used for various heart conditions. It may have a diuretic effect which would lower blood pressure and it may cause blood vessels to relax. It hasn't been explored in human studies, so it shouldn't be used as a replacement for conventional care.
There is limited evidence that herbal formulas containing astragalus may be able to help boost strength and stamina in athletes. Additionally, it may help combat fatigue in cancer patients.
Other source to read
ASTRAGALUS: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (webmd.com)