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Astragalus Benefits for Immune, Heart & Gut Health

By Ethan Boldt

December 5, 2023

Astragalus is one of those herbal supplements that is popular when continued healthy immune system support is a common goal. In fact, astragalus does carry many benefits that can support overall health.

This adaptogen herb helps to relieve stress, supports immune system health and bolsters gut health. Astragalus is also believed to generally support healthy yeast and fungal balance in the body. 

Why is that important? There are various forms of microorganisms that naturally exist in the body, and yeast and fungi are among them. 

If those get out of balance, then, in general, a yeast and fungal imbalance can lead to overall discomfort. That’s why it’s important to keep yeast and fungi in check — and balanced. 

What Is Astragalus?

Astragalus is a plant within the Leguminosae (beans or legumes) family. The perennial flowering plant, also called milkvetch root and Huang-qi, grows from 16 to 36 inches tall and is native to the north and eastern regions of China as well as Mongolia and Korea.

Astragalus is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese herbalism, and astragalus root has many active plant compounds that are believed to be responsible for its benefits. 

In fact, astragalus is believed to have beneficial plant compounds called flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides that may support an overall healthy immune system and function as an adaptogen. 

Saponins help support healthy cholesterol levels and overall immune system health. Flavonoids feature antioxidants and help fight free radicals. Polysaccharides support a healthy response to inflammation.

Astragalus roots are harvested from four-year-old plants and are the only part of the plant that’s used in traditional Chinese herbalism and supplementation. Only two of the over 2,000 species of astragalus, astragalus membranaceus and astragalus mongholicus, are typically used.

Benefits

1. Supports immune system health

Astragalus’s plant compounds support a healthy immune system and can help promote the healthy, normal activity and function of the immune system. Some studies indicate that it works best for supporting an overall healthy immune system when taken regularly rather than sporadically. 

2. Supports a healthy response to inflammation

Astragalus’s saponins and polysaccharides can help support an overall healthy response to inflammation. 

3. Support the cardiovascular system’s health

The flavonoids present in astragalus are antioxidants that can support heart health, including healthy blood pressure and triglycerides levels. 

4. Support overall gut health

In an astragalus supplement that also uses soil-based probiotics (such as Ancient Nutrition’s), benefits can include support for healthy digestive function, healthy elimination as well as a reduction of occasional gas, constipation and bloating. 

5. Help keep the body in balance and relieve stress

As an adaptogen herb, astragalus can promote a healthy response to environmental stressors and help the body stay in balance. 

Best Astragalus Supplement

Ancient Nutrition combines powerful astragalus with resilient SBO (soil-based organism) probiotics for maximum absorption. To receive the benefits for astragalus, your body needs to absorb it as much as possible. This Ancient Nutrition Astragalus supplement made from organic fermented astragalus root is powered by our own proprietary, dual-stage, live fermentation process. 

Each serving includes 2 billion CFU* (*at time of manufacture) of an SBO probiotic strain called Bacillus coagulans. SBO, or soil-based organism, probiotics are a particularly resilient and effective strain. Unlike probiotics that need to be refrigerated to survive, SBO probiotics actually thrive in harsh environments (like the gut). It's included in this astragalus supplement to provide added support for a healthy gut, digestive function and healthy gut flora.

The listed serving suggestion is to take two capsules daily with eight ounces of water or your favorite beverage. As always, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary supplement routine.