Item Tag: Astragalus

Astragalus Membranaceus Var MongholicusAlso known as: Chinese Milk Vetch, Huang qi Here is an important herb in Chinese traditions for over two millennia, that is becoming increasingly important in the American market. In Asia, they call the dried root of this species ‘Huang qi’. It is a perennial growing to a height of up to 4 feet tall. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, lepidoptera. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. There are actually over 2,000 species of astragalus; however, the two related species Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are the ones primarily used for health purposes and Chinese medicine. People should be aware that some astragalus species, usually not found in dietary supplements used by humans, can be toxic. For example, several species that grow in the United States contain the neurotoxin swainsonine and have caused “locoweed” poisoning in animals and livestock. Other species contain potentially toxic levels of selenium. Some of these species include Astragalus lentiginosus, Astragalus mollissimus, and others. The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts or capsules. It is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica and licorice. The root is cardiotonic, diuretic and vasodilator. It is used in the treatment of spontaneous and night sweats, prolapse of the uterus and anus, abscesses and chronic ulcers, chronic nephritis with oedema and proteinuria. The roots contain astragalan – this has various effects on the body including aiding detoxification, increasing the function of humoral immunity (increasing the size of the spleen, increasing the production of plasma cells and antibodies and having an effect against immunosuppressants), increasing the production of macrophages and increasing bodily resistance. Internet sources claim that milk vetch can be used for the prevention and treatment of viral infections, ranging from colds to swine flu, and HIV. It is also claimed to be a natural remedy in the treatment of cancer. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and are best planted in their final positions while still small. Suitable for light (sandy) and medium (loamy) well drained soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil. Germination can be slow and erratic but is usually within 4 – 9 weeks or more. A period of cold stratification may help prior to sowing, it is your discretion. Hardy to USDA Zones 4-10 (mulch heavily in colder zones). This is for informational purposes only and a professional natural herbalist or doctor should be consulted first. We are not responsible for any natural remedies. This offer is for 50+ seeds. For complete transparency we include payment processing & Ebay fees in our shipping/handling cost.*DISCLAIMER*NO RETURNS/REFUNDS/REPLACEMENTS ON SEEDSMost specialty seeds we offer are NOT fast to germinate.Many take several weeks, months, and some even up towards a year depending on dormancy, region, season etc. It is important that the buyer understands that seeds are perishable products and seed germination can be adversely affected by such factors as mold/fungus, bugs, temperature, moisture content, light intensity, dormancy, care, contamination of planting media among many other reasons. These factors are totally out of The Plant Attraction’s control and are the buyer’s responsibility and risk. Germination recommendations are sent with each order and the buyer is free to research and use their own methods. Floating seeds do not always indicate that the seed is not viable. Many times it is a misconception because the seed does not have the density to sink in water. Accordingly, The Plant Attraction does not guarantee seeds to perform properly regardless of conditions or buyer’s methods or mistakes. Since 2006 we have been doing our best to hand sort and provide the freshest, cleanest harvest that is free of defects and bugs.