Astragalus

Primarily used species: Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus

This root is one to watch! While it has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Huang-Qi, it is slowly making its way into Western Medicine studies. Many more high quality studies are needed but some respectable anecdotal evidence exists for its use.

In TCM, we see it being used for its immune boosting effects. Some preclinical trials show it has intriguing immune activity. It also has been used to help with improving immune function to prevent infections, for fatigue associated with chemotherapy and it has also been found to have anti-tumor effects.

While more studies need to be done, Astragalus has a wide safety profile. It can be used in regular cooking especially soups!

Since it has been used to boost immune systems, it would be prudent for those on immunosuppressives therapies to avoid astragalus.

This is one to watch!