Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)
What it is
One of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for over 2,000 years to strengthen Qi and the immune system. Contains cycloastragenol, which activates telomerase in preclinical studies. Most human-trial evidence is from Chinese journals of variable methodological quality; the Zhang 2014 systematic review in heart failure is the most-cited anchor, with additional trials reporting improved immune markers in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Generally safe but may interact with immunosuppressants.
Dose
500–1,500 mg/day standardised root extract; traditionally decocted as a tea in TCM practice
Time of day & tips
Take with food. Avoid if on immunosuppressant medications. Allow 4–8 weeks for immune-modulating effects. Can be brewed as a traditional decoction with the dried root slices.
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