Astragalus membranaceus – “Astragalus” comes from the Greek word for the anklebones or knucklebones of sheep. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, along with peas, legumes and beans, bearing similar characteristics of fern-like foliage and seed pods typical of this plant family. 

Native to: Mongolia, Korea, and the northern and eastern regions of China – though many of its close relations grow across the globe.  

Common Names: Yellow Leader. Huang Qi (in TCM), Milkvetch, locoweed, goat’s thorn.  

Parts used – active compounds: Astragalus root is rich in flavonoids, saponins, antioxidants and polysaccharides. It is harvested in the autumn after the plant has reached four years of age. 

Main Therapeutic Uses

Adaptogenic Immune Support 

Astragalus has long been used as a tonic for strengthening the body’s resistance against disease and promoting energy, stamina, and vitality. Considered a valuable “chi” tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has been used therapeutically for over 2,000 years.

Astragalus is an adaptogen – meaning that it adapts its effects to the needs of organs, systems and tissues in the body to help maintain homeostasis, or balance. Its balancing effect applies to the functioning of the immune system as well, supporting its function to help maintain strong natural defenses when taken as a daily tonic.  

Antiviral and anti-inflammatory Support 

The polysaccharides and saponins in astragalus have been studied for their unique antiviral effects as well as anti-inflammatory benefits.  As it is also rich in antioxidants, astragalus can also help minimize the effects of oxidative stress.  

Fun fact: Astragalus is an herb that is safe for children as an immune tonic! 

Astragalus at St. Francis

From Deedee – St. Francis Farm Manager  

“As you can imagine, we always have a massive variety of projects on the go down on the farm. In 2024, we grew 48 different herb varieties under our Organic Certification.   

We find it best practice to trial all new herbs on a small scale in our guild garden – which we playfully call the ‘Log Barn Gardens’. Here we grow a botanical palette of herbs: firstly, for verification of species, for understanding of the growing requirements and learning more about the herb.    

Following first blooms, we get to gather seed, and the following spring, we can see if trialed perennials are resilient in withstanding our Ontario winter deep freeze!  

Astragalus membranaceus, ‘Milk Vetch’ is an herb we are introducing to our guild garden in 2025. We are stoked to get to know the intricacies of this legume – as there are some native cousins in our region and we’ve had success in the past using vetches for cover crops.   

They are lovely plants, sure to please the bees – hopefully the deer won’t find them too tasty a snack!  

We’ll be sure to give updates on our success throughout the growing season!” 

Fun fact! There are over 2,000 species of astragalus, but only 2-3 are used therapeutically! 

Folklore and symbolism: Astragalus is thought to be an uplifting, balancing, and protective herb and symbolizes longevity. The plant can be planted, dried and hung in bundles or burned to infuse a space with these energies.   

 Contraindications: Consult a Health Practitioner before use if pregnant and/or breastfeeding.   

Products Featuring Astragalus