• Astragalus may be taken in capsule, pill or extract form.seeds and herbals #4 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
  
  Also known as milk vetch or huang qi, astragalus has long been used in Chinese medicine. While there are different types of astragalus, the species most commonly found as a supplement in health food stores is Astragalus membranaceus. Its primary use is as an immune system enhancer, and it has few risks or side effects. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs, such as echinacea, for immune support. Always speak with your doctor regarding herbal or other supplements before taking them.
  
  

Heart Benefits

• According to Web MD, while astragalus is promoted for its cardiac benefits, there is little research to back up these assertions. "More research is needed before experts can make any firm recommendations about using astragalus for its heart benefits," it states. Proponents allege that the herb can benefit people with hypertension, a condition that often leads to cardiovascular health problems.
  
  

Colds

• Because of its immune-enhancing properties, astragalus may help prevent colds or upper respiratory ailments. For use as a preventative, it must be taken regularly, not just when cold symptoms appear. While some preliminary studies indicate that astragalus is helpful, more research is needed. Such studies would compare the incidence of colds and upper respiratory disease in those who took the herb over a certain period of time with the incidence in those who did not.
  
  

Chemotherapy and Radiation

• According to Women's Health Symmetry, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation while taking astragalus live longer and recover from the effects of treatment faster. It states that studies performed at the National Cancer Institute and other leading cancer institutions have shown that astragalus strengthens the immune system. Astragalus can help boost a patient's white blood cell count, which often falls after chemotherapy.
  
  

Warnings

• Women who are nursing or pregnant should not take astragalus. Neither should anyone with an immune disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or syndromes referred to as autoimmune conditions.