Growing Astragalus Indoors

Immune System Booster

Astragalus is a perennial plant from the pea family that has been used in Chinese medicine for years. Other popular names for the Astragalus plant are milk vetch or huang-qi. As an adaptogen, the astragalus herb is known to boost the immune system and is used for many bodily ailments. Chinese Milk Vetch, Astragalus membranaceus, is native to China. In the past decade, it has become a popular medicinal plant in North America and has recently been planted in Saskatchewan.

The multi-stemmed plant grows to about 1 to 1.5 m in height and has alternate, compound leaves composed of 12 to 18 pairs of small leaflets. Mature plants have yellow pea-like flowers in long clusters during early summer. These are followed by seedpods growing up to 15 cm in length.

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Culture

Pot Size                    6" wide and 10" deep container.

Seed Germination      16 to 20 days. Seeds may be slow to germinate.

Seed Spacing             No pre-treatment needed. Sow seeds just below soil surface at 70F and water.

Plant Spacing            18” to 24” within rows.

Soil Requirements      Grows best in sandy, slightly alkaline soil.

Growing Mix               Mix two parts organic potting soil and one part coarse sand or perlite.

Fertilize                     All-purpose organic fertilizer. Use only a very mild fertilizer and apply it at half the suggested application rate.

Sun & Lighting            Full sun to Part shade.Astragalus requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day but eight hours a day is best.

Water Requirements    Average water needs; Water regularly; do not overwater.

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Uses

Astragalus herb is an adaptogen; this means it has substances that help the body maintain its normal health. It has also been used for treating chronic diarrhea and reducing blood pressure, and for treating the common cold.

Astragalus Root is an energy tonic is a mild stimulant that combats fatigue and prolonged stress. It is used to increase metabolism, stamina, strength and vitality. Taken as a tonic, astragalus is believed to build stamina and vitality. Astragalus plant has a reputation for improving overall health by helping the body to fight off viral and bacterial infections responsible for causing colds, the flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections. As an antioxidant, it helps to counteract cell damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals.

Astragalus herb increases the flow of bile and digestive fluids and supports good digestion and also helps to support adrenal gland, liver and spleen function. It is an antibacterial that helps to eliminate toxins, thus promoting the healing of damaged tissue.
Sometimes it is used in cooking to fortify soup stock.


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