5 Proven Benefits of Astragalus Tea

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

If you drink astragalus tea, you can benefit from its many antioxidant effects and its general boost to your health.

What is Astragalus Tea?

Astragalus tea is a specialized form of tea that is brewed from the root of a specific pea plant, scientifically known as Astragalus membranaceous. The root of this plant has been used in various traditional remedies for thousands of years in China but was primarily known as an immunity booster. This root contains a high concentration of flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, which provide strong antioxidant protection to the system. Furthermore, this root contains adaptogens, which are compounds that can alter your body’s metabolic response, essentially helping your body work more efficiently. As a result, the dried root of this plant is a very important element in traditional medicine. [1]

Astragalus Tea Benefits

The many benefits of astragalus tea include its impact on heart conditions, the immune system, digestive problems, and energy levels, among others.

Immune System

Primarily known as an immune system tonic, astragalus tea activates T-cells and seeks out free radicals everywhere in the body, neutralizing them before they can stimulate cellular mutation, and eliminate infectious pathogens. [2]

Energy Levels

By improving metabolic function, this tea can also provide a healthy boost of energy to those who regularly drink it. [3]

Astragalus herb tea with cups and Mandarin script in rice paper

Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Cardiovascular Health

Known to strengthen the tissues of blood vessels and arteries, and reduce triglyceride levels, this tea is an excellent cardio-protective home remedy. [4]

Respiratory Issues

In traditional medicine, astragalus tea was often recommended for people suffering from chest infections, coughs, and asthma. The tea has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tissues. [5]

Digestion

This tea has the ability to soothe inflammation in the gut, improving nutrient uptake and reducing symptoms of constipation, bloating, cramping, and general stomach upset. [6]

How to Make Astragalus Tea?

If you want to make astragalus tea at home, all you need is either dried or fresh astragalus root.

Strengthening Astragalus Tea Recipe

This recipe uses dried powder. If you are using fresh astragalus root, use 2 ounces. 
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Course: Tea
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Astragalus Tea
Appliance: Kettle, Coffee Filter
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 2 Cups
Author: Paromita Datta

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp astragalus root

Instructions

  • Bring the water to boil.
  • Add the astragalus root and allow the mixture to boil for 3-4 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.
  • Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the root.
  • Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for later use.
    Pot of tea with a scoop of dried roots on a green napkin.

Notes

You can drink from 3-4 cups of this tea per day to give your immune system a boost

Astragalus Tea Side Effects

While there are many great benefits to this tea, there are also some risks of which you should be aware, such as autoimmune disease or bleeding disorders. Since this root stimulates the immune system to such a degree, it can make certain autoimmune conditions worse, so speak with your doctor before adding to your health regimen. Furthermore, some people are allergic to astragalus and will experience stomach upset or other common allergy symptoms when they consume this tea.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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