Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known as astragalus, is a fundamental herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has a long history of use for supporting convalescence, or recovery after illness. In TCM, astragalus is considered a “qi tonic,” said to strengthen vital energy, enhance resistance to disease, and promote the recovery of strength and function following periods of weakness or prolonged illness. Classical Chinese medical texts frequently recommend astragalus for those recovering from infections, fatigue, and chronic conditions, emphasizing its role in restoring vitality and immune function.
While modern scientific research has explored some immunomodulating and adaptogenic properties of astragalus, there is limited high-quality clinical evidence specifically supporting its use in convalescence. Some studies suggest that astragalus extracts can enhance immune cell activity and may reduce the duration or severity of certain infections, but these findings are preliminary and usually in the context of general immune support rather than formal recovery protocols. Therefore, the practice is primarily rooted in tradition rather than robust scientific validation. Nevertheless, astragalus remains popular in herbal formulas intended for post-illness recovery, particularly in East Asian medical systems.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
Aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
L-Alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
Algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fat liver oil
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Gnaphalium
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Growth factors
Globulins
Glutathione
Hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
Lactalbumin
Lactoglobulin
Lipids
Mineral ascorbate
Marine Protein
Malt
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Polysaccharides
Peptides
Quinoa Protein
Rubia yunnanensis
Smartweed
Shark Liver Oil
Shellfish
Sarivan
Trametes
Other health conditions supported by astragalus
Adrenal FatigueAging (prevention)
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cold Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestive Heart Failure
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emphysema
Epstein Barr Virus
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Menopause
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Radiation Sickness
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wasting
Wounds and Sores
Products containing astragalus
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Astragalus
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine CC-A With Yerba Santa Combination Extract
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Colostrum (With Immune Factors)
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine KB-C
Nature's Sunshine KB-C TCM Concentrate
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Chi TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nervous Fatigue Formula (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Nervous Fatigue TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Trigger Immune TCM
Nature's Sunshine Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw)
Nature's Sunshine Urinary System