Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Convalescence

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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.

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