Astragalus

Astragalus is a genus which contains a great number of different species of about 2000, which involves the herbs, and also the small shrubs corresponding to the legumes family of Fabaceae. It originates from the Northern Hemispherical temperate regions and includes the common names such as the milk-vetch and the goat's thorn. Astragalus is used as a food plant by some of the insect larvae of the Lepidoptera specie. Astragalus has significant impact on the medical cures as it is used as a special medicine called the yellow leader which is a tonic herb and falls under the category of Chinese medicine.

This medicine is now being proved to have the ability of improving the immune system of the human body. One of the products used for this purpose is the natural gum of the Astragalus, which not only strengthens the immune system but also increases the body's resistance to some viruses.

Astragalus is also popularly used in the western herbal medicinal uses. It is used primarily for the enhancement of the metabolism and the digestion with the tonics made from the Astragalus herbs, which is then consumed in the form of a tea made form the plant roots. Astragalus is also used for healing the wounds and the injuries.

The Astragalus herb is also used for ornamental purposes like for example several species of the plant such as the alpinus which has bluish purple flowers and the hypoglottis with purple flowers. They are very well known for their ornamental uses.