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Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

Huang Qi (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Milk vetch

Native to

Siberia, China, Mongolia, Korea

A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake we include it's nativity.

Parts Used

  • Root

Medicinal Actions

Note: When considering the Medicinal properties, do not forget that the species, application, and parts used are critical.

  • Adaptogen: Helps the body adapt to stress and aids in normalizing bodily functions

  • Anti-Diabetic: Helps to regulate glucose levels

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation/swelling

  • Antioxidant: Removes, prevents potentially harmful oxidising within the body

  • Cardioprotective: Protects the heart and coronary arteries

  • Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver

  • Hypoglycemic: aids in the secretion of insulin and uptake of glucose

  • Immunomodulant: for better or worse, it affects the functioning of your immune system

  • Neuroprotective: Protects the brain and neurotransmitters

  • Restorative: encourages healthy bodily function and a sense of well-being

  • Tonic: Gives a general feeling of wellness and vigor

Divinities & Mythos


Plant Energies

Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:

Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.

  • Planet(s): Jupiter

  • Element: Air

  • Gender: Masculine

  • Sign(s): Libra

  • Taste: Slightly Sweet

  • Energy: Warming

Warning

This plant is generally considered safe. There are reports of potential interactions with other drugs so this aspect makes it extra important to talk to your doctor.

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Magical Properties

  • Energizing

  • Maintaining Health

  • Mental Acuity

  • Shielding

  • Protection

  • Abundance

  • Peace-Balance

  • Purification

  • Hex-Breaking

Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any regular supplements, herbal teas, infusions, dedoctions, etc.

Part of the reason that we list medical jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have. 

When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantagous. Too much of a good thing, eh?

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