Astragalus root belongs to a medical group of plants that has immune-stimulating effects. Beneficial effects of astragalus are attributed to its polysaccharides and triterpenoid saponin compounds. Studies indicate that astragalus and its constituents have antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities.
Easy Astragalus Herbal Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
6 slices of dried Astragalus root, 24 inches or more
1 organic chicken
6 scallions with roots removed
6 thick slices of ginger
1/2 cup of Chinese cooking sherry
Water, enough to fully submerge all ingredients
Steps:
Rinse all ingredients and place in a large stockpot
Bring to boil and remove foam
Cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours until chicken falls apart from the bone
You may add different vegetables to this soup base for more variety throughout the week. We enjoy this soup daily during each flu season.
References:
Shahzad M, Shabbir A, Wojcikowski K, et al. The Antioxidant Effects of Radix Astragali (Astragalus membranaceus and Related Species) in Protecting Tissues from Injury and Disease. Curr Drug Targets. 2016;17(12):1331-1340.
Wang Y, Ren T, Zheng L, et al. Astragalus saponins Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Mouse Macrophages. Am J Chin Med. 2016;44(3):579-593.
Wang S, Li J, Huang H, et al. Anti-hepatitis B virus activities of astragaloside IV isolated from radix Astragali. Biol Pharm Bull. Jan 2009;32(1):132-135.