Common name: Milk vetch
Botanical name: Astragalus membranaceus
Botanical family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Astragalus is a hardy and perennial plant. It grows well from seeds. It prefers fertile and loose soil as it is the roots that are medicinal and harvested. It also needs well drained soil. Being a plant from the Fabaceae family, milk vetch can produce its own nitrogen.
How does it do here in Central Otago? It grows well. It needs watering over the hot & dry summer months.
Traditional medicinal uses
Its affinities are with the immune system.
Astragalus is an adaptogen. It means that it can help the body to adapt to stress, changes and challenges. It is tonifying and nourishing plant.
How to use it?
The roots are the medicinal parts being used. It is said that the roots need to be 4-5 years old before being harvested.
The roots can be tinctured, powdered, used as a decoction, cooked in soup or broths.
Mythology/Folklore
It is said to “enliven the earth energy of human beings, whilst helping to fortify its protective shield”. Being a tonic, it is believed to enhance the life force of those using it.
References
“The Wild Medicine Solution – Healing with Aromatic, Bitter and Tonic Plants” by Guido Masé
“The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer” by Jeff and Melanie Carpenter
