An Introduction to Astragalus Dosing Guidelines
As is the case with natural products and herbal supplements, there is no clearly established safe and effective dose for
astragalus at this time. As a result, much of the available dosing information comes from small clinical studies or from practical experience with the supplement.
Is There a Reasonable Dose of Astragalus?
There are a few different reasons why it is difficult to recommend a dose for this product. Unlike prescription or nonprescription drugs, there are typically no standard recommended dosages for herbal supplements such as astragalus. In addition, there may be significant variability of the content, purity, and strength among different brands of the same herbal supplement, making consistently safe and effective dosing difficult.
A wide range of astragalus dosages have been used, from as low as 1 gram per day up to 60 grams per day. Although astragalus is often used to stimulate the immune system, very high doses may actually suppress the immune system. Therefore, in general, dosages above 28 grams per day should be avoided.
General Information on Taking Astragalus
Some considerations for people taking astragalus include the following:
- If you decide to take an astragalus supplement, it is important to choose a trustworthy manufacturer, since supplements are not regulated as closely as drugs. Your pharmacist is a good source for information about which supplement manufacturers are most reliable.
- If you have any chronic health problems or take any prescription medications, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before taking astragalus.
- If you are unsure about anything related to astragalus dosing, please talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
