Astragalus tea is made by simmering the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, an herb used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called huang qi. It tastes mild and faintly sweet, has no caffeine and is usually taken for immune support during cold season. The recipe is simple. The research on benefits is thinner than most tea sellers admit, and there are a few people who should not drink it at all. Both are covered below.
What is astragalus tea?
It is a decoction of astragalus root. The root is sold as long, flat, pale yellow slices that look a bit like tongue depressors, or as shredded pieces and powder. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the root is the part used, often combined with other herbs.
In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is a tonic herb, taken over weeks to build resilience rather than to knock out a specific illness. Western herbalists often call it an adaptogen. That label describes how it is used. It is not a proven effect.
One warning for anyone who forages in Central Oregon: do not dig wild “astragalus.” The Astragalus genus is huge, and several North American species are locoweeds. The USDA Agricultural Research Service describes locoweed as poisonous at all stages of growth, in all plant parts, even when dried. Buy A. membranaceus root from a reputable herb supplier instead.
How to make astragalus root tea
Astragalus root is woody and fibrous. A quick steep in hot water pulls out very little, so you need to simmer it. Herbalists call this a decoction.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 dried astragalus root slices, or about 1 tablespoon of shredded root
- 2 cups of water
- Optional: a few slices of fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick or a small handful of goji berries
Steps
- Put the root and water in a small stainless steel, glass or ceramic pot.
- Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low right away.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. The water turns pale yellow and smells mildly earthy.
- If you are adding mint, lemon or honey, add them after you turn off the heat.
- Strain out the root pieces and drink warm.
This makes about one large mug, since some water cooks off. The slices can be simmered a second time, though the second batch will be weaker.
Other ways to prepare astragalus root
- Soup. Drop a few slices into broth or a slow-cooked soup and fish them out before serving. The flavor is mild enough that most people will not notice it.
- Powder. Powdered root can be stirred into oatmeal or a smoothie, though slices are easier to strain out of tea.
- Tea bags. Bagged astragalus blends exist, but they usually hold a small amount of root and are steeped rather than simmered, so expect a much weaker drink.
When buying slices, look for pieces that are pale yellow inside and not musty or discolored, and choose a supplier that tests for contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Astragalus tea benefits: what the research shows
Here is the plain version from NCCIH: “There is not sufficient reliable scientific evidence to know whether astragalus is useful for any health condition.” NCCIH also flags quality concerns in the reviews it cites, and most studies used concentrated extracts or formulas rather than a home-brewed tea. With that context, these are the areas people most often ask about.
1. Immune support
Immune support is the reason most people drink astragalus root tea. NCCIH notes that a 2023 review found some immune-related benefits, while the reviewers flagged concerns about study quality. Lab studies show astragalus polysaccharides affect immune cells, but that is a long way from showing that a mug of tea keeps you from catching a cold. It is reasonable to use it as a traditional tonic during winter. Do not expect it to replace sleep, vaccines or medical care.
2. Cancer treatment side effects
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) reports that meta-analyses link astragalus with less chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, but says most of the included studies had poor methodology and larger trials are needed. Astragalus can also interact with some chemotherapy drugs. If you are in cancer treatment, use astragalus only with your oncology team’s approval. Our supportive cancer therapy page describes our integrative approach.
3. Blood sugar and kidney health
NCCIH cites a 2024 review of 20 studies in which astragalus taken with metformin lowered fasting blood sugar and A1C more than metformin alone, and a 2023 review showing possible kidney health improvements. The kidney review’s authors pointed to small, low-quality studies. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, these are reasons to ask your doctor about it, not reasons to add it on your own. Your medication doses may need watching.
4. Energy and fatigue
Traditional use centers on low energy and slow recovery after illness. There is little good human research on astragalus for everyday tiredness. As a caffeine-free warm drink it can replace an afternoon coffee, which may help sleep in its own right. Persistent fatigue deserves a workup, though, because thyroid problems, anemia and sleep apnea are common and treatable.
5. Heart health, inflammation and antioxidants
Astragalus compounds show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in lab and animal studies, and it has traditional use for circulation. Human evidence that the tea protects the heart or reduces inflammation is not strong enough to rely on. Claims that astragalus tea detoxifies the liver or heals the gut lining are not backed by reliable human evidence.
Best time of day to take astragalus
No study has compared morning and evening use. Since the tea has no caffeine, you can drink it any time. Most people find it easiest to make a batch in the morning and drink it through the day, or to simmer slices into dinner soup. Pick the routine you will actually keep. If you take blood pressure medication, notice how you feel after a cup, because astragalus may lower blood pressure a bit.
How often should you drink astragalus tea?
There is no standard dose for tea. NCCIH says oral astragalus seems safe at up to 60 grams per day for as long as 4 months, which is far more root than a cup or two of tea contains. It also says a thorough safety evaluation has not been done. A practical approach many herbalists use is a cup a day, or a few times a week, for several weeks during cold season, followed by a break.
Side effects and who should avoid astragalus
Astragalus is generally well tolerated. MSKCC lists fatigue, malaise, headache and lower blood pressure as reported side effects. Skip it or talk with a clinician first if any of these apply to you:
- Autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. NCCIH advises people with autoimmune diseases to avoid astragalus because it might worsen symptoms.
- Immunosuppressant medications, including transplant drugs. Astragalus may reduce their effect.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Little is known, and NCCIH notes that animal research suggests it can be toxic to a fetus. Avoid it.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin. MSKCC lists a possible increase in bleeding risk.
- Blood pressure medications or diuretics. Effects may add together.
- Chemotherapy, including gemcitabine, or a hormone-sensitive cancer. MSKCC notes possible drug interactions and estrogen-like activity.
- Upcoming surgery. Tell your surgical team about every herb you take, including this one.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of astragalus root tea?
It is traditionally used for immune support, energy and recovery. Early research points to possible help with immune function, chemotherapy side effects, blood sugar and kidney health, but NCCIH says the evidence is not yet reliable for any condition.
How do you make astragalus root tea?
Simmer 1 to 2 dried root slices (or about 1 tablespoon shredded root) in 2 cups of water, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
How do you prepare astragalus root for tea or soup?
Use it dried and sliced. There is no need to soak it. Simmer it rather than steep it, and remove the woody slices before drinking or serving.
Can I drink astragalus tea every day?
Short daily courses of several weeks are common in traditional use, and NCCIH reports no adverse effects at much higher doses for up to 4 months. Long-term safety has not been thoroughly studied, so take breaks and check with a clinician if you have a chronic condition.
What does astragalus tea taste like?
Mild, earthy and slightly sweet. Ginger or cinnamon pairs well with it.
Is astragalus tea caffeine free?
Yes.
Is astragalus safe with autoimmune disease?
NCCIH advises people with autoimmune diseases to avoid it. If you have an autoimmune condition, our article on supplements for autoimmune disease covers options with better evidence.
Personalized herbal care in Bend
Astragalus is a good example of an herb where the details matter: your medications, your diagnosis and the product quality. Dr. Drew Collins, ND, uses herbal medicine as part of a broader plan at Proactive Choice, and patients who get sick often can start with our immune enhancement care. You may also like our guides to herbal remedies for the immune system and echinacea tea.
Proactive Choice is at 601 NW Harmon Blvd #10, Bend, OR 97703, and serves Redmond, Sisters, La Pine and Sunriver. Call (858) 333-5196 or book a consultation online.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Talk with your own clinician before starting any herb, especially if you take prescription medication, are pregnant or have a chronic condition.
Want to talk this through for your own health? Book a visit with Dr. Drew Collins, ND at 601 NW Harmon Blvd in Bend, or call (858) 333-5196.
