Im using whole astragalus root, but I purchased the powder instead. Message me so I can tell you where. Most recipes suggest using an astragalus decoction. This means, you boil the root or powder for a while and drink this tea through out the day.
Instead, I take the powder straight up. Most sources suggest using up to 15 grams per day. This isn't that much, roughly, 3 tablespoons. I am titrating up to this amount slowly and I am still using 5 grams. I take it at night because it tends to make me sleepy. I researched this and AG acts on the GABA system so this may be a reason why.
Astragalus is an amazing plant and I think the whole root is better than the purified extracts. I've collected a number of impressive studies on the different effects of it, I'll be sure to post them later.
What exactly is the condition you have? I have something that manifests similiarly to MG but the mechanism is different. I find it awsome how we both discovered AG, which seems to be the best option for these conditions.
Since using it, I have noticed that my condition has improved, especially my energy levels. Now, I don't feel a stimulating effect, like I would from MACA, rhodiola, caffeine, I simply get up and go with more ease. Additionally, my tremors and muscle tone has also improved and I've notice a reduction of body fat.
Btw, the taste of the powder is not bad. It is slightly earthy and sweet. The taste stands out in shakes and smoothies but it is very palatable. I hope this helps!
The very reason I starting using Astragalus root is that, historically, it was used to revived patients with weakness and muscle wasting diseases. This and other studies confirmed this in that AG can regenerate the peripheral nervous system, exactly what I need to accomplish on myself.
Effect of Astragalus membranaceus in rats on peripheral nerve regeneration: in vitro and in vivo studies.
BACKGROUND: This study provides in vitro and in vivo evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS: In the in vitro study, we analyzed the effects of AM on cell differentiation and neurite outgrowth by using a PC12 cell model. In the in vivo study, silicone rubber chambers filled with the AM water extract were used to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. RESULTS: We found that the AM water extract caused a marked enhancement of the nerve growth factor-mediated neurite outgrowth and the expression of growth-associated protein 43 from PC12 cells. Animals from the groups treated with the AM for 8 weeks had a relatively more mature structure with larger mean values of myelinated axon number, endoneurial area, and total nerve area when compared with those in the controls receiving the saline only. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the silicone rubber tubes present a good framework for the nerve fibers to regenerate across the gap, and the AM extract can be a potential nerve growth-promoting factor, being salutary in aiding the growth of axons in the peripheral nerve.
Edited by Lufega, 26 March 2010 - 06:33 PM.