Astragalus—which refers to a large genus of over 3,000 species of ancient herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae—has been valued for its many medicinal and therapeutic applications for centuries. It's so beneficial, in fact, that Los Angeles-based acupuncturist Jeiran Lashai, DOAM, L.Ac. calls it her "desert island Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM] herb" because she so highly cherishes it in her practice, and in life.
Want to know more about this under-the-radar yet indispensable-to-the-pros plant? Keep reading to discover the traditional and science-backed uses and benefits of astragalus, as well as two ways to incorporate it into your own wellness routine.