Astragalus Dosage: What You Need to Know

If you’ve heard about astragalus as a immune‑boosting herb, you’re probably wondering how much to take. The right dose depends on the form you use, your body weight, and what you want it for. Below you’ll get clear, practical advice you can apply today.

Typical Daily Doses by Form

Most people start with a capsule, powder, or tea. For capsules that contain 250 mg of powdered root, a common daily range is 500 mg to 1,500 mg – that means two to six capsules a day. If you prefer a powdered supplement you can stir into water or a smoothie, aim for 1 gram to 3 grams per day, divided into two doses.

When you brew astragalus tea, use about 3 grams of dried root per cup, steep for 10‑15 minutes, and drink 2‑3 cups daily. That delivers roughly the same amount of active compounds as the lower end of the capsule range.

Weight‑Based Dosing: A Simple Rule

Because astragalus works on the whole body, many practitioners suggest a weight‑based approach: 0.1 mg to 0.3 mg of extract per kilogram of body weight. For a 70‑kg (154‑lb) adult, that translates to 7 mg‑21 mg of standardized extract per day. If you buy a product labeled “astragalus extract 10:1,” each 250 mg capsule already contains about 2.5 mg of raw root, so you’d need 3‑8 capsules to hit the weight‑based range.

Keep it simple: start with the lower end of the range, see how you feel after a week, then add another capsule if needed. Most people find 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of raw root daily works well for immune support, stress, or mild fatigue.

When you’re using a liquid tincture, follow the label’s dropper guide – usually 15‑30 drops (about 0.5‑1 ml) twice a day. That amount matches the capsule doses mentioned above.

Remember, the goal isn’t to flood your system with herbs. A steady, moderate dose is what research shows to be effective and safe.

Safety, Interactions, and When to Cut Back

Astragalus is generally well‑tolerated, but high doses (over 3 grams of raw root per day) can cause mild stomach upset. If you have an autoimmune condition, talk to a doctor before stacking high doses because the herb can stimulate the immune system.

People on blood‑thinning medication (like warfarin) should keep astragalus below the upper end of the range and monitor clotting times. The same goes for those on immunosuppressants after organ transplants.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should stick to the lowest effective dose – usually 500 mg to 1,000 mg of raw root per day – or avoid it if they’re unsure.

When you start a new supplement routine, give your body 7‑10 days before adjusting the dose. That way you can notice any side effects or benefits clearly.

Timing and Stacking With Other Supplements

Take astragalus with food if you experience any gut irritation. Splitting the dose into morning and evening helps keep blood levels steady.

Many people pair astragalus with vitamin C, zinc, or elderberry for a broader immune boost. There’s no strong evidence of negative interactions, but keep the total herb load reasonable – don’t exceed 2 grams of combined herbal extracts without professional guidance.

If you’re using a sleep aid, consider taking astragalus earlier in the day because its energizing effect can make it harder to fall asleep.

In short, start low, watch how you feel, and adjust gradually. By matching the dose to your weight and goals, you’ll get the most out of astragalus without unnecessary side effects.