It is also a good bee plant. A very good strengthening tonic. Harvest the person shaped roots after the plant's foliage has died back following the first frost. This plant will not overwinter in temperate climates. Roots are marketable in 3 to 5 years.
Astragalus contains immune enhancing polysaccharide.
This herb has also been used to boost and tonify chi, lower blood pressure and blood sugar. It has been used to improve circulation. The rhizome is used in Chinese medicine as and aromatic tonic in treatment of chronic gastroenteritis and as a Qi tonic to promote the adrenals and help resurrect flagging sexuality. The leaves contain the intensely sweet compound hernandulcin which is 1000 times sweeter than sugar. This plant is a fast growing low creeper that looks good in hanging baskets.