Distribution: New Mexico, northeastern Otero County, Sacramento Mountains.
Habitat: Limestone soils on steep slopes and road cuts in lower montane coniferous forest; 1,900-2,500 m (6,500-8,200 ft).
Remarks: A narrow endemic inhabiting the forests around Cloudcroft. It was originally known from only three collections made in 1889 and 1891, then was not found again until 1968. There are now approximately 30 known locations for this species on public lands; additional locations are on tribal lands. It often inhabits road cuts and other sites for some years after disturbance, and may be generally increasing with the increase of road building within its geographic area.
Conservation Considerations: Highway maintenance and herbicide application for weed control could impact plants inhabiting road rights-of-way. Residential and recreational development in the area is extensive. The effects of forest fire on this species have not been studied. These plants are occasionally browsed by deer or elk, but its palatability to livestock has not been determined.
Aids Digestion Process:
It is believed that astragalus makes your metabolism stronger, thereby improving your digestive system. As such, it also helps in curing gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach ulcers, gas, bloating and diarrhea.
• Improves Immunity:
The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of astragalus strengthen your immunity as well. It helps in healing your wounds and injuries faster. In case a person is suffering from weakened immunity, a regular dose of astragalus helps him/her in fighting the diseases better. It also helps you fight both viral and bacterial infections. For the very same reason, it helps you fight cold, asthma, bronchitis and so on. It is also used in cancer treatments as the antioxidants present in them help the adrenal glands to work better.
• Keeps Your Heart in a Better State:
Using astragalus benefits your heart as well in a lot many ways. Astragalus can relieve a person suffering from chest pain or even breathlessness caused due to heart problems. It prevents blood clots from forming. At the same time, it helps a person in retaining less salt and water in his/her body, which in turn, helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The protective properties of astragalus also stop plaque from developing in arteries, thereby keeping your heart in a better state.
• Anti-Stress Agent:
The roots of this medicinal herb are believed to be an “adaptogen” and therefore, small doses of astragalus roots work wonders on your physical, mental and emotional state. It helps your body to resist fatigue, anxiety, stress, tension and trauma, thereby keeping you happy and stress-free.
• Fights AIDS:
Recent studies have claimed that astragalus roots also fight against HIV virus to a great extent. Using astragalus roots for AIDS not only helps the patient to fight the disease, but it does so without the adverse effects of harmful prescription drugs as well.
