Traditional uses: abscess, adrenal disorders, AIDS, anasarca, anorexia, arthralgia, arthritis, asthma, boil, bronchitis, cancer, chronic lung weakness, common cold, cystitis, debility, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, dysuria, edema, excessive perspiration, fatigue, fever, hepatitis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, immunodeficiency, influenza, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, malaria, metrorrhagia, nephritis, nervousness, neurodermatitis, night sweats, numbness, oliguria, peritonitis, prolapse of organs, proteinuria, retinitis, septicemia, shortness of breath, splenomegaly, ulcer, urethritis, urinary tract infection.
Astragalus (Astragalus spp.) is one of the more famous tonic herbs from China. In traditional Chinese medicine it is said to tonify the blood and spleen and aid the defensive chi. Thus, astragalus is often added to formulations used to treat weak patients. Similarly, it is used in combination with other herbs to enhance recovery following an illness or prolonged stress and to boost vitality. Astragalus is said to protect and enhance the functioning of distressed organs.17 Numerous studies show the herb enhances immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity,18 increasing T cell activity,19 and enhancing macrophage activity 20 in immune-compromised patients.
A SUPERIOR HERB
Astragalus, with the Latin name Astragalus membranaceus, is derived from the root of this perennial herb that is Chinese in origin and considered a traditional Chinese herb.
Astragalus is considered an immune stimulation herb. The “stem cells” in the bone marrow are increased and their development is stimulated into active immune cells that are then released into the body. Essentially, every phase of the immune system activity is stimulated by Astragalus.
Active ingredients contained in astragalus include bioflavanoids, choline, and astragalan B, a polysaccharide. Astragalan B has been shown in animal studies to be effective at protecting the body against a number of toxins, controlling bacterial infections and stimulating the immune system. Astragalan B appears to work by allowing the body’s immune system to attack the outer membranes of viruses destabilizing their defenses allowing them to be overwhelmed by the immune response.
Astragalus increases interferon production and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions. Astragalus has also been shown to be a support for the body in peripheral vascular disease and peripheral circulation. Astragalus aids adrenal gland function which often need support in chronic and degenerative health states.
Researchers in China have conducted recent studies which report that astragalus is an effective treatment for supporting the immune system in cancer patients. Two separate studies followed patients receiving traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which typically devastate the immune system and leave the recipients weak and susceptible to new opportunistic infections. Patients receiving astragalus extracts had twice the survival tare of those only receiving standard therapies. Further studies in the U.S. confirmed that astragalus has unique immunity enhancement qualities.
Astragalus has been available in China for centuries and has a long history of use in traditional medicine in China. It is used to strengthen the Wei Ch’i or “defensive energy”. It is regarded as a tonic for stimulating the immune system, increasing energy levels, as a diuretic, a vasodilator for respiratory infections, a treatment for cold, flu and to increase stamina.
Originally published here.
Terry & Lynda Sherback