Astragalus
Also known as- Astragalus membranaceus, milk vetch, huang qi (Chinese), ogi (Japanese), and hwanggi (Korean). Introduction Astragalus is the chief energy tonic of traditional Asian medicine. A graceful, flowing plant with long stems bearing paired, pointed leaves and purple flowers, the astragalus is harvested for its roots that are white when dug out of the ground but become yellow as they are dried. This is another potent Chinese remedy and has a variety of benefits as a convalescent and natural rejuvenating tonic. It has been shown to modulate the imbalance state of Th1/Th2 in patients with herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) and improve their immune function disturbance. It is a potent yet child-safe remedy that has a variety of benefits as an immune-supportive convalescent and rejuvenating tonic. Studies have shown this herb to promote immune responses effectively. This well-known revitalizing herb has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese Medicine. It balances and improves functioning of all the body’s organ systems through its adaptogenic and tonic properties. This herb also boosts circulation and assists absorption of iron from food. This is important for sufferers of RLS as iron-deficiency anemia has been implicated in this condition. According to tradition, this herb "strengthens the spleen, blood and Qi, raises the yang Qi of the spleen and stomach, and stabilizes the exterior” and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries as a tonic for the endocrine system. Preliminary research suggests that Astragalus membranaceous might be useful in treating thyroid disorders and diabetes, which greatly impact metabolism. Constituents Astragalosides and other immunostimulant polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, and trace minerals, especially selenium. Parts Used The dried root in the form of tea, encapsulated or as an extract. Powder is mildly sweet and may be sprinkled on food or whipped into a shake or smoothie. Typical Preparations Most authorities on traditional Chinese medicine recommend taking 9-15 grams (3 to 5 tablespoons) of the whole herb per day as a decoction, made by boiling the ground, dried root in water for a few minutes and then brewing the tea. Most supplement capsules provide 500 milligrams of the herb. Two to three tablets or capsules, two to three cups of tea, or 3-5 ml of tincture three times per day is a therapeutic dose. Summary Traditional Chinese medicine prescribes astragalus for maladies related to deficiencies of the "spleen," the energy body responsible for digesting food and "grounding" the energies of the body in the environment. Diseases treated with herbal formulas featuring astragalus can result from poor nutrition or digestive problems, but they can also be associated with frequent changes of life direction, "flighty" attitudes, or failure to make important decisions.Modern research shows that simple preparations of astragalus as a whole herb stimulate the immune system in several ways. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow, and encourages their maturity into active white blood cells. It appears to help signal the white blood cells known as neutrophils to migrate to places they are needed to fight infection. It stimulates the "germ-eating" white blood cells known as macrophages, activates T-cells and natural killer (NIK) cells, and increases the production of immune globulins. Usually taken with a variety of other herbs, astragalus as a whole herb eases chronic respiratory infections, aids in recovery from both cancer and the side effects of cancer therapy, and enhances health in HIV. Precautions Astragalus is non-toxic in any dosages.
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