Guest guest Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 Tatezi, Thanks for all the info. on astragalus! What dosage do you take and for what length of time? I read (Dr. Weil) that it can be taken on an ongoing basis (unlike echinaccea) to prevent colds/flues and also to treat a cold or flu. He said suggested taking a standardized formula. (I know in traditional Chinese medicine, the raw herb is recommended and then you boil it down to make a tea. I tried that years ago with some blend of herbs that were recommended by a local Chinese herbal doctor but couldn't deal with the taste). Since I have started taking it-I got over a persistant upper respiratory virus and haven't been sick since. I have CFS and am prone to upper respiratory virus etc. I have felt so much stronger and better since I've been taking it. I hope I can stay on it at least through the winter. My husband has Hep C and generally is not prone to colds and flu but had a bad upper respiratory virus before the holidays. He is considering taking the astragalus because it has helped me so much, but I'm not sure whether he should or not after the conflicting info. re. stimulating the immune system with Hep C. Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 21:13:55 -0600 From: " Tatezi " <tatezi@...> Subject: Astragalus Root Yep, it's me and I'm back, sorta...and undetectable mid treatment. I just couldn't sit back while this discussion of astragalus was going on with no one really knowing much about it. Note: I'm having some problems with my mail client and my font size keeps changing. I don't know how it will come through because incoming mail font size is messed up too. So bear with any changes in the font. Ya'll are talking chinese here and if you want to research a chinese herb, it would help to know it's chinese name: tian men dong or more commonly, huang qi (commander of blood). Chinese herbs are difficult to truly research because of the nature of oriental medicine. The balance of yin and yang and the Eight Principals are crucial to oriental medicine. Chinese never treat with just one herb...they use a combination of herbs along with specific nutrition because an excess or stagnation of Qi (blood) requires different herbs dependent on your type (hot/dry, hot/moist, windy/dry, etc.). It is a very involved way of treating the whole essence. For instance, if you were to look astragalus root up in a chinese herb book, you would find something like 'indicated for yin deficiency of the lung and kidneys when there are signs of false heat because of the yin deficiency.' Yeah, right...I follow oriental medicine and don't understand what that is telling me. With the popularity of chinese herbs in american culture, the western herbalists have tried to isolate the exact properties of astragalus and they have done a pretty good job. Astragalus does strenghen the immune system, supports the lungs and strenghens the digestive system, including the liver. By strenghening the blood (Qi, pronounced Chi), it strenghens the body's vital energy. Here is some information on astragalus root. I've been taking it for many years and have no problems with it. With the other two main immune boosters (echinacea and Pau de Arco) you can't take them all the time or they lose their effectiveness. It's not a new herb...it's a very ancient herb... Astragalus, or Huang Qi, as it is sometimes called, is a common component of traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is used by the Chinese to strengthen the spleen, blood and liver. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often combined with ginseng [note: ginseng is not good for those with Hep C and liver disease] for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Chinese medicine is very different from the scientific approach we are used to. It is based on the promotion of health and does not limit its treatment to only one part of the body. Health is represented as a balance of yin and yang - two forces that represent the bipolar manifestation of all things in nature. In the Oriental medicine a doctor is often paid only when the patient is well, not sick. This practice would probably not be greeted with enthusiasm by western medical professionals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus is considered a deep immune tonic that increases the " bone marrow reserve " , increasing the body's ability to produce more immune effector cells (such as T-cells), protecting us from " pathogens " . Also used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well; it has the ability to build the energy reserves in the body and exhibits several anti-stress properties. Astragalus is used medicinally in China as an immune strengthener and general tonic. In fact, it is one of the best herbs in the world for enhancing the protective effects of the immune system. Astragalus incresaes the levels of certain immune cells that fight viruses and other microbial intruders. Astragalus also stimulates the secretion of a powerful anti-viral chemical known as interferon, which prevents viruses from replicating. In addition, it has been shown that astragalus has a supportive effect on bone marrow, the core of the bones where white blood cells mature. Astragalus boosts the levels of anti-bodies in the body. It has been used to optimize immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Ancient Chinese texts record the use of astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood and qi (chi). Astragalus builds energy and helps warm up the body. It is one of the most important double direction immune modulating herbs in the world. Astragalus is said to strengthen the primary energy of the body and strengthen all metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions. Tonifies the three burning spaces, increases Qi, overcomes weakness, Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen, raises Yang, reduces perspiration, facilitates excretion of water and eliminates edema (swelling). As an adaptogen, it helps the body regain balance and is the most popular herb in Chinese medicine for its tonifying, diuretic, cardiotonic, vasodilating and other useful qualities, to help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc., to bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. In the United States, Astragalus is used to stimulate the immune system when treating colds and flu. It improves adrenal gland function and digestion. Astragalus produces spontaneous sweating by increasing the metabolism, and enhances energy levels and helps protect your body from the effects of stress. Although many people take Astragalus at the onset of cold or flu symptoms, the Chinese believe taking Huang Qi at that time will cause the infection to go deeper. They instead use it while healthy as a defense shield against future illnesses. One study showed that astragalus increases the production of interferon-an important component of the immune system's defensive network. When combined with interferon, astragalus root helped promote and maintain respiratory health in study group participants. Astragalus also enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. It can help activate T cells and natural killer cells. Research shows that astragalus has immunostimulatory properties. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears that this herb helps trigger immune cells from a " resting " state into heightened activity. In studies performed at the Nation Cancer Institute and 5 other leading American Cancer Institutes over the past 10 years, it has been positively shown that Astragalus strengthens a cancer patient's immune system. Researchers believed on the basis of cell studies that Astragalus augments those white blood cells that fight disease and removes some of those that make the body more venerable to it. There is clinical evidence that cancer patients given Astragalus during chemotherapy and radiation, both of which reduce the body's natural immunity while attacking the cancer, recover significantly faster and live longer. It is evident that Astragalus does not directly attack cancers themselves, but instead strengthens the body's immune system. In these same studies, both in the laboratory and with 572 patients, it also has been found that Astragalus promotes adrenal cortical function, which also is critically diminished in cancer patients. Astragalus also ameliorates bone marrow pres! sion and gastrointestinal toxicity caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Animal studies have shown that Astragalus is effective at controlling bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system, and protecting the body against a number of toxins. It seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of viruses, destabilizing their defenses and allowing for the body's immune system to attack the weakened invader. Astragalus also increases interferon production and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions such as hepatitis, AIDS and cancer. Astragalus shows support for peripheral vascular diseases and peripheral circulation. ***Not to be used when experiencing acute fever. *** Love & blessings, Pamela Venus Love is all there is Peace is all there is Joy is all there is Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 Tatezi, Thanks for all the info. on astragalus! What dosage do you take and for what length of time? I read (Dr. Weil) that it can be taken on an ongoing basis (unlike echinaccea) to prevent colds/flues and also to treat a cold or flu. He said suggested taking a standardized formula. (I know in traditional Chinese medicine, the raw herb is recommended and then you boil it down to make a tea. I tried that years ago with some blend of herbs that were recommended by a local Chinese herbal doctor but couldn't deal with the taste). Since I have started taking it-I got over a persistant upper respiratory virus and haven't been sick since. I have CFS and am prone to upper respiratory virus etc. I have felt so much stronger and better since I've been taking it. I hope I can stay on it at least through the winter. My husband has Hep C and generally is not prone to colds and flu but had a bad upper respiratory virus before the holidays. He is considering taking the astragalus because it has helped me so much, but I'm not sure whether he should or not after the conflicting info. re. stimulating the immune system with Hep C. Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 21:13:55 -0600 From: " Tatezi " <tatezi@...> Subject: Astragalus Root Yep, it's me and I'm back, sorta...and undetectable mid treatment. I just couldn't sit back while this discussion of astragalus was going on with no one really knowing much about it. Note: I'm having some problems with my mail client and my font size keeps changing. I don't know how it will come through because incoming mail font size is messed up too. So bear with any changes in the font. Ya'll are talking chinese here and if you want to research a chinese herb, it would help to know it's chinese name: tian men dong or more commonly, huang qi (commander of blood). Chinese herbs are difficult to truly research because of the nature of oriental medicine. The balance of yin and yang and the Eight Principals are crucial to oriental medicine. Chinese never treat with just one herb...they use a combination of herbs along with specific nutrition because an excess or stagnation of Qi (blood) requires different herbs dependent on your type (hot/dry, hot/moist, windy/dry, etc.). It is a very involved way of treating the whole essence. For instance, if you were to look astragalus root up in a chinese herb book, you would find something like 'indicated for yin deficiency of the lung and kidneys when there are signs of false heat because of the yin deficiency.' Yeah, right...I follow oriental medicine and don't understand what that is telling me. With the popularity of chinese herbs in american culture, the western herbalists have tried to isolate the exact properties of astragalus and they have done a pretty good job. Astragalus does strenghen the immune system, supports the lungs and strenghens the digestive system, including the liver. By strenghening the blood (Qi, pronounced Chi), it strenghens the body's vital energy. Here is some information on astragalus root. I've been taking it for many years and have no problems with it. With the other two main immune boosters (echinacea and Pau de Arco) you can't take them all the time or they lose their effectiveness. It's not a new herb...it's a very ancient herb... Astragalus, or Huang Qi, as it is sometimes called, is a common component of traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is used by the Chinese to strengthen the spleen, blood and liver. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often combined with ginseng [note: ginseng is not good for those with Hep C and liver disease] for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Chinese medicine is very different from the scientific approach we are used to. It is based on the promotion of health and does not limit its treatment to only one part of the body. Health is represented as a balance of yin and yang - two forces that represent the bipolar manifestation of all things in nature. In the Oriental medicine a doctor is often paid only when the patient is well, not sick. This practice would probably not be greeted with enthusiasm by western medical professionals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus is considered a deep immune tonic that increases the " bone marrow reserve " , increasing the body's ability to produce more immune effector cells (such as T-cells), protecting us from " pathogens " . Also used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well; it has the ability to build the energy reserves in the body and exhibits several anti-stress properties. Astragalus is used medicinally in China as an immune strengthener and general tonic. In fact, it is one of the best herbs in the world for enhancing the protective effects of the immune system. Astragalus incresaes the levels of certain immune cells that fight viruses and other microbial intruders. Astragalus also stimulates the secretion of a powerful anti-viral chemical known as interferon, which prevents viruses from replicating. In addition, it has been shown that astragalus has a supportive effect on bone marrow, the core of the bones where white blood cells mature. Astragalus boosts the levels of anti-bodies in the body. It has been used to optimize immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Ancient Chinese texts record the use of astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood and qi (chi). Astragalus builds energy and helps warm up the body. It is one of the most important double direction immune modulating herbs in the world. Astragalus is said to strengthen the primary energy of the body and strengthen all metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions. Tonifies the three burning spaces, increases Qi, overcomes weakness, Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen, raises Yang, reduces perspiration, facilitates excretion of water and eliminates edema (swelling). As an adaptogen, it helps the body regain balance and is the most popular herb in Chinese medicine for its tonifying, diuretic, cardiotonic, vasodilating and other useful qualities, to help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc., to bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. In the United States, Astragalus is used to stimulate the immune system when treating colds and flu. It improves adrenal gland function and digestion. Astragalus produces spontaneous sweating by increasing the metabolism, and enhances energy levels and helps protect your body from the effects of stress. Although many people take Astragalus at the onset of cold or flu symptoms, the Chinese believe taking Huang Qi at that time will cause the infection to go deeper. They instead use it while healthy as a defense shield against future illnesses. One study showed that astragalus increases the production of interferon-an important component of the immune system's defensive network. When combined with interferon, astragalus root helped promote and maintain respiratory health in study group participants. Astragalus also enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. It can help activate T cells and natural killer cells. Research shows that astragalus has immunostimulatory properties. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears that this herb helps trigger immune cells from a " resting " state into heightened activity. In studies performed at the Nation Cancer Institute and 5 other leading American Cancer Institutes over the past 10 years, it has been positively shown that Astragalus strengthens a cancer patient's immune system. Researchers believed on the basis of cell studies that Astragalus augments those white blood cells that fight disease and removes some of those that make the body more venerable to it. There is clinical evidence that cancer patients given Astragalus during chemotherapy and radiation, both of which reduce the body's natural immunity while attacking the cancer, recover significantly faster and live longer. It is evident that Astragalus does not directly attack cancers themselves, but instead strengthens the body's immune system. In these same studies, both in the laboratory and with 572 patients, it also has been found that Astragalus promotes adrenal cortical function, which also is critically diminished in cancer patients. Astragalus also ameliorates bone marrow pres! sion and gastrointestinal toxicity caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Animal studies have shown that Astragalus is effective at controlling bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system, and protecting the body against a number of toxins. It seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of viruses, destabilizing their defenses and allowing for the body's immune system to attack the weakened invader. Astragalus also increases interferon production and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions such as hepatitis, AIDS and cancer. Astragalus shows support for peripheral vascular diseases and peripheral circulation. ***Not to be used when experiencing acute fever. *** Love & blessings, Pamela Venus Love is all there is Peace is all there is Joy is all there is Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 Tatezi, Thanks for all the info. on astragalus! What dosage do you take and for what length of time? I read (Dr. Weil) that it can be taken on an ongoing basis (unlike echinaccea) to prevent colds/flues and also to treat a cold or flu. He said suggested taking a standardized formula. (I know in traditional Chinese medicine, the raw herb is recommended and then you boil it down to make a tea. I tried that years ago with some blend of herbs that were recommended by a local Chinese herbal doctor but couldn't deal with the taste). Since I have started taking it-I got over a persistant upper respiratory virus and haven't been sick since. I have CFS and am prone to upper respiratory virus etc. I have felt so much stronger and better since I've been taking it. I hope I can stay on it at least through the winter. My husband has Hep C and generally is not prone to colds and flu but had a bad upper respiratory virus before the holidays. He is considering taking the astragalus because it has helped me so much, but I'm not sure whether he should or not after the conflicting info. re. stimulating the immune system with Hep C. Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 21:13:55 -0600 From: " Tatezi " <tatezi@...> Subject: Astragalus Root Yep, it's me and I'm back, sorta...and undetectable mid treatment. I just couldn't sit back while this discussion of astragalus was going on with no one really knowing much about it. Note: I'm having some problems with my mail client and my font size keeps changing. I don't know how it will come through because incoming mail font size is messed up too. So bear with any changes in the font. Ya'll are talking chinese here and if you want to research a chinese herb, it would help to know it's chinese name: tian men dong or more commonly, huang qi (commander of blood). Chinese herbs are difficult to truly research because of the nature of oriental medicine. The balance of yin and yang and the Eight Principals are crucial to oriental medicine. Chinese never treat with just one herb...they use a combination of herbs along with specific nutrition because an excess or stagnation of Qi (blood) requires different herbs dependent on your type (hot/dry, hot/moist, windy/dry, etc.). It is a very involved way of treating the whole essence. For instance, if you were to look astragalus root up in a chinese herb book, you would find something like 'indicated for yin deficiency of the lung and kidneys when there are signs of false heat because of the yin deficiency.' Yeah, right...I follow oriental medicine and don't understand what that is telling me. With the popularity of chinese herbs in american culture, the western herbalists have tried to isolate the exact properties of astragalus and they have done a pretty good job. Astragalus does strenghen the immune system, supports the lungs and strenghens the digestive system, including the liver. By strenghening the blood (Qi, pronounced Chi), it strenghens the body's vital energy. Here is some information on astragalus root. I've been taking it for many years and have no problems with it. With the other two main immune boosters (echinacea and Pau de Arco) you can't take them all the time or they lose their effectiveness. It's not a new herb...it's a very ancient herb... Astragalus, or Huang Qi, as it is sometimes called, is a common component of traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is used by the Chinese to strengthen the spleen, blood and liver. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often combined with ginseng [note: ginseng is not good for those with Hep C and liver disease] for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Chinese medicine is very different from the scientific approach we are used to. It is based on the promotion of health and does not limit its treatment to only one part of the body. Health is represented as a balance of yin and yang - two forces that represent the bipolar manifestation of all things in nature. In the Oriental medicine a doctor is often paid only when the patient is well, not sick. This practice would probably not be greeted with enthusiasm by western medical professionals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus is considered a deep immune tonic that increases the " bone marrow reserve " , increasing the body's ability to produce more immune effector cells (such as T-cells), protecting us from " pathogens " . Also used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well; it has the ability to build the energy reserves in the body and exhibits several anti-stress properties. Astragalus is used medicinally in China as an immune strengthener and general tonic. In fact, it is one of the best herbs in the world for enhancing the protective effects of the immune system. Astragalus incresaes the levels of certain immune cells that fight viruses and other microbial intruders. Astragalus also stimulates the secretion of a powerful anti-viral chemical known as interferon, which prevents viruses from replicating. In addition, it has been shown that astragalus has a supportive effect on bone marrow, the core of the bones where white blood cells mature. Astragalus boosts the levels of anti-bodies in the body. It has been used to optimize immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Ancient Chinese texts record the use of astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood and qi (chi). Astragalus builds energy and helps warm up the body. It is one of the most important double direction immune modulating herbs in the world. Astragalus is said to strengthen the primary energy of the body and strengthen all metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions. Tonifies the three burning spaces, increases Qi, overcomes weakness, Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen, raises Yang, reduces perspiration, facilitates excretion of water and eliminates edema (swelling). As an adaptogen, it helps the body regain balance and is the most popular herb in Chinese medicine for its tonifying, diuretic, cardiotonic, vasodilating and other useful qualities, to help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc., to bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. In the United States, Astragalus is used to stimulate the immune system when treating colds and flu. It improves adrenal gland function and digestion. Astragalus produces spontaneous sweating by increasing the metabolism, and enhances energy levels and helps protect your body from the effects of stress. Although many people take Astragalus at the onset of cold or flu symptoms, the Chinese believe taking Huang Qi at that time will cause the infection to go deeper. They instead use it while healthy as a defense shield against future illnesses. One study showed that astragalus increases the production of interferon-an important component of the immune system's defensive network. When combined with interferon, astragalus root helped promote and maintain respiratory health in study group participants. Astragalus also enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. It can help activate T cells and natural killer cells. Research shows that astragalus has immunostimulatory properties. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears that this herb helps trigger immune cells from a " resting " state into heightened activity. In studies performed at the Nation Cancer Institute and 5 other leading American Cancer Institutes over the past 10 years, it has been positively shown that Astragalus strengthens a cancer patient's immune system. Researchers believed on the basis of cell studies that Astragalus augments those white blood cells that fight disease and removes some of those that make the body more venerable to it. There is clinical evidence that cancer patients given Astragalus during chemotherapy and radiation, both of which reduce the body's natural immunity while attacking the cancer, recover significantly faster and live longer. It is evident that Astragalus does not directly attack cancers themselves, but instead strengthens the body's immune system. In these same studies, both in the laboratory and with 572 patients, it also has been found that Astragalus promotes adrenal cortical function, which also is critically diminished in cancer patients. Astragalus also ameliorates bone marrow pres! sion and gastrointestinal toxicity caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Animal studies have shown that Astragalus is effective at controlling bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system, and protecting the body against a number of toxins. It seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of viruses, destabilizing their defenses and allowing for the body's immune system to attack the weakened invader. Astragalus also increases interferon production and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions such as hepatitis, AIDS and cancer. Astragalus shows support for peripheral vascular diseases and peripheral circulation. ***Not to be used when experiencing acute fever. *** Love & blessings, Pamela Venus Love is all there is Peace is all there is Joy is all there is Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2004 Report Share Posted February 5, 2004 Tatezi, Thanks for all the info. on astragalus! What dosage do you take and for what length of time? I read (Dr. Weil) that it can be taken on an ongoing basis (unlike echinaccea) to prevent colds/flues and also to treat a cold or flu. He said suggested taking a standardized formula. (I know in traditional Chinese medicine, the raw herb is recommended and then you boil it down to make a tea. I tried that years ago with some blend of herbs that were recommended by a local Chinese herbal doctor but couldn't deal with the taste). Since I have started taking it-I got over a persistant upper respiratory virus and haven't been sick since. I have CFS and am prone to upper respiratory virus etc. I have felt so much stronger and better since I've been taking it. I hope I can stay on it at least through the winter. My husband has Hep C and generally is not prone to colds and flu but had a bad upper respiratory virus before the holidays. He is considering taking the astragalus because it has helped me so much, but I'm not sure whether he should or not after the conflicting info. re. stimulating the immune system with Hep C. Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 21:13:55 -0600 From: " Tatezi " <tatezi@...> Subject: Astragalus Root Yep, it's me and I'm back, sorta...and undetectable mid treatment. I just couldn't sit back while this discussion of astragalus was going on with no one really knowing much about it. Note: I'm having some problems with my mail client and my font size keeps changing. I don't know how it will come through because incoming mail font size is messed up too. So bear with any changes in the font. Ya'll are talking chinese here and if you want to research a chinese herb, it would help to know it's chinese name: tian men dong or more commonly, huang qi (commander of blood). Chinese herbs are difficult to truly research because of the nature of oriental medicine. The balance of yin and yang and the Eight Principals are crucial to oriental medicine. Chinese never treat with just one herb...they use a combination of herbs along with specific nutrition because an excess or stagnation of Qi (blood) requires different herbs dependent on your type (hot/dry, hot/moist, windy/dry, etc.). It is a very involved way of treating the whole essence. For instance, if you were to look astragalus root up in a chinese herb book, you would find something like 'indicated for yin deficiency of the lung and kidneys when there are signs of false heat because of the yin deficiency.' Yeah, right...I follow oriental medicine and don't understand what that is telling me. With the popularity of chinese herbs in american culture, the western herbalists have tried to isolate the exact properties of astragalus and they have done a pretty good job. Astragalus does strenghen the immune system, supports the lungs and strenghens the digestive system, including the liver. By strenghening the blood (Qi, pronounced Chi), it strenghens the body's vital energy. Here is some information on astragalus root. I've been taking it for many years and have no problems with it. With the other two main immune boosters (echinacea and Pau de Arco) you can't take them all the time or they lose their effectiveness. It's not a new herb...it's a very ancient herb... Astragalus, or Huang Qi, as it is sometimes called, is a common component of traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is used by the Chinese to strengthen the spleen, blood and liver. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years as a superior tonic that is often combined with ginseng [note: ginseng is not good for those with Hep C and liver disease] for replenishing a persons vital energy. The root of this plant is said to strengthen the body's surface resistance and is supposed to invigorate and promote tissue regeneration. It's also been seen as an immune system stimulant as well as a protector of adrenal cortical function. Astragalus Root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Chinese medicine is very different from the scientific approach we are used to. It is based on the promotion of health and does not limit its treatment to only one part of the body. Health is represented as a balance of yin and yang - two forces that represent the bipolar manifestation of all things in nature. In the Oriental medicine a doctor is often paid only when the patient is well, not sick. This practice would probably not be greeted with enthusiasm by western medical professionals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus is considered a deep immune tonic that increases the " bone marrow reserve " , increasing the body's ability to produce more immune effector cells (such as T-cells), protecting us from " pathogens " . Also used as a daily tonic when one is not feeling well; it has the ability to build the energy reserves in the body and exhibits several anti-stress properties. Astragalus is used medicinally in China as an immune strengthener and general tonic. In fact, it is one of the best herbs in the world for enhancing the protective effects of the immune system. Astragalus incresaes the levels of certain immune cells that fight viruses and other microbial intruders. Astragalus also stimulates the secretion of a powerful anti-viral chemical known as interferon, which prevents viruses from replicating. In addition, it has been shown that astragalus has a supportive effect on bone marrow, the core of the bones where white blood cells mature. Astragalus boosts the levels of anti-bodies in the body. It has been used to optimize immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Ancient Chinese texts record the use of astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood and qi (chi). Astragalus builds energy and helps warm up the body. It is one of the most important double direction immune modulating herbs in the world. Astragalus is said to strengthen the primary energy of the body and strengthen all metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions. Tonifies the three burning spaces, increases Qi, overcomes weakness, Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen, raises Yang, reduces perspiration, facilitates excretion of water and eliminates edema (swelling). As an adaptogen, it helps the body regain balance and is the most popular herb in Chinese medicine for its tonifying, diuretic, cardiotonic, vasodilating and other useful qualities, to help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc., to bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. In the United States, Astragalus is used to stimulate the immune system when treating colds and flu. It improves adrenal gland function and digestion. Astragalus produces spontaneous sweating by increasing the metabolism, and enhances energy levels and helps protect your body from the effects of stress. Although many people take Astragalus at the onset of cold or flu symptoms, the Chinese believe taking Huang Qi at that time will cause the infection to go deeper. They instead use it while healthy as a defense shield against future illnesses. One study showed that astragalus increases the production of interferon-an important component of the immune system's defensive network. When combined with interferon, astragalus root helped promote and maintain respiratory health in study group participants. Astragalus also enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. It can help activate T cells and natural killer cells. Research shows that astragalus has immunostimulatory properties. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears that this herb helps trigger immune cells from a " resting " state into heightened activity. In studies performed at the Nation Cancer Institute and 5 other leading American Cancer Institutes over the past 10 years, it has been positively shown that Astragalus strengthens a cancer patient's immune system. Researchers believed on the basis of cell studies that Astragalus augments those white blood cells that fight disease and removes some of those that make the body more venerable to it. There is clinical evidence that cancer patients given Astragalus during chemotherapy and radiation, both of which reduce the body's natural immunity while attacking the cancer, recover significantly faster and live longer. It is evident that Astragalus does not directly attack cancers themselves, but instead strengthens the body's immune system. In these same studies, both in the laboratory and with 572 patients, it also has been found that Astragalus promotes adrenal cortical function, which also is critically diminished in cancer patients. Astragalus also ameliorates bone marrow pres! sion and gastrointestinal toxicity caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Animal studies have shown that Astragalus is effective at controlling bacterial infections, stimulating the immune system, and protecting the body against a number of toxins. It seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of viruses, destabilizing their defenses and allowing for the body's immune system to attack the weakened invader. Astragalus also increases interferon production and enhances NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions such as hepatitis, AIDS and cancer. Astragalus shows support for peripheral vascular diseases and peripheral circulation. ***Not to be used when experiencing acute fever. *** Love & blessings, Pamela Venus Love is all there is Peace is all there is Joy is all there is Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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