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.
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. May also be taken in capsule or extract form.
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.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.
This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 27 October, 2009.