(NaturalNews) Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for literally thousands of years. Today, in the western world, it's being rediscovered as a powerful
adaptogenic herb with a remarkable ability to balance and boost immune function. With more and more people concerned about immune function today -- especially with the swine flu pandemic on peoples' minds -- ancient herbs like astragalus are experiencing a resurgence in interest.
Here, we present a unique collection of supporting research quotes about
astragalus and how it protects and enhances the
immune system. Feel free to forward this information to friends, family members or coworkers who may benefit from it.
Astragalus and the immune system
One of the best known herbs used in
Chinese medicine, astragalus strengthens the
digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates
blood vessels. Astragalus can be used to boost the immune system in people who frequently suffer from
infections such as colds. It can also be used in convalescence and to aid in cancer
treatment and recovery from
chemotherapy. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
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The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs by Nicola ReavleyAstragalus is one of the best-researched immune system stimulants now available. It works like echinacea, in that both
herbs increase the number and activity of immune cells. However, astragalus concentrates on building the immune system, and unlike echinacea, it can be taken on a daily basis.
Echinacea boosts immune system activity and promotes fast
recovery, especially when taken at the onset of symptoms. The most potent formulas have a peculiar tingling and numbing effect on the tongue.
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The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.Astragalus is another ancient
Chinese herb that is frequently combined with
ginseng to strengthen the body's
natural defenses, namely, the immune system. Astragalus has also shown some vasodilatory as well as
anti-inflammatory action. Its anti-inflammatory effects occur, it seems, because it inhibits the release of histamines from mast cells. Quercetin, a polyphenol, works the same way. Consequently, astragalus could help relieve
hay fever and other allergic conditions. I have personally used astragalus as a remedy for my seasonal hay fever.
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Optimum Health - A Cardiologist's Prescription for Optimum Health by Stephen T., M.D. SinatraExamples of popular adaptogenic herbs include astragalus, panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, lonicera, and glycyrrhiza, also known as licorice root. The
herb astragalus has been researched thoroughly and is available from an abundance of sources. Studies have revealed that astragalus is quite effective in enhancing
immune function and can be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to
cancer. Instead of directly attacking infectious organisms, astragalus aids the
body by fortifying the existing immune system.
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The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.The immune-building and adaptogenic effects of astragalus have been studied extensively. Modern
research has isolated the constituents in astragalus that are believed to be responsible for its effectiveness. Two types of chemical compounds found in astragalus,
polysaccharides and saponins, are credited with many of the herb's benefits. But traditional herbalists believe there may be dozens of other active, synergistic, or supportive components. Astragalus heightens the efficiency of virtually every component of the immune system.
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Herbal Defense by Robyn LandisAnother traditional
energy tonic, astragalus strengthens the immune system and is good for both digestion and lung function. Sometimes this root is available in bulk in
health food stores - long and flat, it looks like a tongue depressor. These sticks can be added to soups, stews, rice, or any
food that simmers for at least 30 minutes. When
cooking is complete, remove the wilted stick and discard. The
medicine has gone into your food! Astragalus has a neutral, somewhat pleasant taste.
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The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White, M.D.Astragalus was originally used in China for a variety of reasons including immune system support, diabetes, heart
disease and high blood pressure. Dr. Mauligit of
Texas University found it helped to restore immune function in
cancer patients. Astragalus helps to invigorate vital energy, drain pus, reduce swelling and strengthen the spleen. It is helpful for lingering diarrhea. It has been shown to augment interferon response to viruses.
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Powerful and Unusual Herbs From the Amazon and China by World Preservation SocietyAstragalus is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for
viral infections. Research in animals has shown that it apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, particularly in those whose immune system has been damaged by
chemicals or radiation. In immunodepressed mice, Astragalus has been found to reverse the T cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide (a cancer drug),
radiation, and aging. It also increases T cell activity in normal mice.
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Total Wellness: Improve Your Health by Understanding and Cooperating with Your Body's Natural Healing Systems by Joseph Nd PizzornoAstragalus (Huang chi root) in Chinese medicine, is known to strengthen the body's natural defenses that involve the immune system. It is one of the main herbs used in fu-zheng
therapy to enhance the immune system during chemo and radiation therapy. It seems to increase not only interferon levels but also natural killer-cell and T-cell activity. It also makes the T-cells more aggressive. Astragalus has been shown to have liver-protective activity against a number of
toxic substances, including carbon tetrachloride.
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Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment by Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene ValentineResearch in
animals has shown that Astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, including enhancing phagocytic activity of monocytes and macrophages, increasing interferon production and natural killer cell activity, enhancing T-cell activity, and potentiating other antiviral mechanisms. Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. In immunodepressed mice, astragalus has been found to reverse the T-cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide, radiation, and aging.
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Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1 by Michael T. Murray, NDIn the exotic language of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus boosts the immune system by "stabilizing the exterior" and strengthening the "chi." The Chinese knew thousands of years ago that astragalus could strengthen our shield ("exterior") against disease and increase overall
vitality (chi), long before anyone knew about bacteria,
white blood cells, or the immune system. You may already be accustomed to taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold or
flu, or when people around you are getting sick. How is astragalus different?
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The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista MorienThe effectiveness of astragalus and the fu-zheng treatment was put to the test in a study of cancer
patients undertaken at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in the early 1980s. After giving a specially prepared astragalus extract to 19 cancer patients and 15
healthy people, doctors found that the treatment restored immune system functioning in the majority of the patients. In some cases, it made the cancer patients' immune systems resemble those of the healthy subjects. The researchers concluded that astragalus contains a potent immune stimulant.
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Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures by Gale MaleskeyThey use astragalus to boost immune function during and after radiation or chemotherapy
treatments. When cancer invades your body, your immune system naturally weakens. In the advanced stages of the disease or after rounds of chemotherapy or radiation - which are lifesaving but very toxic treatments - your immune system can be devastated.
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Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures by Gale MaleskeyAlso known as huang qi, astragalus has been used for centuries by the Chinese to boost energy and vitality. Several
studies of the herb have convinced me that it's an immune system stimulant as well. In fact, it appears to be almost as effective as echinacea. Astragalus helps counteract TRF. And because the herb enhances
immunity, it helps treat all manner of infections, which can deplete your energy. But the herb's effects are subtle, very subtle, so don't expect a coffee buzz.
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The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young by James A. Duke, Ph.D.To fight infections without stimulating the components of the immune system that aggravate lupus, use astragalus or Scutellaria. Astragalus increases activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which fight
infection. For people who are responding well to steroid
drugs, taking astragalus reduces the risk of infection, especially when infections are "going around." Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of the freeze-dried herb in capsules three times daily. However, be sure to let the
doctor know if you are taking astragalus, since it increases the body's response to steroids.
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Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNCAstragalus also is useful in the treatment of viral myocarditis, a flulike infection that affects the heart. Astragalus treats infections caused by Proteus, which can cause kidney stones. Astragalus increases the body's production of the immune-system chemical interleukin-2 (IL-2). It also releases polysaccharides that act in the same way as important antibodies, complementing their production by the immune system. Chinese studies have found that astragalus increases the activity of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, an immune-system component.
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Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNCAstragalus is known as an immune stimulant. It works by stimulating the body's production of interferon (antiviral compounds) and by restoring red blood cell formation in
bone marrow. Because it stimulates the immune system, astragalus is being used to treat HIV viral infections, pneumonia, and cardiac arrhythmia.
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The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals by Dr. Mary Dan EadesAs with most Chinese herbs, astragalus is generally used in a formula that's made up of a blend of herbs, and it's a perfectly good addition to soup or
rice. In fact, in China, it's not uncommon to use astragalus root as a standard ingredient in cooking. There is not a whole lot known about the exact constituents of astragalus that boost the immune system. Large, sugarlike molecules known as polysaccharides probably help to stimulate the "good" immune cells. Astragalus also contains substances called
saponins, which have a similar immunity-enhancing effect.
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The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler, N.D.Preliminary research suggests that astragalus may also have powerful anticancer properties. In a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, researchers found that a water extraction of astragalus restored or enhanced the function of T-cells (white blood cells that play specific roles in the immune system) taken from people with cancer. In some cases, astragalus stimulated the damaged cells to greater activity than found in normal cells taken from healthy individuals.
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The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista MorienAnderson Hospital in Houston found that astragalus was able to enhance the immune capacity using the cultured blood of cancer patients as well as augment the anti-tumor ability of Interferon-2. In a study of 176 patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancers of the gastro-intestinal tract, astragalus and ginseng were able to prevent the normal immune depression and
weight loss that occurs. In a variety of human studies, astragalus has been shown to stimulate various parameters of the immune system, has anti-tumor activity, and inhibits the spreading (metastasis) of cancer.
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Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, PhD,RD,CNSIn addition to general immune strengthening, astragalus offers powerful help when immunity is severely challenged. Clinical studies show astragalus infusion highly effective at improving and restoring T-cell functioning, improving bone marrow activity, and augmenting interferon response. Chinese hospitals give astragalus to strengthen the immune systems of those with cancer, and to protect them from the detrimental effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
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Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher, author and award-winning journalist with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He is a prolific writer and has published thousands of articles, interviews, reports and consumer guides, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2010, Adams created NaturalNews.TV, a natural living video sharing site featuring thousands of user videos on foods, fitness, green living and more. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the CEO of a highly successful email newsletter software company that develops software used to send permission email campaigns to subscribers. Adams is currently the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. He's also author a large number of health books offered by Truth Publishing and is the creator of numerous reference website including NaturalPedia.com and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. His websites also include the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the innate healing ability of the human body. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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