Astragalus
Astragalus Membranaceus
 One of the most important herbs in the world,
Astragalus has been recognized as a superb and potent immune system
tonic by modern researchers. Astragalus has been used for over 2000
years to strengthen the body as a whole. Astragalus is believed by
the Oriental people to strengthen muscle and improve metabolic
functions.
In Chinese philosophy, the metal element is directly connected to
the body's defenses. Astragalus plays an important role in this
area and is used extensively where enhancing the persons immune
system is needed. It is used to tonify the "Protective Qi," known
as Wei Qi in Chinese. This Protective Qi is a special kind of energy
which circulates just under the skin and in the muscle. Protective
Qi is a Yang energy. In the Chinese combinations Astragalus is
used to strengthen the immune system, healing of wounds, treat
infections, winter colds, viruses, cancer, rejuvenate the digestive
system, weakness of the lungs and regulate blood sugar.
Astragalus is one of the adaptogens; an agent
that increases your resistance to stress. The more stress you are
under the more the adaptogen helps your resistance.
Astragalus directly increases the level of
interferon and antibodies. It is known to increase strength, and
vitality. Where patients were undergoing chemotherapy, astragalus
supported their liver and spleen functions protecting them against
the chemical damage this treatment causes.
Astragalus can increase the life span of cells.
Research has shown that Astragalus increases the strength of T-cells.
T-cells are the white blood cells of the body (called killer cells)
that attack the invaders that cause disease in the body. Where
there are immune-deficiency related problems such as AIDS, cancer,
and tumors; Astragalus is one of the herbs to turn to.
Medicinal Uses:
Adrenals, AIDS, Allergies, Arthritis, Blood
Pressure (lowers), Cachexia (malnutrition), Cancer, Candida Albicans,
Colds, Debility, Degenerative conditions, Diabetes, Digestion (strengthens),
Edema, Epstein-Barr Virus, Fatigue, Flu, Heart Disease, Hepatitis,
Hypertension, Immune System Function, Infections (chronic), Injuries
(healing of), Kidneys, Lesions (chronic), Leukemia, Liver Conditions,
Lungs (weak, short of breath), Malaria, Metabolism (rises), Muscle
Spasms, Nephritis, Night Sweats, Prolapsed Organs, Spleen, Stress,
Sweating (spontaneous), Thymus (T-cells), Ulcers, Urination (increases),
Vaginitis, Weakness (long term), Wounds
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
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