Astragalus: A Powerful Herb for Immunity and Longevity

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 2,000 years to strengthen the body as a whole. Astragalus is believed by the Oriental people to strengthen muscles 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 that 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, and cancer, rejuvenate the digestive system and, the weakness of the lungs, and regulate blood sugar.

Astragalus is one of the adaptogens – Get Yours Here.

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.

References:

Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley

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