Astragalus
Botanical name: (Astragalus propinquus, Astragalus membranaceus)
Also Known As: Milk vetch, locoweed, goat?s thorn, huang qi, ogi, and hwanggi
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.
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 astragalus can result from poor nutrition or digestive problems.
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 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.
How to use: Take 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.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We at eSutras do not recommend internal use of supplements or herbs without prior consultation with your doctor or herbalist.
