Taking Astragalus as the Common Cold treatment

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:09:36 +0000

Taking Astragalus for the Common Cold

Astragalus root has been used in Asia predominantly for centuries to help boost a person’s immunity so they can better fight against the common cold or influenza virus. There have been studies that indicate the antiviral elements and assistance to the immune system provided when taking astragalus. There has not been any actual independent research conducted that specifically investigates whether or not astragalus is effectual against rhinitis or the common cold in human beings.

Astragalus is known to be an antioxidant, therefore being administered for illnesses such as heart disease. As a herbal remedy experiments are being conducted to see if it is an effective therapy for those people that have weakened immunity due to a chronic illness or long-term condition. Today astragalus is available as a supplement in capsule or extract form and is becoming more popular as a tea. It is also found in its original root form but this type of astragalus is slightly more difficult to find. Health supplement stores, Asian herbal businesses, or authentic Asian grocers may also carry it.

Customary Chinese medicine enthusiasts would suggest ingesting astragalus as a defense against colds but to stay away from it if you are really sick. A good way to take your astragalus is in a soup or broth several times a week during the cold and flu season to prevent infection.

Astragalus has the ability to augment the effectiveness of other antiviral drugs such as interferon or acyclovir that could actually exacerbate the side effects you could naturally feel if taking these medications as part of a prescribed medical protocol. There is perhaps the chance it could offset any immune stifling medications like cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids. One could also experience a drop in their blood glucose level or blood pressure, which in turn may enhance the effectual nature of the drugs that combat these illnesses.

Clearly there are potential contraindications with astragalus if you are taking other more conventional medications prescribed by your physician. Astragalus can amplify the results attained from taking diuretics and prescribed blood thinners that are anti clotting or anti platelet drugs including such familiar ones as aspirin or Plavix and more obscure meds like ticlopidine [Ticlid] and Warfarin [Coumadin]. Anyone who is on any of these prescriptions should ask their primary health care provider if astragalus is a viable option for them.

Therefore, if you are suffering with a nasty cold or a bout of the flu, you really should just make a note that when you are eventually recovered it may not be a bad idea to supplement your immunity with astragalus in some form. There just isn’t enough evidentiary data to give a risk free recommendation to start using astragalus as a part of your health regimen unless you are already in reasonably good health and even then you should consult an expert herbalist or practitioner.

Astragalus

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Who should not use Astragalus

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:02:56 +0000

Who should not use astragalus

People with certain illnesses and conditions should not use astragalus unless recommended by a qualified physician. These conditions include autoimmune diseases, cancer, and chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, or those individuals who have had surgery for transplants. As well, pregnant women and children should avoid using astragalus, as its safety for these groups of people is not known.

Astragalus may cause negative side effects by suppressing the usefulness of certain corticosteroid medications that include: Nasacort (triamcinolone), Beconase, Vancenase (beclomethasone), Decadron (dexamethasone), Deltasone (prednisone), hydrocortisone, Medrol (methylprednisolone), and prednisolone.
Other drugs that astragalus may interfere with include: Imuran (azathioprine), CellCept, cyclosporine, Prograf, Rapamune and Zenapak. These drugs act to control the immune system, and their usefulness may be affected.

Caution needs to be taken when taking astragalus if you are taking antiviral medications including acyclovir or interferon, as their potency can be increased, thereby magnifying their harmful side effects (including kidney failure).

Astragalus has been known to strengthen the effects of blood thinners and diuretics – examples are aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid) and warfarin (Coumadin). If you are taking these medications, do not take astragalus unless first consulting with a physician. Astragalus should be avoided by people suffering from bleeding disorders, and not taken within 2 weeks prior to or following surgery.