In many texts devoted to traditional Chinese herbal medicines there are five definitive treatments that stand out as primary utilizations for astragalus and a few more diverse and recent uses that are being closely watched. The five primary uses according to traditional medicine are:

i. Meant to revitalize one’s qi and enhance spleen. Also used to increase appetite, bind loose stools, assist with exhaustion [reenergize], and curtail bleeding.

ii. Rejuvenate qi in order to stimulate yang in abdominal – pelvic area [prolapse of rectum, uterus or stomach]

iii. Rejuvenate the qi on the way to fortifying an individual’s body [fighting the common cold in weakened patients, curb abnormal perspiring caused by this weakness]

iv. Alleviate infections of the skin and enhance healing process due to abscesses, eroded or damaged skin, harmful gashes. Astragalus ingested to treat stomach lining wear, ulcers and atrophic gastritis.

v. Act as a diuretic and to alleviate edema, specifically spleen deficient form of edema

vi. Newer diverse uses include treatment for diabetes and low blood sugar, hemiplegia, asthma, and lowered white blood cell counts; astragalus is prescribed for these illnesses when one’s qi and or yang appear lacking.

Expert practitioners of ancient herbal medicine must be able to determine between treatment based on dogmatic beliefs and those not based upon vigilant patient study and therapies based on evidence determined via clinical research and patient experiences. In other words it would not be prudent to believe that a prolapsed organ will simply return to its place of origin because that patient will ingest astragalus in its various forms. This treatment was based on three reflective concerns:

I. Indications are that a prolapse proves muscle weakness, according to qi, musculature is dependent upon the spleen qi so deficient spleen qi means astragalus for the spleen.

II. The prolapse of an organ means it has dropped from its place, the rising flow of qi means if a rejuvenation of the yang and qi will assist this upward flow than astragalus would appropriately be utilized in directing the action of rising forces that fight against the dropping organ.

III. A prolapse leaves one feeling full and swollen where the dropped organ relocates, not unlike fluid buildup, certain herbs promote fluid drainage such as astragalus, hence it may offer some relief from the prolapse.

In theory the reasoning behind these astragalus uses remain unfailing in Asian medicinal conjecture, that is not to say there is any evidence that using astragalus in treating a prolapse will actually do anything to effectively assist in improving the prolapse. If a prolapse were to be non-surgically repaired it would mean building up the muscles in the area around the organ in question through exercise.

In so doing if taking astragalus has the effect of energizing someone to exercise more diligently and perhaps relieving some physical discomfort. The astragalus itself may not only assist with the symptoms but also provide a more receptive host for the health challenge to be undertaken and aid in garnering discipline.

There is no doubt that the active ingredients in astragalus can have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract of those who ingest it. Symptoms involving the stomach, bowel and general digestion can be directly affected by elementary action of the ingredients in the system. There have been after all proven to be Saponins and polysaccharides as basic elements in astragalus and their potential benefit in smaller dosages contacting digestive tract lining could only be helpful.

The diuretic effect is somewhat more difficult to ascertain because of fluid intake along with any tonic and the metabolized active ingredients themselves will be discharged via urination so would they remain active in the system to prove they had anything to do with the diuretic effect? Certainly a higher dosage would be needed and would only mean a higher elimination of the active elements. In any case in order to ingest enough active ingredient copious amounts of fluid would need to be taken which in itself would cause frequent urination.

Expert opinion must be sought if astragalus usage is to have any positive effect on any indicated illness or condition. The correct dosage is vital to have any effective result on the proposed application of the astragalus. The herbal practitioner dispensing the medicine must make a proper diagnosis and properly interpret signals and heed warnings that are shown in traditional Asian texts.

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Astragalus is marketed and sold as a health supplement in North America and so distinctly different from pharmaceutical brand medications [which require stringent testing before they hit the market] it does not need to acquire Federal approval from the FDA that is evidence that is both safe and effective. This on the condition they do not make any wild claims the astragalus product is found to cure certain specific diseases.

There is no guarantee that you will be getting what you pay for or what is actually printed on the packaging and there is always the risk of unwanted material mixed into the formula. You may not receive accurate dosage requirements and genuine quantities per dose may also be exaggerated or non-existent.

Many of these supplements lack the research data to determine whether there are any adverse reactions or contraindications with certain foods, conventional medications or similar herbs and health supplements. There are some papers published regarding these side effects and reactions but they are far from thorough. When a drug is approved federally by the FDA there are copious amounts of research results and testing data available to determine patient risk and benefit ratios. In the case of astragalus there is limited evidence and deficient reporting about these interactions and adverse health effects so caution is the rule.

Overall astragalus is thought to be relatively safe with few side effects being reported. Symptoms documented to this point consist of bloating in the stomach region, loose stools, low blood pressure, and dehydration. If you are afflicted with an autoimmune illness you should avoid astragalus until you speak to your physician. There are fears that astragalus could interfere with blood clotting and anyone consuming blood-thinning meds should be careful. Certainly before taking any herbal remedy you should discuss potential risks with your doctor and astragalus is no different.

Astragalus has actually been documented as lowering blood sugar levels in some individuals, which is bad news if you are a diabetic or suffer from hypoglycemia. There is always the potential to have an adverse reaction when combining herbs and conventional medications, some of which can be extremely dangerous. Though reactions are uncommon, be sure to speak to either your pharmacist or physician, preferably both, before commencing on a herbal health regimen if you are currently taking additional meds for an illness.

Play it safe and speak to an expert about your plans for astragalus and your health routine. It may well be safe for you but why risk it? Anyone with an illness that includes bleeding should avoid astragalus as should anyone preparing for surgery, stay away from it for two weeks leading up to the date of surgery. There is little if any information regarding the safety of astragalus and pregnant women or nursing mothers, until more research is completed they would be advised to avoid it.

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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.

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The astragalus root has recently been discovered as a major breakthrough as an alternative treatment in HIV/AIDS patients, as noted by researchers at the UCLA AIDs Institute. It offers both a natural and cost effective method to treat this disease. Many patients have limited results when being treated with HIV/AIDS drugs and these drugs can be very expensive.

In Asia, the Chinese use the astragalus root in the treatment of heart disease, diarrhea, and the immune system. As cells age, they lose their ability to divide and lose their disease fighting capabilities. Thus, the immune system is compromised. The astragalus root has shown success in curbing the development of telomere, which is the area in the rear of each chromosome cell, and it contains the repeated DNA series without genes; hence the telomeres instead protect the chromosome ends from becoming fused as one.
Of the 50 most utilized herbs in ancient Chinese remedies, astragalus is the most prolifically used of any of them. It is usually boiled in water or the roots used in soups and it has properties proven to improve human immunity to disease, so much so that it has raised the hopes of many researchers worldwide. There is optimism in the ranks of HIV research because of the capacity to augment telomerase action as well as the antivirus utility of CD8T-lymphocytes that leads researchers to believe a useful stratagem for treating HIV virus could be in expected or perhaps likely in the future.

Cell aging reduces the capability of cell division due to the telomere portion of the chromosome reducing regularly during cell separation. The consequence of this is the many variations of divided cells and the immunity potential then becomes suspect and even negated. When the cell can’t divide any longer this is known as replicative senescence and may appear that the cell has reached its end, though this is not the case, since the cell has simply morphed into a cell with fresh genetic and well-designed uniqueness.

Massive amounts of cell separation is required in the immunity system for this human immune structure to complete its role correctly. For instance, the aptly named “killer” CD8 T cells, which battle against infection, have exclusively sensitive nerve endings for exacting antigen matches. When a body is invaded by virus, those killer T cells, whose receptors distinguish that the virus, by virtue of its dividing, has created versions of itself, which now also enter into immunity combat against the viral invader.

Usually the telomeres within the cells are indeed lengthy enough that their ability to divide over and over again without trouble is not compromised. While fighting infections, T cells may introduce the telomerase enzyme thereby stopping any shortening of the telomeres. A large obstacle in this HIV fight or any virus is the T cells do not have the ability to produce telomerase indefinitely. The T cells will shut off, telomeres shorten and they enter into the replicative senescence phase.

Earlier testing has revealed when injection of the telomerase gene into T cells takes place, this may keep the telomeres from getting shorter thus allowing them to continue their battle against the HIV virus for a longer period. As a genetic therapy method, this really is not the most realistic method of treatment for the tens of millions of HIV sufferers worldwide.

In the most current study, instead of using genetic therapy, scientists utilized a compound known as TAT2 that had its origin from the astragalus plants that are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and are known to activate telomerase actions in cells when tested. Tests were conducted in a few ways with TAT2. Initially showing the CD8 T cells from an HIV positive individual to TAT2 to measure if the compound actually stymied the shortening of telomeres and if the cells manufacture improved of soluble factors referred to as chemokines and cytokines which had already shown the ability to hinder HIV replication and it did!

Researchers then gathered blood samples of HIV infected patients, separating the CD8 T cells along with CD4 T cells that are the ones infected with HIV. They then treated the CD8 T cells with their TAT2 then mixed them among the CD4 T cells in the lab dish and realized their treated CD8 cells actually inhibited the manufacture of HIV via the CD4 cells.

This capability to improve telomerase action as well as the antiviral utility of the CD8 T – lymphocytes puts forward that this stratagem has the potential to be used in the treatment of HIV illness and the immunodeficiency plus the amplified vulnerability to more viruses out there that are linked with persistent illness or simply aging.

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Chicken Soup with Astragalus

This recipe is a great way to warm up on a cold winter day, and have the added benefit of some astragalus in your diet to boost your immunity system.

What you need to get started:

• 1 small-to medium-sized whole chicken
• enough rice to stuff the chicken
• 5 to 7 chopped garlic cloves
• ginger, chopped finely – ½ inch length
• 1 bay leaf
• sea salt to taste
• garnish of dark roasted sesame oil (garnish)
• sliced green onion (garnish)
• finely chopped small Thai chili peppers (garnish)
• 2 medium sized roots of dried astragalus (can be left out if unable to find)

Method of preparation:

Remove any excess fat and skin from the chicken, and rinse thoroughly.

Stuff the inside of the chicken with rice. Using a covered pot, set the stuffed chicken into the pot and fill with enough water so the chicken is entirely covered. The water should be about 2 inches above the top of the chicken.

Add the bay leaf and sea salt to the water in the pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to gently simmer. Now add the garlic, ginger, and astragalus. Continue to cook for about two hours or until the chicken and rice are well done.

When serving, add some of the chicken to rice and soup mixture and garnish with green onions, chili peppers – just a few as these are very hot, and dark sesame oil.

Winter Congee with Astragalus

In China, Congee (also called jook or juk) is a rice porridge that is often served for breakfast. It is frequently served to elderly or weak people, as it is easily digested and tones the body. As the taste is rather bland, often toppings will be added, such as eggs, shrimp, peanuts, ginger, soy sauce or scallion.

When astragalus is added to this recipe, it boosts the immunity, and energizes the body.

What you need to get started:

1 oz. astragalus root
1/2 cup long-grain rice
8 cups of water or stock
12 black dates, soaked and pitted
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
1 T fresh ginger, minced
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
1 tsp. powdered cardamom seed

Method of preparation:

In a large pot, mix all ingredients and bring to a boil. Then continue to simmer until congee is soft and resembles porridge (this takes about 1 to 2 hours). Remove the astragalus root from the mixture. Enhance the flavor by adding a bit of cinnamon and butter.

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Astragalus has many medicinal uses, including treatment for night sweats and diarrhea. It can also be useful as an energy tonic when taken daily, and is also used in the treatment for hepatitis and cancer. Further, it can be used to boost the efficiency of certain antiviral medications, including acyclovir and amantadine.
Another use is treatment of heart disease, although this use has not been proven as an effective treatment for humans and further research is required. By causing the blood vessels to relax, astragalus may act as a diuretic to lower blood pressure. Note that this herb should not be used in place of a doctor’s prescribed treatment.

An additional use is to improve the immunity system. Astragalus may have the effect of preventing colds and flu’s by multiplying the amount of immune cells that are produced in the body. However, it is not wise to use this herb if you are already sick and suffering from a cold. During the winter months, it is suggested to eat a bowl of soup with astragalus root added to prevent the onset of colds. Some of its benefits are to be relief from weakness and fatigue.

However, the use of astragalus to improve the immune system also requires additional research to understand if it is an effective treatment. Because astragalus is usually combined with other herbs when administered, its usefulness is difficult to prove.

Astragalus

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