Astragalus: Powerful Immune System Strengthener
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Astragalus Membranaceus
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A debilitating medical condition without an apparent cause, characterized by prolonged severe fatigue, impaired memory, muscle pain, etc.
According to About.com, astragalus strengthens the immune system (wei qi) by increasing production of antibodies and macrophages, cells that attack disease-causing pathogens and foreign objects in the body. I have personally used echinacea and habanero peppers to successfully build up my immunity. I struggled with allergies over 10 years ago and I know the frustration of being completely exhausted all the time. This type of exhaustion will negatively affect every area of your life, including your job, friends, and family. Many people who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are unable to travel long distances and do the things they want to do. Astragalus may bring some hope to people with CFS!
An Important Lesson I Learned About Herbs and Manufacturers
One important lesson I learned about using herbs, is it takes time for them to work in your body. Some herbs work faster then others, and everyone has a different physiological make-up, therefore what works for one person may not work for another. Also, if you buy a herbal product from a shady company that does not focus on stringent testing and good manufacturing practices, then you will not get the results you desire. Nature's Way is one of the best herbal companies in the world! I have used their echinacea product and it does what they say it will do! Unfortunately, many of the products on the market may not give you the same results.
Where to Buy The Best Astragalus Root
If your looking for a good company that has the best astragalus root, then my first choice would be Mountain Rose Herbs. Mountain Rose Herbs is a certified organic processor through Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, which is fully accredited with the USDA National Organic Program. This company has been running since 1987! They not only sell herbs in bulk, but they sell herb seeds, so you can start your own little herb garden.
The powerful properties that are contained in this marvelous herb are: beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, immunostimulant polysaccharides and trace minerals, such as selenium. Selenium (in small amounts) is known for its possible cancer fighting benefits. The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer (NPC) trial suggests that selenium supplementation reduces the risk of prostate cancer among men with normal baseline PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, and low selenium blood levels. More studies need to be done on this precious mineral to see if it will be useful in the future. Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase, which possesses antioxidant activity, and may demonstrate antioxidant properties in humans.
The part of the herb that is used for herbal medicine purposes, is the dried root. Also, you can use astragalus in the form of tea, extract or capsule. This is one herb I would love to have growing in my backyard! Click here to buy astragalus root!
What Master Herbalist Christopher Hobbs Says About Astragalus
As a good preventative for those cold winter months, Christopher Hobbs says to make a soup with deep immune nutritive herbs such as astragalus, shiitake, ligustrum, and reishi. At least one good serving of lightly steamed greens such as kale, collards, chard, and mustard greens.
"As a preventative tonic, astragalus is excellent." - Christopher Hobbs, renowned
herbalist and author.
Master Herbalist David Hoffmann's View of Astragalus
Used in China for nearly 4,000 years this herb is wildly popular here in America! The Chinese name for this herb is Bei Qi Jing (bay chee jing) and this herb is known for strengthening the body's immune system.
If you are suffering from fatigue and want to get energized, then astragalus may be the herb for you! This herb may be helpful for people who are dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
The future looks bright for this healing herb!
James A. Duke, Ph.D., states that astragalus may increase white blood cell production of the body's own anti-viral compounds alpha-and gamma-interferon (an anti-viral and anti-tumor agent naturally produced by the body). James A. Duke (born 1929) is an American botanist. He is known for his numerous publications on botanical medicine, including the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. He is notable for developing the Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases at the USDA.
Yours in good health,
DeWayne H. Strickland
Master Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his book "Medical Herbalism", states that astragalus
is a deep immune activator. Mr. Hoffmann points to the saponins and the very complex
polysaccharides as key contributors to the role of plants in this area. More importantly,
he wants us to realize the herbs act as biological wholes, not just as vehicles for active ingredients. Mr. Hoffmann further states, that many Western herbalist think the remedy is perfect for immunocompromised systems. For example: This herb would be ideal to assist with my allergies, because of the immune system support. I don't have problems with allergies anymore, thanks to echinacea and habanero peppers, but I would definitely add astragalus to my current herbal arsenal. Astragalus may reduce autoimmune response
and may help people who suffer from allergies, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Mr.
Hoffmann reports that astragalus may not only strengthen the immune system, but also helps protect the liver from damage, and may have priceless anticancer effects.
Leading Herbal Authority Supports Using Astragalus