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A tonic to put spring in your step
Astragalus is a Chinese herb traditionally used, like ginseng, as a tonic. Tonics are medicines that, over time, slowly improve overall health and well-being. Recent research confirms that it has antimicrobial properties, can boost the immune system, and may have some benefits as a cancer treatment.
Common Uses- Enhancement of the immune system
- Improvement of general health and well-being
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The first Western study of astragalus took place at the University of Texas in 1989 using human T-cells, one component of the immune system that fights infection. T-cells exposed to an extract of astragalus were significantly more vigorous, compared with the group of cells left untreated.
Since then, several other rigorous studies have shown that astragalus lives up to its reputation in China as a strengthening herb. Animal studies showed that an astragalus extract injected into mice increased the ability of macrophages, another component of the immune system, to devour bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In a Chinese study, 10 people with a viral heart infection and depressed immune systems were given astragalus extract (8 g/day by injection). Their immune systems improved significantly.
In another report, Chinese researchers exposed mice to a cancer chemotherapy drug (stilbenemide) that as a side effect causes liver damage. Mice given just the drug developed liver damage, but mice given the drug plus an astragalus extract by mouth did not. Finally, another Chinese report suggests that astragalus improves the motility of sperm cells in semen.
Sources
1 Lau, B.H.S., et al. "Macrophage Chemoluminescence Modulated by Chinese Herbs Astragalus Membranaceus and Ligustrum Lucidum," Phytotherapy Research (1989) 3:148.
2 Weiner, Michael and Janet Weiner. Herbs That Heal. Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994, p. 73.
3 Anon., "Astragalus and Viral Heart Disease," HerbalGram (1991) No. 24, p. 20.
4 Zhang, Z.L., et al. "Hepatoprotective Effects of Astragalus Root," Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990) 30:145.
5 Hong, C.Y., et al. "Astragalus Membranaceus Stimulates Human Sperm Motility in Vitro," American Journal of Chinese Medicine (1992) 20:289.
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Uses
Astragalus is a small, perennial member of the pea family. The medicinal part is the fibrous root. The name, astragalus, comes from this herb's Latin name, Astragalus membranaceus. But for centuries the Chinese have called it huang qi (or huangqi). Loosely translated, that means "strengthener of qi." Qi is the Chinese term for life force, which encompasses vitality, stamina, disease resistance, and the ability to cope with physical and emotional stress. In Chinese medicine, astragalus is part of the spleen organ network. Chinese physicians prescribe it rather like the better-known qi strengthener, ginseng, though ginseng relates to the heart organ network. Ginseng has been well-known in the West for 200 years. (American ginseng was a major export crop of the American colonies.) But astragalus has come to Western attention only recently. The first studies that pointed to its immune-stimulating value were done in the mid-1980s.
Instructions
Astragalus is a fibrous, woody root sold in bulk as sticks. For a tea, chop four or five sticks and simmer them in four cups of boiling water for an hour. Drink one cup in the morning and one in the evening. Astragalus tastes mildly sweet, but you might prefer it blended with other beverage herbs.
If you'd rather not hassle with brewing your own, buy a commercial preparation -- tincture, capsules, or tablets -- and follow the package directions.
Sources
6 Beinfield, H. and E. Korngold. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. New York: Ballantine, 1991.
7 Hobbs, Christopher. Herbal Remedies for Dummies.Foster City, CA: IDG Books, 1998, p. 256.
8 Weiner, Michael and Janet Weiner. Herbs That Heal. Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994, p. 72.
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Experts say astragalus is safe when used as recommended, but allergic reactions are possible.
Source
McGuffin, Michael, et al. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press 1997, p. 17.
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Anon., "Astragalus and Viral Heart Disease," HerbalGram (1991) No. 24.
Beinfield, H. and E. Korngold. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. New York: Ballantine, 1991.
Hobbs, Christopher. Herbal Remedies for Dummies.Foster City, CA: IDG Books, 1998.
Hong, C.Y., et al. "Astragalus Membranaceus Stimulates Human Sperm Motility in Vitro," American Journal of Chinese Medicine (1992) 20:289.
Lau, B.H.S., et al. "Macrophage Chemoluminescence Modulated by Chinese Herbs Astragalus Membranaceus and Ligustrum Lucidum," Phytotherapy Research (1989) 3:148.
McGuffin, Michael, et al. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press 1997.
Weiner, Michael and Janet Weiner. Herbs That Heal. Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994.
Zhang, Z.L., et al. "Hepatoprotective Effects of Astragalus Root," Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990) 30:145.
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