| Like Echinacea, the polysaccharides contained in the root of astragalus membranaceus contribute to the immune-enhancing effects.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
A major challenge to the discerning clinician is to determine which of the above factors is the key to reactivating or supporting a patient's immune system. The regimen listed below is meant as a general approach and must be tailored to the patient's specific needs in order to maximize the desired effects and limit unnecessary treatment. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Hachimijiogan contains the following eight herbs (per 24 g):
• Rehmania glutinosa - 6,000 mg
• Poria cocos sclerotium - 3,000 mg
• Dioscorea opposita - 3,000 mg
• Cormus officinalis - 3,000 mg
• Epimedium grandiflorum - 3,000 mg
• Alisma plantago - 3,000 mg
• astragalus membranaceus - 2,000 mg
• Cinnamonum cassia - 1,000 mg.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
In cases of marked vision impairment, cataract removal and lens implant may be the only alternative. As with most diseases, prevention or treatment at an early stage is most effective. |
| Enhancement of the immune response in mice by astragalus membranaceus extracts. Immunopharmacology 1990; 20: 225-233
163. Folkers K, Morita M, McRee J jr. The activities of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B6 for immune responses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1993; 193: 88-92
164. Folkers K, Brown R, Judy WV, Morita M. Survival of cancer patients on therapy with coenzyme Q10. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1993; 192: 241-245
165. Tanner HA. Energy transformations in the biosynthesis of the immune system. Their relevance to the progression and treatment of AIDS. Med Hypotheses 1992; 38: 315-321
166. |
| Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root)
• Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)
• Aloe vera
• astragalus membranaceus
• Allium sativum (garlic).
Full discussion of these botanicals can be found in their respective chapters.
Another botanical of value is Zingiber officinale (ginger). While not a particularly strong antiviral, it does have analgesic properties and is useful for relieving the pharyngeal irritation. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 One, called hochu-ekki-to, contains 4 grams each of cangzhu, astragalus and ginseng; 3 grams of Japanese angelica; 2 grams each of bupleurum root, jujube fruit, citrus unshiu peel (a Japanese citrus fruit); 1.5 grams of Chinese licorice root; 1 gram of black cohosh; and 0.5 gram of ginger. In one study, this formula boosted sperm concentrations and motility considerably after three months.
A similar formula called ninjin-to contains three grams each of cangzhu, ginger, ginseng and Chinese licorice. |
| Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas, said, "I haven't had a cold in four years thanks to garlic, echinacea, astragalus and goldenseal." Steven Foster, noted Arkansas herbalist, photographer and co-author of Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, said, "I've gone two or three years without a cold or flu by taking echinacea." And herb advocate Andrew Weil, M.D., professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine, agreed: "Some years I don't get any ... I eat raw garlic. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts |
 I drink astragalus broth because it's relatively mild and the benefits are so great, and I can also cook it into grains. And I'll drink the occasional willow bark tea or nettle tea. But almost everything else I take is capsuled. Some could be taken other ways, but then I might not take them at all.
We believe in doing what works and getting you started, not in being elitist about ideals. Some books say that capsules are bad because they promote or condone Western thinking: the expectations involved in taking a pill, the accompanying anticipation of unrealistic results. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| The study participants were given injections of astragalus extracts for four months. Compared with people who did not receive the extract, their NKC activity increased substantially, other components of their immune system perked up, and their symptoms improved. I believe that oral preparations have a similar effect.
VV Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia, various species). Based on its folkoric use, I suspected for years that the Maryland state flower, the black-eyed Susan, might be as strong an immune stimulant as the various species of echinacea. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts |
| Examples include astragalus, dong quai, or willow bark. Herbs with volatile oils are usually not decocted because the volatile oils are dissipated by evaporation. To make a decoction, place the herbs directly in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and simmer covered for 30 to 60 minutes. Expect liquid to decrease by half. Strain. If possible, squeeze the used herb to "wring out" the last of the "juice" after straining.
For either an infusion or a decoction, a standard rule of thumb for quantity is 1 ounce of herb to every pint (2 cups) of water. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| For postpartum support, especially after cesarean sections, Soule recommends a tincture of three parts bupleurum, two parts dandelion root and one part each of astragalus, blessed thistle and wild yam.
To help repair perineal tears, she suggests herbal sitz baths with calendula, yarrow flowers and comfrey leaves added to the water.
Because I know Soule and have a great deal of respect for her herbal wisdom, I would not hesitate to suggest her books and these formulas to my daughter, were she in a birthing mode. They all seem like safe and sound formulas to me. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
See book keywords and concepts |
 The powder is about 15-20 percent astragalus.
Bayberry Root Bark
(Favorite of Native Americans)
Bayberry is an evergreen shrub or tree which is also known as wax myrtle and candleberry. The botanical name is Myrica cerifera. The berries have a waxy coating and the American settlers used them to make wax and candles. |
| Well-controlled studies on astragalus are largely lacking, but it does contain a number of potentially therapeutic substances, including a polysaccharide called astragalan B, a bioflavonoid and choline. As-tragalan B, tested in animals, protects against some toxins, stimulates components of the immune system and protects against a number of bacterial infections. The structure of astragalan B suggests that it might bind to cholesterol and thus could destabilize the membranes of certain viruses, including HIV. How potent it might be in this respect has not been determined. |
| Ligustrum has demonstrated immune-enhancing effects in test-tube experiments and is being used in this country by some AIDS patients, among others, often in combination with astragalus and some other herbs.
In China, ligustrum has been used for centuries to treat fatigue, infections, heart disease, body aches, dizziness and ringing in the ears. It is also used to try to retard aging and is said to be useful in cases of premature graying of hair. The typical daily Chinese dose is 6-15 grams of a decoction made with the black berries of the shrub. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Natural diuretics—Other natural herbal diuretics include astragalus, buchu, burdock, horehound, juniper berries, uva ursi (also known as bearberry,) wild Oregon grape, and dong quai.
Foods that aid in helping the body get rid of excess water include celery, alfalfa, artichoke, asparagus, cucumber, dandelion, and sarsaparilla.
Personal Advice
Eat well, exercise, relax, stop smoking, and drink alcohol moderately, if at all, and you will greatly reduce the risk of high blood pressure. |
| Recent studies have shown that astragalus may induce interferon production (our disease-fighting cells) kill viruses, and destroy cancer cells.
Goldenseal—This Native American plant was widely used by healers for sore eyes and skin diseases. Recent research has corroborated its antibacterial properties. (Goldenseal should not be used for more than two weeks at a time since, overexposure will lessen its effect on the body. This herb should not be used during pregnancy.)
Barberry—This fruit contains berberine, a remarkable infection fighter that may stimulate the immune system. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts |
| As an immune tonic, astragalus works slowly, and should be taken for 3 months to 1 year for full effect. The dose is 1/2 to 1 ounce, dry herb weight, as tea, per day.
Ginseng kills yeast, and acts as a general stamina and immune tonic (3 to 5 capsules daily).
Eleuthero is a general tonic herb that supports the immune system long term, and is used by many herbalists to treat yeast (10 capsules daily).
Holy basil, or "tulsi," is a classic Ayurvedic antifungal (10 capsules daily). |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
See book keywords and concepts |
 President ofYo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in Marina del Rey, California, treats Type I and Type II diabetics with acupuncture and a combination of herbs including astragalus, wild yam, and rehmannia. With Type I diabetes, treatment must begin in the early stages of the disease for TCM to be of any help, but it is quite effective, he says, especially at the beginning and intermediate stages of Type II.
According to Dr. Ni, traditional Chinese medicine can improve circulatory problems and slow down the process of neuropathy. Dr. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| I might still take the proven immune boosters, echinacea and astragalus, even though their use is not so widely recommended any more. Finally, I'd eat a lot of garlic and onions.
I don't know if the man with AIDS tried any of my suggestions, as I never heard from his friend again. Maybe he and his "friend" were one and the same.
Herbs, of course, can't cure AIDS. Anyone infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes it should certainly be under a doctor's care. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 TS: KM, CS if mucus yellow; take warming herbs: Ginger, Garlic, also Echinacea, Goldenseal, Myrrh, astragalus. Cold with fever: CPM: Sang Ju Gan Mao Pian, with muscle ache and dry cough: Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian, or, if more severe, Zhong Gan Ling; vit C tbt (e.g., lg every 2 hrs); nasal wash.
Congestive Heart Failure: Requires close medical supervision. CoQIO, 30? |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
See book keywords and concepts |
 Siberian ginseng is a powerful immune system stimulant, and green tea extract can inhibit the production of cancer-causing chemicals in the intestines. astragalus has been shown in the laboratory to stimulate the white blood cells of people with cancer, an action that strengthens the body's natural defenses. (See specific herb entries for more information.) In addition, the group of compounds calledflavonoids, found in many of the most popular and healthful herbs, fruits, and vegetables, offers strong antioxidant properties that can protect DNA and strengthen immune function. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
 In comparison with other herbs with similar infection-fighting actions, such as echinacea and astragalus, goldenseal is expensive. Today, it is rare in the wild because of overcollecting. In fact, Dr. Lee cautions against its overuse because the plant is becoming endangered. Herb growers are just beginning to domesticate and cultivate it. gotu kola_
Commonly called Indian pennywort, gotu kola grows abundantly in the wetlands of India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. |
| Defense, Defense
In Western terms, strengthening chi translates to bolstering the immune system, and astragalus appears to have a positive effect on resistance to diseases and infections, says Dr. Brett. It's like food or nourishment for your immune system, essentially giving it more vitality and "muscle" so it can ward off disease on its own. Some studies in China have shown that it can prevent or shorten the duration of colds.
Chinese doctors usually mix this chi tonic with other herbs, depending on a person's complaint. |
| When winter comes on, the Chinese often add astragalus to their soups and stews as a way to boost their immune systems and fight off seasonal colds and flu. People living on the Indian subcontinent use red pepper, curry, and garlic on their food all year round, not just as spices but also as medicines to aid digestion, improve liver health, or lower cholesterol, Dr. Brett says.
Balms and Cures
Of course, herbs wouldn't be your first choice if you had an acute-care situation, such as a heart attack, pneumonia, or a broken leg. In these cases, it's best to get yourself to the hospital, says Dr. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
See book keywords and concepts |
 In China, astragalus has also been used to treat cancer. It enhances the body's natural defense functions by stimulating the responsiveness of T cells.
Chamomile, Myrrh Gum, and Fenugreek
Three other botanicals I use are chamomile, myrrh gum, and fenugreek. Chamomile is heralded in Europe as a cure-all. Its gentle action makes it safe for use by both children and adults. It has calming, antispasmodic, and even anti-inflammatory effects. In my own household, when one of us has trouble sleeping, we drink a cup of chamomile tea. |
Leo Galland
See book keywords and concepts |
 The effective dose is 250 to 500 milligrams three times a day. astragalus may cause an increase in sweating or urination but side effects are otherwise rare.
6. Mushrooms. Fungi are powerful chemical factories that produce potent toxins and most of the world's antibiotics. Fungal extracts are widely employed in traditional Chinese medicine. |
| Two fungi in particular, the mushrooms known by their Japanese names as shiitake (Lenti-nus edodes) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), contain complex sugars (polysaccharides) that increase natural killer cell activity and inhibit tumor growth in animals and in humans. Like astragalus, shiitake and reishi are used in contemporary Chinese medicine as fu zheng remedies, which means they "support the normal," stimulating health rather than treating sickness. Shiitake mushrooms, which are quite tasty, are readily available in gourmet food stores. Both shiitake and reishi may be obtained in capsules. |
| Instead use the herbs Echinacea and astragalus, which have a high safety profile and work by improving immune responsiveness.
EPILOGUE: EACH PATIENT
IS A WORK OF ART
Disease theory has no logical relation to person—in disease theory it does not matter what person has the disease—therefore, the common complaint that patients are overlooked in the treatment of their diseases is another way of stating that in the intellectual basis of modem medicine patients and their diseases are not logically related.'
-Eric Cassell, M.D. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
| To stamp out a cold or flu in its earliest stages, take one 500-milligram capsule of astragalus four times a day until symptoms disappear, says Dr. Meletis. Then take one capsule twice a day for seven days to prevent a relapse.
Tap into a Trio of Infection Fighters
It's a good idea to stock your medicine cabinet with vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene supplements, say Dr. Fassler and Dr. Meletis. These nutrients help you fight back fast, before the virus takes up residence and multiplies in your body. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Let's add astragalus, and you may repeat the Pulsatilla 200C."
The third angle, and probably the most important, was for her to do something spontaneous and self-expressive that could bring her to life. While eating what she shouldn't—probably sugar—was an act of emancipation in some limited way, it would most likely rebound after the physiological effects kicked in. What she really needed was not an adolescent defiance of the good dietary habits she had developed, but an unleashing of her true self on some more fundamental level. |
Gale Maleskey
See book keywords and concepts |
| In the wintertime, some people take an immune stimulant, like echinacea or astragalus, daily, but you don't want to take the same one all the time because eventually, the herb loses its effect," says Dr. Page-Echols. "You can use ginseng as a substitute for a couple of weeks."
Spotting the Disguises
Because ginseng is reputed to be a cure-all, many herbal formulas contain it. At the typical health food store, you'll confront a bewildering array of ginseng-type products—everything from candy to teas and soft drinks. |
Email this page to a friend
