Christian Ratsch
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 This name is normally used for various species in the genera astragalus and Oxytropis.
Family
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family); Subfamily Sola-noideae, Datureae Tribe, Dutra Section
Forms and Subspecies
Today, two subspecies are generally accepted: Datura innoxia Mill. ssp. quinquecuspida Torr. Datura innoxia Mill. ssp. lanosa (Bye)
Synonyms
The taxonomy of this Datura species has resulted in many errors and divergent interpretations, as well as numerous synonyms (cf. Ewan 1944):
Datura guayaquilensis H.B.K.
Datura hybrida Tenore
Datura inoxia Mill. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
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 Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? astragalus has no known side effects when used as recommended.
Barberry
(Berberis vulgaris)
Parts Used and Where Grown: The root and stem bark contain the medicinally active components of barberry. The barberry bush also produces small red berries. Although this particular species is native to Europe, it now also grows throughout North America. A closely related species, Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) (p. 449), is native to North America.
In What Conditions Might
Barberry Be Supportive? |
| Ligustrum is often combined with astragalus (p. 395) in traditional Chinese medicine.
How Much Is Usually Taken?
Powdered, encapsulated berries can be used in the amount of 5 to 15 grams per day.4 A similar amount of berries can be made into tea by adding Vi to 1 U.S. teaspoons (2 to 5 grams) of powdered or crushed berries to 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water and steeping for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, 3 to 5 ml of tincture 3 times per day can be taken.
Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? No adverse effects have been reported. |
| B and E), astragalus (p. 395) (two to three 500 mg capsules 3 times per day), and ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha (p. 393) has been shown to improve memory, although it has not been studied in people who have Alzheimer's disease.33
Asian ginseng (p. 394) has the longest history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is commonly used for older individuals showing signs of memory loss. Asian ginseng improves and sharpens mental concentration and performance, including attention and memory. |
| Complex polysaccharides present in astragalus (p. 395) and the maitake (p. 443) mushroom have the unique ability to act as immunomodulators. Pau d'arco (p. 450), according to laboratory tests, has antifungal properties to prevent fungus infections." Sandalwood (p. 456), as an essential oil applied topically, possesses antibacterial properties.14
Many herbs have a traditional role in boosting resistance to infection, including elderberry (p. 418), green tea (p. 430), American ginseng (p. 392), Asian ginseng (p. 394), eleuthero (p. 419), ligustrum (p. 442), ashwagandha (p. 393), schisandra (p. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Or try Astra-8, a combination of astragalus and other immune-strengthening remedies in capsule form, found in health food stores.
OTHER DETOXIFICATION THERAPIES
EXERCISE. Dr. Schachter notes, "Any activity that removes accumulated toxins in the breast reduces the chance of women developing breast cancer. Studies show that aerobic exercise is associated with decreased cancer risk, as exercise promotes lymphatic drainage and sweating helps remove toxins from the tissues. |
Gary Null
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 You can use astragalus to build up the immune system. If you have a deficiency in any aspect, a tonic will help you rebuild.
When you take herbs, remember they tend to be damp. Taking too many will slow down your metabolism. If you are taking them, be aware of your general state and note if you seem to be slowing down and feel as if you are walking in oil. Carefully monitor your intake.
Dr. |
Thomas Bartram
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 Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily. astragalus. Popular liver protective used in Chinese medicine.
Phyllanthus amarus. Clinical trials on 78 carriers of the virus revealed that this plant effectively eliminated the virus from the body in 59 per cent of cases. Treatment consisted of 200mg dried powdered herb (whole plant minus the roots) in capsules, thrice daily for 30 days). (Thyagarajun, S.P., et al "Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on Chronic Carriers of Hepatitis B Virus." The Lancet, Oct. 1988 2:764-766) External. Castor oil packs for two months. |
Christian Ratsch
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| Leguminosae: Fabaceae)—locoweeds
Several species from the genus Oxytropis are known in North America by the Spanish-English name locoweed, "crazy weed" (cf. astragalus spp.), and have toxic or psychotropic properties (Turner and Szczawinski 1992, 122*). The Indians used some species for medicinal purposes (Johnston 1970,314*). Several species were used as a ritual or medicinal wash during sweathouse ceremonies (Moerman 1986, 320 f.*). In Mexico, the species Oxytropis lamberti Pursh. is called hierba loca, "crazy herb" (Martinez 1987, 427*; Reko 1938, 185*). |
John Heinerman
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 Medicinal value is in the root. astragalus root is flexible and long, as large as your forefinger, and covered with a tough, wrinkled, yellowish-brown skin, which has a tendency to break up into woolly fibers. The woody interior is of a yellowish-white color and has a faint sweetish taste that reminds you of licorice root.
Tonic for Physical Exhaustion
There are certain energy-draining diseases that leave a victim's body thoroughly exhausted, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, candidiasis, herpes simplex, mononucleosis, and hypoglycemia. |
Michael Lerner
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 A second study using a fraction of the same herb (fraction F3) showed that the fraction reversed the immunosuppression caused by the chemotherapy cyclophosphamide and represented a "rational basis for the use of astragalus in immunotherapy." 40
A 1989 Japanese study of an extract from Panax scbinseng found that the substance inhibited growth of liver cancer cells in culture and stimulated protein synthesis in these cells, "thus converting the cell characteristics both functionally and morphologically to those resembling original normal liver cells. . . . |
Thomas Bartram
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| Echinacea 2; astragalus 1; Ginseng 1. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily. Diet. Low salt and fat, high fibre. Wholegrains, sprouting seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish oils. Avoid sugar, yeast and dairy products. Supplements: daily. Beta carotene, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Magnesium asparate lg, Potassium lg, Zinc.
Contra-indications: tranquillisers that decrease physical and mental activity. Evening Primrose. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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 Contraindications-—Do not take astragalus if you have a fever.
- Bilberry -
Vaccinium myrtillus
Forms—tea, juice, fruit, capsules.
Nutritional value—This fruit and its relatives, blueberry, cranberry, huckleberry, blackberry, grape, plum, and wild cherry, contain potent antioxidants, including beta-carotene.
Medicinal uses—
• Bilberry is valuable for its ability to treat eye disorders. Research shows it works by improving the circulation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance necessary for good eyesight. |
| Herbal remedies
• Suma enhances the immune system and helps the body adapt to stress.
• astragalus boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells in the body. Caution: Do not take this herb if you have a fever.
• Bayberry, fenugreek, hawthorn, horehound, licorice root, and red clover enhance the immune response. Caution: If used on a long-term basis (more than 6 weeks), licorice can elevate blood pressure and cause water and sodium retention. Do not take it if you have high blood pressure, and no one should take it on a daily basis for more than 7 consecutive days. |
| The parasites that cause/carry the infections need to be wiped out.
• astragalus and echinacea enhance immune function.
• Brew teas using burdock root, dandelion, and red clover. These beverages will promote healing by cleansing the bloodstream and enhancing the immune system. Drink 4 to 6 cups daily.
• Ginkgo improves circulation and brain function.
Dosages may vary, depending on the duration and severity of your symptoms. Consult a qualified herbal practitioner, and talk to your doctor before beginning herbal remedies. |
| Herbal remedies
• astragalus boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells. It is a potent antioxidant as well.
• To enhance overall immune response, consider bayberry, fenugreek, hawthorn, horehound, licorice root, and red clover. Caution: Licorice can elevate blood pressure and should not be used daily for more than 7 consecutive days.
• The liver is king when it comes to detoxification, and you should treat it royally. Black radish, dandelion, and milk thistle cleanse the liver and bloodstream. |
| Test-rube studies show it d be active against HIV
• astragalus, while not having demonstrated any anti-HIV effect, i an immune booster. Caution: Do not use if you have a fever.
• A research report claimed that the root extract of black-eyed isan stimulates the immune system better than echinacea extracts.
• Blessed thistle contains compounds with anti-HIV activity.
• Burdock juice or extracts have shown test-tube activity against V
• One of the most powerful and popular immune-boosting herbs echinacea. It has antiviral properties and increases the efficiency white blood cells. |
| Make tea from these herbs and enjoy the diuretic benefits: alfalfa, corn silk, dandelion, gravel root, horsetail, hydrangea, hyssop, juniper berries, parsley, thyme, white ash, and yarrow.
• astragalus increases energy and improves nutrient absorption. Caution: Do not take this herb if you have a fever.
• To improve digestion and aid in the metabolism of fat, use butcher's broom, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, ginger, and green tea. Caution: Use cinnamon sparingly if you are pregnant.
• Fennel is a natural appetite suppressant.
• Fenugreek dissolves fat within the liver. |
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.
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 It contains astragalus plus aged garlic extract powder (220 milligrams), vitamin C, and calcium. Kyolic is organically-grown in northern Japan and then aged for 20 months. Many people take two capsules, three times a day.
Available from:Wakunaga of America Ltd., 23501 Madero, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Phone: 714-855-2776
Ayurvedic herbs: Ayurvedic herbs are available from the Ayur-Veda Herb Co., Nature's Herbs (a division of Twinlabs), Box 336, Orem, UT 84059. One may write for a free catalog. |
John Heinerman
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| Chang-xu Hu from the Institute of Botany with the Academia Sinica in Beijing, China, who was there to deliver a paper on some wonderful immune-stimulating compounds that had recently been isolated from astragalus root.
Over lunch he explained how Chinese research has demonstrated that an extract of the root stimulated T-cell production in sick animals and restored immune function in impaired cancer patients. In some instances, he noted, "malignant tumors showed regression. |
Committee on Comparative Toxicity of Naturally Occurring Carcinogens
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 Harborne (1993) points out that plants of the legume genus astragalus have been able to adapt to high selenium soils because they can sequester selenium analogs in nonprotein amino acids, which are structurally different and therefore not incorporated into protein synthesis. A large number of plants, e.g., the genus PrU' nus, detoxify cyanide by sequestering it in the form of glycosides. Thus, while plants cannot excrete, in the sense of animal physiology, they can sometimes set aside useless or dangerous substances. |
John Heinerman
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| Increase Your Resistance to Disease
Traditional Oriental medicine teaches that astragalus root is a wonderful tonic for the "spleen" and "lung chis." Chi is considered to be the vital energy of the body. Most of the different kinds of chi are usually explained in terms of their "sphere of influence" or part of the body. It should be pointed out, though, that the naming of the chi for the body's organs doesn't strictly correlate with our concept of these organs. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 I use lomatium in formulas that contain herbs such as echinacea, astragalus, reishi, and licorice. It also combines well with herbal cough formulas for a more aggressive treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
The only side effect to be aware of is that a very small percentage of users will develop a measleslike rash. The rash is not serious, and will disappear after a few days if you stop taking lomatium.
LOMATIUM
Recommendations from the Natural Physician for ...
Common Cold and Flu
One of the most common uses of lomatium is for colds and flu. |
| It ranks with some of the other well-known immune-system herbal therapies such as echinacea and astragalus.
Lomatium grows in British Columbia, Alberta, southern California, New Mexico, Colorado, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, Idaho, and the Columbia Plateau. It is also referred to as desert parsley.
A HEALING INDIAN ROOT
Once again, we have the Native Americans to thank for our present use of lomatium. Historically, it was one of the most important medicinal plants used by several tribes of the western United States. |
| Similar to echinacea, astragalus increases the levels of certain immune cells that fight viruses and other microbial intruders. This includes macrophages, which are analogous to a Pac-man that swims around and eats tasty microbes.
Natural killer cells are also activated. These fearless warriors attack and destroy cancer cells and viruses. This is important considering cancer cells develop in our bodies on a daily basis and are kept in check by our immune system. |
| In addition, the interferon levels remained elevated for 2 months after astragalus supplementation ended.
What I find interesting is that, for many years now, medical researchers have been trying to use synthetic versions of interferon for immune system enhancement. People with diseases like cancer and hepatitis C are commonly given interferon, but many are forced to discontinue using it because it produces so many side effects. |
| Finally, astragalus boosts the levels of antibodies in the body. Antibodies bind foreign invaders and signal the immune system to destroy the most common intruders—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes.
DOSAGE
Typical adult dosage for the tincture form is 20 to 30 drops three times daily. If you're taking it in capsule form, the recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams, three times daily.
In traditional Chinese medicine, between 8 to 15 grams of the root are decocted—that is, boiled in water to extract the crucial ingredients that support and enhance the immune system. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 You can try a regimen of two weeks of the herb echinacea followed by two weeks of the herb astragalus. For some people, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) works wonders to alleviate allergy symptoms. Follow directions on the container.
Additional Antioxidant Power
Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant flavonoid (from buckwheat, citrus or eucalyptus) that for some people is highly effective in preventing allergy symptoms.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic acid can be helpful in treating allergies, especially when they are aggravated by fatigue, exhaustion or stress. |
| You can also take extra vitamin A for up to two weeks (10,000 IU daily), an extra 10 to 15 mg of zinc daily for up to two weeks, and the herbs astragalus and echinacea, which both stimulate and support the immune system. Naturopath and author Michael Murray recommends thymus extracts derived from young calves and standardized (follow the directions on the container).
With both drug and natural treatments, it's important to begin treatment in the earliest possible stages of the outbreak. |
John Heinerman
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| The root works best to reinvigorate the immune system before disease occurs; it does not work as well once sickness has set in. astragalus capsules (3 per day) or the tea (1 cup daily) can be taken on a regular basis for prevention of illness.
Shrinkage of Some Cancer Tumors
In 1987 I attended the 28th annual meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy at the University of Rhode Island. I had a chance to meet Dr. |
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