Astragalus

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The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

The most common Qi tonic herbs are ginseng root, astragalus root, codonopsis root (dang shen / Codonopsis pilosula), licorice root, and white atractylodes rhizome. The easiest way to understand how these herbs work is to substitute the word nutrient when you see the word Yin, metabolism or heat when you see the word Yang, and vital force when you see the word Qi. It may help you remember the triad by using the following analogy found in ancient Chinese medical texts. Think of the stomach as a pot of soup. The Yin represents the nutrients in the soup, and the Yang is the fire under the soup.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Precautions tor the use of herbs: 'Do not use astragalus if you have a fever or a skin infection. 2Use dong quai with caution if you are attempting to recover fertility after chemotherapy with bleomycin (Blenoxane). Some studies indicate that ferulic acid increases the risk of free-radical damage to sperm cells in men who are or who have been treated with this drug. 3Do not use epimedium for more than three months except as part of a TCM formula. There are no side effects, but the herb becomes less effective with continued use.

Precautions for the use of herbs: 'Do not use astragalus if you have a fever or a skin infection. 2Soy lecithin may cause mild diarrhea when first used. HERBS TO AVOID Ll People who have MG should avoid aloe, burdock, maitake, schisandra, Siberian ginseng, and snow fungus, and especially cat's claw and echinacea. These herbs stimulate the production of antibodies to nerve tissue. (For more information regarding these herbs, see ALOE, BURDOCK, MAITAKE, SCHISANDRA, SIBERIAN GINSENG, and/or SNOW FUNGUS, under The Herbs in Part One.

Astragalus is a principal component of the traditional Chinese herbal formula Tonify the Middle and Augment the Chi Decoction, which has similar effects on MG but even greater effects against infection. LJ Anesthesia and treatments for severe pain in people with MG are difficult because the same dosage must stop pain in both damaged and healthy nerve fibers. Acupuncture can be used to stop pain if pain-relief drugs cannot be used. (See ACUPUNCTURE in Part Three.) LJ See also HYPERTHYROIDISM, LUPUS, and RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS in Part Two. Myocardial Infarction See HEART ATTACK.

Precautions for the use of herbs: 'Do not use astragalus if you have a fever. 2Do not use dandelion if you have gallstones. 3Do not use ephedra if you have anxiety disorder, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, or prostate disease. Do not use this herb with an MAO inhibitor or tricyclic antidepressant. Drink eight glasses of water daily while taking this herb. 4Do not take wild angelica if you are pregnant. FORMULAS FORMULA COMMENTS Ledebouriella Powder A traditional Chinese herbal formula that treats "beer barrel" That Sagely pattern of fat deposits.

Precautions for the use of herbs: 1Do not use astragalus if you have a fever or a skin infection. 2Do not use cat's claw if you are taking insulin for diabetes, or if you are pregnant or nursing. 3lf you develop an upset stomach from taking soy isoflavone concentrate, discontinue use and use kudzu instead. HERBS TO AVOID LJ People who have melanoma should avoid the following herbs: cordyceps, dan shen, fennel, licorice, and peony (estrogen stimulators), and also garlic (insulin stimulator).

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Yang or energy tonics include the following: aconite, astragalus, don sen, ginseng, eleuthero, ephedra, fu ling, licorice, ho shou wu, pai shu, and salvia (dang shen). Yin or blood tonics include: dong quai, ho shou wu, lycii, rehmannia, peony, and tienchi. There are also some herbs that are Yin-cooling, thus helping to detoxify the blood and remove inflammation and heat from the internal organs and body in general. These include: bupleurum, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and rehmannia (raw).

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Do not take astragalus for more than two out of every four weeks, and avoid it altogether if not taking steroids. Scutellaria inhibits several types of bacterial infections, including staph and strep, and protects against the flu, provided it is used eighteen to fifty-four hours before exposure. Take 250 to 500 milligrams of the powdered solid extract three times daily. Do not use this treatment if you have diarrhea. For colds and coughs, use fritillaria. Take the syrup (Ching chi hua tan tang) as directed on the label.

Viral Immunity J. E. Williams, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Like astragalus, ligustrum has been extensively studied in the laboratory and in clinical research. Its active ingredient is oleanolic acid, or ligustrin, and it is used to treat inflammation in immune-deficient patients. It has been shown to reduce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis, promote phagocytosis by macrophages, and improve white blood cell count in cancer patients whose immune function has been suppressed by radiation or chemotherapy. Ligustrum is taken in tablet or capsule form and has no known toxicity or interactions.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

The herbs echinacea and astragalus exert broad-spectrum positive effects on immune function. mediated immunity is not functioning up to par. Cell-mediated immunity is also critical in protecting against the development of cancer, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. The thymus gland also releases several hormones, such as thymosin, thymopoietin, and serum thymic factor, which regulate many immune functions. A low level of these hormones in the blood is associated with depressed immunity and an increased susceptibility to infection.

This chapter focuses on two of the most popular immune-enhancing botanicals: echinacea and astragalus. These two herbs were selected based on their ability to exert broad-spectrum effects on immune functions. They stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms via slightly different mechanisms and are in many ways the prototypes of the hundreds of plants with known antimicrobial and immunological activity. milk may involve stimulating the thymus gland to grow. It is important for mothers to breast-feed their infants for at least the first four months of life.

Viral Immunity J. E. Williams, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Ginseng, ganoderma, and cordyceps are important immune-modulating herbs, and like astragalus, they are mainly for qi and yang deficiency. If you have yin deficiency, you need a yin tonic like polygonum. 14 STEP NINE Optimize Immune Performance with Hormonal Balance Correcting hormonal imbalances can greatly improve your immune function. In this chapter, we study the link between hormones and the immune system.

Ginseng is used if you are very fatigued, feel cold, and have weakened digestion. astragalus is used if there are recurrent colds, repeated minor infections, muscle weakness, poor healing or recovery, and mild fatigue. Polygonum, as described above, is for symptoms of yin deficiency. Chinese antimicrobial herbs are essential in any plan that treats chronic viral disorders. Choose one of the formulas discussed in this chapter and take it as directed for three months.

It is usually taken as a tea by simmering 9-30 g of the dried sliced root per cup of water. astragalus is safe to take in dosages up to 60 g or even more, and there are no reported side effects for long-term daily use of dosages in the 9-30 g range. It is also available in capsules: take two to three 500 mg capsules two times daily. Bupleurum.- Chai hu/radix bupleuri (Bupleurum falcatum) belongs to the Apiaceae family which has sixty-five different bupleurum species in temperate climate zones worldwide. It is a perennial herb native to northern China, across northern Asia, and parts of Europe.

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Other herbs that help to build warmth include pai shu, dong quai, Korean ginseng, prepared rehmannia, don sen, eleuthero, astragalus and tienchi. Following the principles of Yin and Yang, one might determine what energy is most deficient in and use a combination of those herbs that tend to augment the areas of Yin or Yang deficiency.

However, it is important to remember that Yin and Yang are interconnected, and while one who is deficient in "chi" or energy might want to take a combination of ginseng, don sen, and astragalus, he should also add a small amount of herbs that would nourish the Yin such as peony root, ho shou wu, or especially jujube date, which is commonly used for this purpose. In addition, it is customary to add assisting herbs that help to "move the Chi," acting as catalysts for the body's utilization of the power of the herbs being taken.

1001 Chemicals in Everyday Products Grace Ross Lewis See book keywords and concepts

What is astragalus? This is a plant that grows in the western U.S. It is also called locoweed and milk vetch. Recent research has suggested that it shows promise as an immune booster for cancer patients. It is toxic to sheep, cattle, and horses when ingested. 9. What is echinacea? This is an extract of the purple coneflower plant. It is a popular item in health food stores for self medicating. European studies indicate that it reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms and is believed to increase the production of white blood cells. It is used by Native Americans as an antiviral agent.

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

This formula, consisting of 12 to 15 grams astragalus, 10 to 12 grams of atractylis and 6 to 9 grams sileris, can be taken on a daily basis as a tonic for the immune system. Tienchi Panax notoginseng Family: Araliaceae Part Used: Root Energy and Taste: Warm energy, sweet and slightly bitter taste Systems Affected: Blood, heart and liver Properties: Hemostatic, Cardiac tonic Dose: 5-10 grams Notes: Tienchi is one of the best treatments for hemorrhage. It may be applied directly to a wound or taken internally to stop bleeding (dose, three to nine grams).

Herbs with a warm-sweet nature—such as ginseng, astragalus, tienchi—are considered Yang. Herbs with a cool sweet nature—such as fruits and berries—are considered Yin. 2. Salt—Stabilizes and regulates body fluids. This refers to all kinds of salts, some of which are purging. Has a direct effect upon the kidneys and bladder. Example: seaweeds. 3. Sour—Tends to be cooling at first and stimulates enzymatic process of digestion and metabolism. Has a direct effect upon the liver and gallbladder. Examples: lemon, hawthorn berry, rose hips. 4. Bitter—Cooling and detoxifying.

Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition Paul Pitchford See book keywords and concepts

The herbs listed for the regeneration diets are among the strongest immune tonics—shiitake and/or ling zhi mushrooms, astragalus, American ginseng, Suma, and pau d'arco; also included are powerful cleansing remedies for those with substantial excess: poke root is an exceptional lymphatic cleanser in addition to possessing cathartic and potential anti-cancer/HIV properties;90 chaparral, dandelion, and gentian are extremely bitter and antiviral, reduce dampness in the form of excessive fats, cholesterol, mucus, and poisons, and increase tissue oxygen.

Viral Immunity J. E. Williams, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

There are no known side effects or interactions; however, astragalus is traditionally contraindicated during fever, inflammation, or in yin deficiency (described below; see step 8 for more details on this herb). Your yin systems are deficient if you have chronic inflammation and pain, organ inflammation or enlargement, low-grade fever, a tendency to have excessive yellow or greenish phlegm, hot flashes or night sweats; or if your tongue is red or you experience fatigue. In this case, you can use the Chinese yin tonic herb, nu zhen zi, or ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum).

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

For soup of chicken or bone marrow, combine 6 grams of angelica dang gui, and 15 grams of astragalus. • For blood deficiency, anemia, dizziness, vertigo, premature graying of hair, or aching soreness of the lower back and knees, combine 9 grams each of fleeceflower root, prepared rehmannia, ligustrum fruit, lycii berries, dodder seed, eclipta root, and loranthes.

Viral Immunity J. E. Williams, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

They have developed two therapeutic methods mostly unknown to either allopathic or alternative medicine in the West, and both exert significant influence on the immune system: (1) the use of adapto-gens (ginseng and astragalus) that nourish and rebuild organ, glandular, and nervous system energy reserves; and (2) "harmonizing formulas" (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) that rebalance dishar-monic energy by reducing inflammation, stimulating the immune system at the same time. 8.

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Chinese Food Therapy: astragalus congee Combination (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang), Minor Bupleurum Combination, Energetics Yin, and Energetics Yang (equal amounts, 3 times daily) Allergies (Upper Respiratory) Chinese Food Therapy: Avoid allergenic foods such as dairy, wheat, and sugar. Chinese Patents: • Bi Yan Pian: The most commonly used Chinese patent for chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, hayfever, nasal allergies, stuffy nose with yellowish thick discharge. Use Plum Flower brand to avoid additives.

Contraindications: astragalus should not be used for cases of excess or when there is deficiency of yin with heat signs, and it should not be used when there is stagnation of qi or dampness, especially when there is painful obstruction.

Hemorrhoids Chinese Patent: Fargelin Pills Chinese Formula: When hemorrhoids are caused by weakness and deficiency, use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Ginseng and astragalus Combination) Hepatitis and Jaundice General Herbal Treatments: • For hepatitis and jaundice, combine 9 grams each of sophora root, barberry root, dandelion root, and gardenia fruit with 6 grams of gentian root. • For hepatitis, combine 9 grams each of philodendron, dandelion, gardenia fruit, and capillaris. • For infectious hepatitis, take 1 teaspoon of the powder of equal parts turmeric, dandelion root, and barberry root.

Obesity General Herbal Treatment: The standard formulas are Fang Feng Jong Sheng (Ledebouriella and Platycodon Formula) with Fangji Huang Qi Jang (Stephania and astragalus Combination), used together. Planetary Formulas: Triphala Herbal Diet, Triphala Pain General Herbal Treatments: • For pains caused by blood and qi stagnation, which includes most types of pains, combine equal parts of corydalis, myrrh, frankincense, angelica dang gui, and ligusticum (chuan xiong). Mix these with warm honey and roll them into a pill that contains about 6-9 grams of the powdered herbs.

For anemia, add 5 red jujube dates (with the stones removed), a little presoaked black hair moss, a 2-inch piece of presoaked black wood ear fungus, a small piece of dang gui, and 3 astragalus roots. • To improve circulation, add 1 teaspoon of rice wine or sherry. This is especially good for the elderly, but it should not be added if there is hypertension. Also for circulation, one can use a tea of finely crushed tian qi and/or Siberian ginseng.

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts

The only herbs I have seen actually raise patients' blood pressure to any significant degree (and this rarely occurs) are astragalus root, yohimbe (Corynanthe yohimbe), ephedra, and ginseng root. Commonly known herbs that lower blood pressure Herbs and Foods High in Vitamin K • Kale: 6.18 parts per million (ppm) • Parsley: 5.48 ppm • Spinach: 3.80 ppm • Cabbage (green): 3.39 ppm • Watercress: 3.15 ppm • Broccoli: 1.79 ppm • Soybean oil: 1.73 ppm • Brussels sprouts: 1.47 ppm • Rapeseed oil: 1.29 ppm • Mustard greens: 0.

The Way of Herbs Michael Tierra See book keywords and concepts

Stimulants include: anise, cayenne, black pepper, cinnamon, echinacea, ginseng, sarsaparilla, dandelion, elecampane, angelica, ginger, yarrow, rosemary, garlic, onion, juniper berries, sage, pennyroyal, bayberry bark and astragalus. Stomachics: See Tonics. Tonics: Herbs that promote the functions of the systems of the body. Most tonics have general effects on the whole body, but also have a marked effect on a specific system. Vulneraries: Herbs that encourage the healing of wounds by promoting cell growth and repair.

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