Astragalus

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Healing Pets With Nature's Miracle Cures Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A. See book keywords and concepts

In one study in humans with ischemic heart disease, ninety-two patients who were treated with astragalus experienced marked improvement in angina, as well as significant objective improvement in ECG compared to controls.20 Cordyceps Cordyceps is a Chinese medicinal mushroom that is used in the treatment of a number of varying diseases. It is one of my favorite herbs due to its efficacy and versatility. A number of studies in China show that cordyceps has benefited heart patients with arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, and pulmonary heart disease.

Optimal Wellness Ralph Golan, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Super Immuno-Tone or Super Immuno-Comp (echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus, licorice root, shiitake with beta-carotene, vitamins C and B-6, and zinc): one to four capsules four times a day (Phyto-Pharmica/Enzymatic Therapy). Immunoplex 3 (boldo leaf, jalapefio pepper, capsicum, onion bulb, rose hip, gingerroot, cubeb berry, garlic bulb): up to five per meal or one or two per hour as tolerated. Mixture is spicy, so take with food or a lot of water to avoid gastric irritation (Herb Technology/Khalsa Health Center). Antiviral (chronic) See CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME and IMMUNE DEFICIENCY.

Take Echimmune (two or three capsules up to four times a day), which contains echinacea, astragalus, li-gustrum, shiitake mushroom, and licorice root. Available from NF Formulas of Wilsonville, Oregon. • Take Mycelin 3 (one or two capsules three times a day), which contains reishi, shiitake mushroom, and cordyceps. Available from Allergy Research/ Nutricology of San Leandro, California. OTHER THERAPIES • If your liver is involved, see HEPATITIS for specific liver remedies.

Echimune (echinacea, astragalus, ligustrum, lentinus edodes, licorice): one to three capsules three to four times a day (NF Formulas). Mycelin 3 (reishi, shiitake, cordyceps): one or two capsules three to four times a day (Allergy Research/ Nutricology). Menopause Fern-Tone or Femtrol (dong quai, licorice root, true unicorn root, black cohosh, fennel, false unicorn root, hesperidin [bioflavonoids], and vitamin C): one to three capsules three to four times a day as needed (Phyto-Pharmica/Enzymatic Therapy).

HERBAL REMEDIES • Take immune-supporting herbal combinations, such as Echimmune by NF Formulas of Wilsonville, Oregon (one or two capsules three times a day), which contains echinacea, licorice root (see precautions), astragalus, ligustrum, and shiitake mushroom. Other immune-enhancing formulas are listed in Chapter Nineteen. OTHER THERAPIES • Seek psychological and emotional support. The will to live is paramount. Thus, giving yourself permission to ask for and take advantage of the proper emotional support is absolutely vital.

Or take HIV-Plex (Chinese astragalus root, licorice root, Chinese self-heal, Chinese violet leaf): three to seven capsules three times a day. Both of these formulas are available through Herb Technology/ Khalsa Health Center, Seattle, Washington. • Chinese herbal formulas, such as Enhance and Clear Heat from Health Concerns of Oakland, California (consult your doctor for treatment protocol). OTHER THERAPIES • Emotional factors play a powerful role in AIDS. Most long-term AIDS survivors have been successful in part because they believe they can survive.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II: Over 1,200 New Doctor-Tested Tips and Techniques Anyone Can Use to Heal Hundreds of Everyday Health Problems the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts

Echinacea and astragalus are not the worst-tasting herbs known to medicine, but even with the cinnamon, ginger, and licorice, this is no pleasure tea. It's strong herbal medicine. "It's better to drink small amounts of itfrequently than large amounts infrequently," Geller says. Her recommendation is to drink % to V2 cup four or five times a day from the onset ofsymptoms. For maximum effectiveness, all of the ingredients should be in cut-and-sifted form.

Healing Pets With Nature's Miracle Cures Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A. See book keywords and concepts

It provides support for the kidneys and has been used in Chinese medicine for treatment for chronic kidney disease. astragalus is thought to increase renal blood flow. It is anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, an immune enhancer, and an antioxidant. It helps restore normal tissue tone and function. Chitosan Chitosan is a natural derivative of "chitin," which is found in the exoskeletons of crabs, shrimp, and other shellfish. Chitosan attracts fat by actually binding negatively charged fatty acids to its positively charged fiber.

Herbs for Health and Healing Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts

Even though astragalus is a Chinese herb, it has become popular in North America—many natural food stores sell it along with their other bulk herbs. Wu-han Medical College and other hospitals in China use a special type of ginseng (Panax notoginseng) called pseudo, or sanchi, ginseng to relieve angina spasms and pain. It is a little harder to find than regular ginseng, and equally expensive, but for many people, the price is worth it. In studies done at the college, it helped relieve symptoms in almost half of the people who took it.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

Asian ginseng (p. 394) astragalus (p. 395) Eleuthero (p. 419) Angina Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart is known as angina or angina pectoris. Hardening of the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis [p. 17]) that feed the heart is usually the underlying problem. Therefore it is very important that anyone with angina read the chapter on atherosclerosis; the information there is important for treatment and prevention of angina. The only items covered here are those that specifically relate to angina. Coronary artery spasms may also cause angina.

Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

In addition, many of these products are fortified with a number of other natural brain tonics, including astragalus, lecithin, beet juice powder, bee pollen, ginkgo, and green tea extracts. Because of this broad range of ingredients, these products offer the patient a veritable smorgasbord of micronutrients. Often these micronutrients are obscure chemical compounds that are not present in most common foodstuffs. Of particular value to brain longevity patients are the combinations of amino acids (or partial proteins) that are abundant in green juice products.

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine Simon Mills and Kerry Bone See book keywords and concepts

In vitro and in vivo studies indicate astragalus may act by decreasing the secondary damage caused by calcium ion influx, thereby improving the abnormal myocardial electric activity, as well as inhibiting the replication of coxsackie B3 virus RNA in the myocardium.35-36 In contrast with other work, an inhibitory effect on virus RNA replication in vivo was not correlated with the induction of beta-interferon37 but was greater than a calcium channel blocker (verapamil) and a steroidal antiinflammatory drug (dexamethasone) in vitro.

Combined with astragalus, it improved thrombocytopaenic purpura in rabbits. Other activity Ligustilide demonstrated an antiproliferative effect on smooth muscle cells in vitro12 and a muscle relaxation effect in rats, which was believed to be of central origin.13 Ligustilide (0.14 ml/kg IP) given to guinea pigs inhibited the asthmatic reaction induced by acetylcholine and histamine.9 In tests on vascular permeability in mice, oral dong quai showed an antiinflammatory effect4 (this may partly explain its effects in dysmenorrhoea).

Immune-enhancing herbs, particularly Echinacea and astragalus, to correct the presence of allergy and possibly infection. • Chewing on a Hydrastis tablet (difficult for children because of its bitterness) will accentuate its mucous membrane trophorestorative and antibacterial effects on the upper respiratory tract. Acute bronchitis Acute bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the trachea and bronchi caused by bacteria. It commonly follows the common cold, influenza, measles or whooping cough.

Note that astragalus and tonics such as Panax ginseng are contraindicated in the acute stage of infection. • Anticatarrhal herbs for upper respiratory catarrh, especially Euphrasia (eyebright), Sambucus (elder) and Hydrastis (golden seal). Traditionally, Hydrastis was said to be contraindicated in the acute stage of infection so its use may be best in the later stages of the secondary bacterial infection. • Hypericum (St John's wort) as an antiviral treatment for influenza.

Optimal Wellness Ralph Golan, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

HERBAL MEDICINES such as ginseng, licorice root, echinacea, astragalus, osha, lomatium, and others have been shown to impart numerous benefits to immune function, particularly the cell-mediated branch. Such benefits include macrophage stimulation, increased phagocytosis, increased NK (natural killer) cell counts, increased interferon, and an enhancement of delayed hypersensitivity response. A number of herbs also have direct antiviral and antitumor activity. However, some herbal medicines, like certain nutrients, can suppress immune function in excessive doses.

Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth Sharol Tilgner, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Astragalus protects adrenal cortical function and decreases bone marrow suppression in patients receiving conventional cancer treatment. It strengthens and supports the immune system, promotes tissue regeneration, reduces swelling, increases endurance and decreases tumor growth. This herb is beneficial to weakened individuals with night sweats, prolapsing organs, poor digestion and nutritional status and people with frequent infectious illnesses. Codonopsis, Codonopsispillulosa, is thought of as a less expensive substitute for ginseng.

Healing Pets With Nature's Miracle Cures Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A. See book keywords and concepts

I always use astragalus for any immune related disorder, especially cancer. Beta-1,3 D-Glucan A dietary supplement called beta-1,3 D-glucan is the latest immune-enhancing nutritional supplement to enter the complementary medical arena. While relatively new to the natural foods and alternative medicine industry, beta-1,3 D-glucan has been extensively researched for its immune-enhancing ability.23 It's not a drug, vitamin, mineral, or herb; rather, it is a natural occurring compound, which is derived from the cell wall of Baker's yeast (Sac-charomyces Cerevisiae).

This herb is one of the classical and most important in the arsenal of Oriental tonic and health promoting medicinal plants. astragalus has been in the limelight in recent years as a possible answer for a range of human diseases. It is probably the most hopeful new natural remedy for human AIDS, viral hepatitis, other viral diseases, myasthenia gravis, and, especially, immune restoration of cancer patients. In cancer patients, it is proposed as a treatment to strengthen the cellular immunity, which has been seriously compromised by the disease and/or by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Immune modulation was also shown when astragalus extract was applied to mononuclear cells taken from human cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced immune suppression.16 Beta-1,3 glucans have been shown to activate macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. Another study indicates that polyporus (mushroom) was able to restore immune function by the release of cytotoxic factors from macrophages that could kill tumor cells.17 Though these experiments were performed in a laboratory with mice, it shows much promise for dogs, cats, and humans.

Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth Sharol Tilgner, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

It is also commonly used to treat cancer in conjunction with astragalus. Ligustrum is one of the famous Chinese longevity tonics. Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, is an adaptogen. It helps the body to adapt to stressful situations of many types whether from internal or external causes. It increases endurance and concentra- This formula acts on mucous membranes and the lymphatic, liver, digestive and glandular systems. It assists and supports the normal function of the lymphatic system, metabolism and catabolism.

It is also commonly used in conjunction with astragalus to treat cancer. Ligustrum is a yin tonic in Chinese medicine. It is used to strengthen the body overall. Schisandra, Schisandra chinensis, is an antibacterial, anti-ulcer, adaptogen, hepatoprotective immunomodulator, antioxidant and cholagogue. 43 92'm'120 m 332 Schisandra increases brain efficiency, mental alertness, work capacity and builds strength. 386 It is beneficial for hepatitis, night sweats, and immunodeficient states. Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, inhibits growth of viruses.

EYES, EARS, NOSE, & THROAT Methods to support healthy eyes include: • Eat bilberry/blueberrys • Consider antioxidants as supplements such as zinc, selenium, vitamin C, or antioxidants in herbs such as ginkgo, blueberry, astragalus and ginger. • Herbal eye pillows to relax the eyes. • Eye exercises • View beautiful scenery and joyful occasions. Methods to support healthy ears include: • Ear massage, neck massage over area of eustachian tubes. • Yawning to open eustachina tubes. • Keep ears covered in cold, windy weather. • Nourish them with music and joyful voices of friends.

Miracle Cures: Dramatic New Scientific Discoveries Revealing the Healing Powers of Herbs, Vitamins, and Other Natural Remedies Jean Carper See book keywords and concepts

Additionally, he advised taking daily 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C; a multivitamin mineral tablet; many herbs, including astragalus, red peony, and licorice. He also recommended acupuncture, yoga, and physical manipulations of her neck and upper back to relieve pain. Dr. Gordon attributed much of her jaw and neck pain to fibromyalgia, but some also was due to misalignment of vertebra from minor injuries in an automobile accident. The pain gradually went away and the suffering patient returned to normal good health. Gayle is sold on echinacea. "It really helped save me over and over.

Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth Sharol Tilgner, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Use: (a) Adaptogenic, (b) Immunomodulating,310 391 (c) Anti-tumor activity,391 (d) Promotes tissue regeneration, (e) Anti-inflammatory, (f) Antiviral, 39i (g) protects kidney function, (h) Cardiotonic, (i) Diuretic, (j) Hypotensive, (k) Protects against WBC drops during chemotherapy, (1) Antioxidant, 43,336 (m) Hepatoprotective,391 astragalus has hypotensive activity which appears to be due to both vasodilator and cardiodepressor activity.391 It acts as a diuretic only in weakness-induced water retention.

Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, & Culture (Herbs and Health Series) Christopher Hobbs See book keywords and concepts

High-moiecular weight heteropolysaccharides Recently, German researchers have demonstrated that immune-activating polysaccharides similar to those found in many fungi are also found in higher plants, such as the widely popular Echinacea and astragalus, an important Chinese herb (Wagner and Proksch, 1985). These giant molecules are similar to ones found in the cellular membranes of bacteria, and thus may "fool" our immune system into mounting an immune response to them, while posing no actual threat.

Herbs for Health and Healing Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts

The herbs given to people with cancer include astragalus, ligustrum and Siberian ginseng. In numerous studies on astragulus and ligustrum, these two herbs improved the immune response in most of the people with cancer who took one or the other or both. Researchers even concluded that astragulus contains "one or more extremely potent naturally occurring immune stimulants." At the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, researchers have found that immune #12* 1 I r.

Wound-Healing Tea 1 teaspoon each astragalus root, baptisia root (if available) and echinacea root 3 cups water TO Combine herbs and water in a saucepan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and serve. Drink 3 to 4 cups throughout the day to fight an active infection. (These herbs can also be taken as tincture: 30 drops, 3 or 4 times a day.) Researchers have begun to find explanations for some of these age-old herbal treatments.

Immune Tincture Vi teaspoon each tinctures of echinacea root, pau d'arco hark, Siberian ginseng root, licorice root, astragalus root and bupleurum root •V. Combine ingredients. Take entire formula twice a day for a few weeks at a time to build up your immune system, or 4 to 6 times a day during an active infection or other immune-related problem. swollen lymph glands One important part of the immune system is the lymph. This clear liquid flows through the body through its own extensive system of porous channels, passing into the blood vessels and surrounding cells.

In China, astragalus is traditionally used to promote vitality and healing. Licorice is another great immunity enhancer. This herb is right out there on the front lines, strengthening the very first defense put up by an immune system under siege. A tincture of licorice root is effective against Candida and several types of bacteria, including the notorious staph infection. According to laboratory studies done in the 1970s and 1980s, a compound in licorice increases interferon production. Another compound impairs the ability of viruses—including herpes—to survive.

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