| Even though astragalus is a Chinese herb, it has become so popular that many natural food stores now sell it with their other bulk herbs.
Arteriosclerosis c'?'%
Arteriosclerosis, commonly called "hardening of the arteries," actually defines several different related disorders. These disorders are marked by thickening of the arteries, loss of elasticity and hardening of the artery walls as calcium and plaque (resulting from high fat and cholesterol intake) are deposited. These deposits narrow the artery, thus interfering with the normal flow of blood through the vessel. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Note: Do not take astragalus if you have a fever or any other signs of acute infection.
¦ Take ginger or peppermint tea with meals to combat nausea and enhance digestion. Green tea also is an excellent beverage to take with meals. It improves digestion and supplies potent antioxidant bioflavonoids that can help prevent free-radical damage.
¦ Goldenseal and the Chinese patent medicine Huang Lian Su contain berberine alkaloids, which have antibiotic effects and can be helpful for diarrhea. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 In cancer patients receiving conventional chemotherapy treatment, astragalus protects adrenal cortical function and decreases bone marrow suppression. The two most pharmacologically-active constituent groups are polysaccharides and the saponins.
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.
Bayberry -
Myrica cerifera in the Myricaceae or Wax Myrtle Family. Parts used: Bark. Taste/smell: Astringent. Tendencies: Cooling, drying.
Dosage: Decoction: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:5 dry plant liquid extract: 1-30 drops 1-3 times per day in a little water. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 When repeated illness or stress weakens the immune system, astragalus slowly rebuilds immune strength.
Specifics are taken for brief periods or only when symptoms are present. Tonics, on the other hand, are taken long-term, sometimes with short breaks. Some herbs have several uses,- they may function as a specific for one symptom and have a tonic use as well.
The "Anti's"
The prefix "anti" means against. Herbs that fall into this category are used to combat whatever follows the prefix. So antiviral herbs fight viruses, antifungals fight funguses, and so on. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Warming herbs include ginger, astragalus and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).
DURATION OF USE
May be taken long term.
SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY
No significant adverse effects from ingestion of Andrographis are expected, although high doses may cause gastric discomfort. Andrographis is contraindicated during pregnancy.
TECHNICAL DATA
BOTANY
Andrographis paniculata is an annual shrub belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It grows to a height of 1 metre with branches that are sharply quadrangular, often narrowly winged towards the apical region. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 A third option is powdered astragalus root in capsules, which, like the tincture, is easily found at health food stores.
Ginseng
Take 200 milligrams of standardized extract in capsule form one to five times a day. Ginseng is one of the world's more famous tonic herbs. It's also a super long-term immune booster.
Buy either American or Asian (also called panax, Chinese, or Korean) ginseng. There are many different versions on the market, from the whole root to chewing gum, but your best bet, according to Dr. Kowalsky, is to buy capsules. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 Drynaria 12
Drynaria 12 is composed of drynaria, dipsacus, rehmannia, astragalus, millettia, tang-kuei, achyrenthes, eucommia, deer antler, cnidium, pine node, and asarum. This formula diminishes pain by increasing circulation to the joints. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
I have used this formula for years with tremendous results. Normally, I use Drynaria 12 with a chondroprotective (cartilage protector) neutraceutical. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| M Licorice root is a lung tonic, immune booster, and expectorant.
M astragalus root is an overall immune booster.
All of these herbs are easy to find at well-stocked health food stores, with the possible exception of ground ivy, which may be omitted from the blend if necessary. Use equal parts of the dried herbs to make a tea blend, then simmer I ounce (by weight) of the blend in I pint of water for 10 minutes to make a strong tea. Strain and drink one to two cups a day for 6 weeks following a bout of bronchitis. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 Use six to eight drops of astragalus root tincture dissolved in water, or take one 500- to 600-milligram capsule of pure root three times a day, Dr. Downing says.
GRAVITY: A Slanted Approach
Spending time on a slant board, an inclined, cushioned board that you lie on with your feet at the top and your head at the bottom, can
PROFESSIONAL CARE
If your symptoms persist for more than 7 to 10 days, and you develop a fever, see a doctor immediately. You may have pneumonia. |
| Use some astragalus, then lie on a slant board, and within 30 to 60 minutes, you should be coughing up large quantities of phlegm," Dr. Downing says. Do this for as long as your symptoms persist.
THYME ESSENTIAL OIL: A Steamy Remedy
Thyme essential oil is also helpful in bringing up bronchial mucus, Dr. Downing says. Pour water up to the fill line of the well of a vaporizer that generates hot (not cool) mist. Add a few drops of the oil and operate the vaporizer while you're in the room. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| As one of the important tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus has been extensively researched by Asian scientists. Numerous studies confirm its ability to stimulate the immune system and fight viruses. In the Chinese tradition, the dried sliced root, which looks like a tongue depressor, is simmered for several hours to make a thick, strong tea.
Cause: Warts can be caused by any one of the more than 60 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
These two herbs have a strong reputation as overall health enhancers and immune-system rebuilders. Like astragalus, they are well-suited to long-term daily use. Typical dosage for Asian ginseng-. 100 milligrams of standardized products (usually standardized to 5 to 7 percent ginsenosides) one or two times per day,- or up to four 400- to 600-milligram capsules per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy or nursing. Do not combine with caffeine. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| Echinacea is famously effective for any respiratory tract infection, including in-
^uperstarj^lu 'Decoctail
Echinacea is the captain of a team of immunity-boosting all-stars that also includes ginger, licorice, astragalus, and cinnamon. "This is a good cold orflu tea blend for right when you're getting sick," says Cascade Anderson Geller, an herbal educator and consulting herbal practitioner in Portland, Oregon.
All of the players in this decoctail—a combination decoction and cocktail— help your body's defenses overcome the infection in different ways. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| It will likely include herbs such as astragalus, reishi, shiitake, nettles, or burdock —botanicals that gently and gradually rebuild the immune system and the many organs it involves. Such a program will likely include some diet changes as well, such as cutting down on caffeine and sugar.
It's a lot of work, but following an herbal tonic program faithfully is likely to do more for your health than just curing infections. You may find yourself losing weight, gaining energy, and responding to stress better than before your recurring infections began. |
| You may see astragalus in formulas blended with ligustrum berries (Ligustrum lucidum), another Chinese remedy. Typical dosage: eight or nine 400- to 500-milligram capsules daily,- or 3 to 4 dropperfuls of tincture, three times per day.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
These edible fungi contain immune-boosting compounds. You can simmer a few dried mushrooms to make a broth, add a few fresh mushrooms per day to soups, or take tablets or liquid extracts. Typical dosage oj reishi-. |
| John's-wort
Internal: astragalus, echinacea, elderberry, ephedra, garlic constipation Bulking agents (Maltsupex,
(page 188) Citrucel); enemas (Fleet); laxatives
(Diocto-K Plus, Ex-Lax); osmotics (Evalose, Citroma); stool softeners (Correctol, Agoral)
Internal: Cascara sagrada, flaxseed, papaya, psyllium seed, senna
Condition
Commonly Used Drugs
........ ..... . ....... .............. ........ |
Bill Gottlieb
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| She recommends taking three drops of astragalus tincture in water three times a day for 10 days.
VITAMIN C: Keeps Your Body Strong
When you have the flu, your virus-fighting white blood cells need vitamin C to be most effective, Dr. Downing says. The vitamin also shores up your adrenal glands, which help your body resist the stress of the infection. She recommends 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day in three divided doses. It's best to use the buffered form, which is easier on the stomach, she says. You can take this for several months during flu season. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
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 Researchers used a formula composed primarily of astragalus root, ophiopogon root, and honeysuckle flower in a randomized controlled cross-over clinical study of viral myocarditis in mice. They compared left ventricular function in the test group to the same function in a control group that received coenzyme Q1Q. The researchers concluded that the formula could directly inactivate the Coxsackie B3 virus, protect the heart cells, and increase interferon and NK immune cell activity (Yan, 1991). |
Bill Gottlieb
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| Other herbs that act as diuretics include astragalus, buchu, burdock, horehound, and meadowsweet, says Dr. Stengler. You can use any one of these as a tea, extract, or tincture. Drink two to three cups of tea or take 30 to 60 drops of tincture a day. For extracts, which are in capsule form, it's best to follow the directions on the label, he says. When water retention is under control, reduce the dosage by half. These herbs may be taken indefinitely, says Dr. Stengler. |
| It also works well with astragalus to protect the immune system. He recommends 200 milligrams three to six times a day for his cancer patients.
Unfortunately, many products advertised as Siberian ginseng don't contain any of the energy-giving ingredients of the herb, so Dr. Rountree says to look for a product standardized for eleutherosides, the primary active ingredient.
UMEBOSHI TEA: To Prevent Nausea and Vomiting
Umeboshi is a Japanese word for salt plum paste, which is one of the ingredients of this tea, along with the root of the kudzu plant and the herb ginger. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 Pang, [The Effect of Vitamin A and astragalus on the Splenic T lymphocyte-CFU of Burned Mice], Chung Hua Cheng Hsing Shao Shang Wai Ko Tsa Chih, 5(2), June 1989, p. 122-124, 159.
Results of this study showed that rabbits with corneal epithelial wounds treated with 0.1% all-trans-retinoic acid three times per day experienced a 21% increase in the healing rate relative to controls. Treatment five times a day resulted in an increase of 35%.
—J.L. Ubels, et al., |
Bill Gottlieb
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| Astragalus. To help prevent weight loss during chemotherapy, strengthen the immune system, and stop the spread of tumors, Dr. Quillin advises colon cancer patients to take 200 milligrams a day.
• Cat's claw. It helps friendly, anti-cancer bacteria thrive in the colon. Take 250 milligrams a day, says Dr. Quillin.
Hands-On Healing Can Help Shorten a Bout of Conjunctivitis
Quickly—almost before you know it—one (or both) of your eyes is red, swollen, and teary; maybe it also itches and has a yellowish discharge. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Note: Do not take astragalus if you have a fever or any other signs of acute infection.
¦ If your nasal mucus is green or yellow, you may have an infection on top of allergies. Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula supplying 250 to 500 milligrams of echinacea and 150 to 300 milligrams of goldenseal two to three times daily for five to seven days to help resolve the infection.
¦ If you enjoy herbal teas, prepare a blended tea of fenugreek, thyme, and licorice (see PREPARING HERBAL TREATMENTS in Part Three). |
| If fatigue is a problem, take an astragalus combination formula as recommended on the product label.
¦ Bupleurum and dong quai is a 2,000-year-old Chinese formula that improves the utilization of nutrients and helps relax the nervous system. Take 1,000 milligrams of a bupleurum and dong quai combination formula two or three times daily for two weeks out of every month (if you are a woman, take it for the two weeks prior to the anticipated onset of your menstrual period).
¦ Kava kava helps relax the nervous system. |
| Do not take astragalus if you have a fever, however. If you have a fever, continue taking echinacea and goldenseal until the fever is gone.
Days 4-14: Take 50 to 75 milligrams of pine-bark or grape-seed extract three times a day. These herbal extracts are high in bioflavonoids and act as natural anti-inflam-matories.
Days 8-12: Take 100 milligrams of standardized Siberian ginseng extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E thirty minutes before breakfast and another thirty minutes before lunch. |
| In the event of an acute asthma attack, seek immediate medical care.
¦ astragalus is a Chinese herb that helps to increase what the Chinese call zvei chi, or a person's own protective energy. It also helps strengthen the lungs. Take 500 milligrams twice a day for two weeks out of every month for three months following an asthma attack.
Note: Do not take this herb if you have a fever or any other signs of infection.
¦ Ginkgo biloba has been shown to have anti-allergy and anti-asthmatic properties. It appears to relieve constriction of the bronchi, the main air passages. |
| Take 500 milligrams of astragalus daily for two weeks out of every month during the cold and flu season. Do not take it if you have a fever or other sign of acute infection, however.
• Take 10,000 international units of beta-carotene and 25 milligrams of zinc daily during the cold and flu season.
• Echinacea and goldenseal stimulate the immune system and help keep the body clear of infections. Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula supplying 500 milligrams of echinacea and 200 milligrams of goldenseal twice weekly during the cold and flu season. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| See your doctor for an evaluation. like astragalus, high in immune-stimulating polysaccharides, according to Mary Bove, N.D., a naturopathic physician at the Brattle-boro Naturopathic Clinic in Vermont and a member of Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists. What's more, it tastes good and makes an excellent immune-boosting soup.
A more practical way to benefit from shiitake over the long term is to use it in capsule form. "Sometimes they include maitake (my-tah-kay) mushroom powder, which is also immune-stimulating," says Dr. Bove. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| General
Results of this study showed that administration of 250 mg/kg ip per day of astragalus polysaccharide and 50 mg/kg sc of ginsenosides of ginseng stems and leaves from 0-3 days posttrauma significantly elevated the lymphocytes membrane fluidity of plasmalemma, mitochondria and microsome from spleen, thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes in traumatized mice. Results also showed the treatment reduced lipid peroxide levels, and increased superoxide dismutase activities in serum and lymphocytes from such animals.
—H. Liang, et al. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Evidence of the benefits of antioxidant activity in liver disease has been provided by a study on 199 patients with liver disease receiving antituberculosis treatment which showed that the inclusion into the treatment schedule of the antioxidant tocopherol and the infusion of the Chinese herb astragalus exerted pronounced hepatoprotective effects.10
Boldo (Peumus boldus), a Chilean tree traditionally employed for the treatment of liver ailments, has recently been the subject of increasing attention. |
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