PARTS USED:
- Root
USES:
Strengthens immune system
- Triggers immune cells into
heightened activity
- Ideal for anyone who is
immunocompromised
- Stimulates pituitary-adrenocortical
activity
- Intensifies WBC count
- Improves the production and
function of
- T-cell
- B-cells,
- Macrophages
- Immunoglobulins
- Lymphocytes
- Dendritic cells
- Natural Killer Cell response is 5-6x higher than normal
- Restores depleted RBC formation in bone marrow
- Stimulates the body’s natural production of interferon
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Especially effective when immune function is stressed by environmental or endogenous issues
- Used topically for healing by increasing bloodflow (ie immune cells) to area
- Antimicrobial
Adaptogenic activity
- Helps the body cope with stressors – mental and physical
- Restores stamina and energy
- Boosts vitality in weakened individuals
- Gentler action than Eleuthero – better tolerance
Antiviral
- Shingles – reduces activity of the virus
Antifibrotic agent for lungs, CV, renal, and peritoneum – studies are showing promise
Cancer Therapy Adjunct
- Reduces amount of chemo required
- Reduces adverse effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and steroids
- Increases tumour response rates of many cancers
- Stimulates anorexia caused by treatments
Blood Sugar Regulation (studies)
Lyme Disease Prevention
Reproductive
- Increases sperm motility (studies)
Systemic protection
- Helps protect liver
- Lymph detox and drainage
- Prevents kidney and liver damage caused by medications and viruses
Anti-aging
- Studies show Astragalus improves activation of telomerase (keeps telomeres from shortening)
Respiratory/Allergies
- Significantly reduces rhinorrhea responses
- Supports the integrity of the respiratory tract.
- Upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma
Renal
- Chronic kidney disease
- Reduces proteinuria
- Increases hemoglobin and serum albumin
- Improves creatinine clearance
- Noted to be especially helpful in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy – documented case of complete remission where medications had failed
Cardiovascular protection
- Flavonoids provide cardioprotective effects
- Prevents atherosclerosis
- Lowers triglycerides
- Reduces blood pressure
- Lessens symptoms of severe heart disease
PREPARATION:
- Decoction
- Tincture
Note:
- Responses are noticed over a longer period of time – does not work immediately
- Is best used as a preventative and should not be taken during acute illness – doing so can worsen the illness
SIDE EFFECTS AND TOXICITY:
- Caution with clients using immunosuppressant drugs (transplants)
- Avoid use in patients with auto-immune diseases
- Do not use during acute infections
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Known in China as Huang Qi, meaning “yellow leader” – referring to both the colored interior of the root and the plant’s position of prestige among Chinese medicine practitioners
- Thought to have been used medicinally in China for at least 2,000 years
- Often included in recipes for soups
- In TCM it is used to tonify the spleen and combat fatigue linked to decreased appetite
