Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus common names: locoweed, milk vetch root
Astragalus is a member of the legume family and use in herbal medicine
is confined to the root which should have a sweet taste.
This plant as an unusual ability to stimulate certain immune functons, while depressing others. It is considered an overall body tonic that is used to stregthen digestion, increase
metabolic activity and stimulate the immune system. Therefore, it is beneficial for anyone who suffers from fatigue or repeated infections.
Benefits Of Astragalus
Benefits for specific health conditions include the following:
- Angina, atherosclerosis, CHF. Improves circulation by increasing action of the left ventricle of the heart. Taken with coptis and scutellaria, it
makes blood more fluid preventing clots.
- Burns. Increases production of interleukin from the immune system to help healing.
- Cancer. See herbs and chemotherapy for more information and use of astragalus in cancer.
- Common cold. Use during cold season reduces the number and duration of colds. Increases the body's production of interferon to fight viruses.
- Diabetes. Improves diabetic retinopathy and eyesite when taken with equal parts rehmannia, one tsp 3x/day for 3-5 months.
- HIV/AIDS. Stimulates the activity of T-helper cells depleted by AIDS, without stimulating T-suppressor cells.
- Infertility. Increases sperm motility
- Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Stimulates natural killer cells (NK) beneficial in arthritis without stimulating B Cells which are detrimental
Considerations In Use
Used in capsules, fluid extracts, teas and tinctures. Even in large doses is non-toxic. Should not be used during an acute infection or if a fever
is present (immune system is working hard enough!).
May be useful in preventing immune system stress caused by medicatons such as lithium.
More herbs at the herb dictonary online.
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