Astragalus Root
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus Bge.
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Astragali
Pinyin: Huang Qi
Functions and Uses: Strengthens immune system functions, hypotensive, cardiotonic, increases blood circulation and qi, strengthens three burning spaces (metabolic, respiratory, eliminative functions), tonifies Wei (defensive) Qi of the body, Edema (regulates water utilization), cold hands and feet, weakness, complementary to western cancer therapies, aids upwards qi and treats prolapse of organs, increases sperm motility (qi).
Summary: Astragalus is a superior tonic herb with its use dating back over 4000 years. Since that time it has been one of the most popular herbs in China. It is commonly added to soups to create a nourishing tonic meal. It is considered a highly protective herb that promotes longevity. It is a warm, gentle, yet strong tonic that can be used by the young and old. Almost anyone would benefit from the daily consumption of astragalus.
It increases the qi of the lungs, strengthens the spleen and digestion, and helps build and circulate the blood. It increases rising, upright qi, thus helping to hold organs in their proper place. In chinese medicine there is a protective field of energy called the "Wei Qi" that circulates under the surface of the body. It is an adaptive energy that protects us from unfriendly enviromental invasions such as cold, wind, dampness, and heat. Astragalus helps strengthen and tonify this energy. It can help protect those people who easily catch a cold from the invasion of coldness and wind.
Astragalus helps regulate the utilization of water, helping relieve edema or stopping spontaneous sweating due to We Qi (defensive Qi) deficiency. It has tissue regenerating and anti-inflammatory abilities which make it useful for healing ulcers and external sores.
It also has powerful, broad spectrum effects on the immune system. Studies have shown that astragalus protects, stimulates, and activates the production of white blood cells and reduces suppressor T-cell activity. It increases T-helper cell activity and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. It also induces the production of interferons. Astragalus increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue, triggering immune cells to a heightened state. Research has clearly shown that people who are undergoing radiation and chemotherapy have an improved immune response using astragalus. It is commonly used in China for this purpose. Astragalus replenishes vital energy and decreases adverse side effects associated with these treatments; it protects white blood cells from destruction, protects adrenal cortical function, and helps relieve gastrointestinal toxicity. It helps people stay strong and recover better. In a study conducted by the University of Texas Medical Center, researchers compared damaged immune cells from cancer patients to healthy cells. Astragalus extracts were found to completely restore the function of the cancer patients damaged immune cells, and in some cases surpass the health and activity of the cells from healthy individuals.
Astragalus protects the liver against toxins and is used against chronic hepatitis. Another study showed astragalus to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in mice. In culture, it increases the lifespan of human cells.
Astragalus is also a heart tonic. It has been shown to protect the heart from damage due to a heart attack or oxygen deprivation. It can also protect against damage from heart infections.
Science has shown that astragalus can help prevent colds or cut their duration in half.
One study has shown that astragalus actually increases the motility of sperm.
Astragalus should be used by anyone wanting the be physically strong and healthy.
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Astragali
Pinyin: Huang Qi
Functions and Uses: Strengthens immune system functions, hypotensive, cardiotonic, increases blood circulation and qi, strengthens three burning spaces (metabolic, respiratory, eliminative functions), tonifies Wei (defensive) Qi of the body, Edema (regulates water utilization), cold hands and feet, weakness, complementary to western cancer therapies, aids upwards qi and treats prolapse of organs, increases sperm motility (qi).
Summary: Astragalus is a superior tonic herb with its use dating back over 4000 years. Since that time it has been one of the most popular herbs in China. It is commonly added to soups to create a nourishing tonic meal. It is considered a highly protective herb that promotes longevity. It is a warm, gentle, yet strong tonic that can be used by the young and old. Almost anyone would benefit from the daily consumption of astragalus.
It increases the qi of the lungs, strengthens the spleen and digestion, and helps build and circulate the blood. It increases rising, upright qi, thus helping to hold organs in their proper place. In chinese medicine there is a protective field of energy called the "Wei Qi" that circulates under the surface of the body. It is an adaptive energy that protects us from unfriendly enviromental invasions such as cold, wind, dampness, and heat. Astragalus helps strengthen and tonify this energy. It can help protect those people who easily catch a cold from the invasion of coldness and wind.
Astragalus helps regulate the utilization of water, helping relieve edema or stopping spontaneous sweating due to We Qi (defensive Qi) deficiency. It has tissue regenerating and anti-inflammatory abilities which make it useful for healing ulcers and external sores.
It also has powerful, broad spectrum effects on the immune system. Studies have shown that astragalus protects, stimulates, and activates the production of white blood cells and reduces suppressor T-cell activity. It increases T-helper cell activity and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. It also induces the production of interferons. Astragalus increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue, triggering immune cells to a heightened state. Research has clearly shown that people who are undergoing radiation and chemotherapy have an improved immune response using astragalus. It is commonly used in China for this purpose. Astragalus replenishes vital energy and decreases adverse side effects associated with these treatments; it protects white blood cells from destruction, protects adrenal cortical function, and helps relieve gastrointestinal toxicity. It helps people stay strong and recover better. In a study conducted by the University of Texas Medical Center, researchers compared damaged immune cells from cancer patients to healthy cells. Astragalus extracts were found to completely restore the function of the cancer patients damaged immune cells, and in some cases surpass the health and activity of the cells from healthy individuals.
Astragalus protects the liver against toxins and is used against chronic hepatitis. Another study showed astragalus to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in mice. In culture, it increases the lifespan of human cells.
Astragalus is also a heart tonic. It has been shown to protect the heart from damage due to a heart attack or oxygen deprivation. It can also protect against damage from heart infections.
Science has shown that astragalus can help prevent colds or cut their duration in half.
One study has shown that astragalus actually increases the motility of sperm.
Astragalus should be used by anyone wanting the be physically strong and healthy.