The astragalus herb has been used as an immune booster in China for thousands of years; however, only recently has its effectiveness in treating ailments been evaluated scientifically. There are more than 2,000 species of astragalus, but the Chinese version has been tested extensively chemically and pharmacologically. If you want to use astragalus, check with your doctor first. The FDA says astragalus has no antiviral or antibacterial properties and is of no use to the human body, but some reputable institutions -- including universities -- appear to disagree.
Adaptogen
Astragalus is an adaptogen, which means it can help your body ward off stress and maintain its normal balance of health and wholeness. The health promoting nutrients found in astragalus support the adrenals and sustain a healthy production of progesterone; all of these functions help with stress resistance, the Huntington College of Health Sciences says. Astragalus products can also help decrease fatigue in athletes.
Cancer
Regular consumption of astragalus may help cancer patients avoid immune cell deficiencies, or leucopenia, as a result of conventional cancer treatments, says the University of Colorado, Denver. Astragalus can also boost immune response, accelerating a cancer patient's recovery from a damaged immune system that may occur with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow treatment.
Diabetes
Astragalus might be useful in treating diabetes as well as in making the effects of diabetic drugs stronger. The hypoglycemic effect of astragalus is largely attributed to its polysaccharide compounds, according to the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California.
HIV
Astragalus has shown promise for antiretroviral properties in laboratory studies, so it may be useful in treating immune-deficiency related conditions, especially HIV and AIDS. Astragalus may be effective only in very early stages of HIV infection by preventing or blocking the spread of deadly retrovirus, according to Huntington College of Health Sciences.
References
- Huntington College of Health Sciences: Astragalus
- University of Colorado, Denver: Name of Herb: Astragalus
- Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine: University of California: Immune Boosting Therapies: A Natural Perspective
- Huntington College of Health Sciences: Building Immunity and Promoting Wellness
- NaturalNews.com
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