Article: Astragalus health benefits

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Astragalus health benefits

Astragalus

Astragalus whose genus and species name is Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine. It is known to have properties that strengthen disease resistance, strengthen vitality, stamina and a significant ability to boost the immune system. There are 2000 species of astragalus but astragalus membranaceus and astragalus mongholicus are the ones known to boost the immune system. Traditional Chinese medicine

In traditional China, astragalus was used in combination with other herbs to sustain and enhance the immune system. The herbs gained popularity in the USA in 1980. American researchers have explored the possibilities of astragalus being a treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by radiation and chemotherapy. In these studies, it was found out that astragalus supplements seem to aid in faster recovery and in prolonging life.

According to the complete encyclopedia of natural healing, Astragalus is among the well-known adaptogenic herbs. Several researches done on this herb has shown astragalus as being pretty effective in improving immune functions and also in treatment of common cold and cancer. Astragalus functions by fortifying the existing immune system rather than openly attacking infectious organisms. It intensifies the effectiveness of nearly all the component of the immune system.

It is also known to work by increasing the production of immune cells. In addition, it may also have an antiviral response and hence its success in treatment of the common cold. A current Research conducted in China proposes that, since astragalus is an antioxidant, it may assist people with heart disease, reduce symptoms and improve heart function.

Other medicinal uses of astragalus include:

1. Kidney disease; it is thought to aid in the treatment of some kidney diseases although the studies are preliminary
2. Anemia; only one early study has been done on this area and proposed that astragalus might help improve blood count in people with aplastic anemia
3. Seasonal allergies; astragalus helps to reduce symptoms in people with hay fever or rhinitis
4. Hepatitis: Some researchers have used some mixture of astragalus to treat hepatitis

Side Effect

Unless recommended by a qualified health practitioner, people with autoimmune diseases such as; multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Cohn's disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous should not use astragalus. Also the safety of astragalus to people who have undergone transplant surgery, pregnant and nursing mothers is not yet known.