Astragalus

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Astragalus
« on: January 28, 2007, 07:08:11 PM » by boysmama

Astragalus is mentioned several times on this site but I don't think Undecided

we have devoted a thread to it so here goes Grin

I keep running across this herb. From what I understand it basically acts as an immune booster. I don't have many herb reference books yet so I am hoping that some of you will take the time to look it up and report back Wink

, please?

Also hoping maybe to catch a couple testimonials....

What are the basic properties of astragalus?
How does it work in the body?
Which conditions can be improved w/ use of this herb?
Are there any side effects?
Can it be safely combined or rotated w/ other immune boosters?
Are there any cautions in use with other drugs?
Is it contraindicated in use on pregnant women or infants?
What is a standard dose/frequency? how long a duration of use?

There Wink

sorry I don't feel like I worded that well Embarrassed

(brain fog tonight Angry

) ...anyone is welcome to restate these questions and propose a new subject line...I'll be glad to change it and delete this post in favor of a more eloquent one

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2007, 01:01:00 PM » by nowiknow

I had been doing some research on astragalus and retrieved the following article from this website - http://www.v4l.com/

Astragalus

What Is It?

An herb native to China, astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) has been used for more than 2,000 years to balance the vital energy--or qi--which is thought to flow through all beings. A relative of licorice and the pea plant, astragalus appears to give the immune system a powerful boost. Teas, tablets, and other healing formulations are made from the plants flat, yellowish root.

Taken as a tonic, astragalus is believed to build stamina and vitality. It has a reputation for improving overall health by helping the body to fight off viral and bacterial infections responsible for causing colds, the flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections. As an antioxidant, it helps to counteract cell damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. Many people undergoing cancer chemotherapy or radiation take astragalus to fortify their battered immune systems. Indeed, one of the great appeals of astragalus is its versatility: It can be safely combined with many conventional medical treatments.

To ensure effectiveness, select an astragalus product that contains a standardized extract of the root, with 0.5% glucosides and 70% polysaccharides.

The body can develop a tolerance to an immune-stimulating herb such as astragalus if it is taken over long stretches of time. So, for maximum effect, alternate the use of astragalus with other immune-boosting herbs such as echinacea, cats claw, and pau darco.

General Interaction

There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with astragalus.

Cautions

# If you take regular medications of any kind or are undergoing cancer treatment, consult your doctor before adding astragalus to your daily supplement regimen.

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2007, 01:55:50 PM » by JuliaofSunnyside

Where do you get it?

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2009, 08:28:31 PM » by herbs girl

I am hoping to make an Astragalus Glycerite for my 1 year old very soon. Does anybody have any pointers for me? Should I watch for anything? Let it cook longer or not as long?

My DD, 1 seems to get alot of colds, ect. I was hoping to use Astragalas because it is a deep immune building herb. A dropper - a dropper and a half each day to help her immune system

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2009, 08:34:54 PM » by boysmama

I let mine "cook" for 3 days and then stand for a one month cycle before pressing. It didn't look or smell "done" to me. No science, just instinct. I did mix with an alcohol tincture for a longer shelf life.

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2009, 11:23:38 PM » by herbs girl

Thank you Boysmama!

How do you take your Astragalus tincture/glycerite,, everyday? Does it help?

I thought about adding part Alcohol. . I might do that.

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2009, 09:42:55 AM » by boysmama

I haven't used it much. Cheesy

I did use it once in rotation with echinacea for one of the kids.

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2009, 10:33:49 PM » by Mamatoto

At our last check-up (15 months), our pediatrician recommended using astragalus to build the immune system while healthy, but she said as soon as we came down with a cold or something else, to stop taking it immediately until the cold is gone. She explained it, but I can't for the life of me remember what she said...

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These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. -Deuteronomy 6:6-7

www.lanaeandbaby.blogspot.com

Re: Astragalus
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2009, 04:23:42 PM » by LisaY

Does anyone know if astragalus is safe for pregnant/nursing moms? Thanks!

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2009, 11:24:57 PM » by Mamatoto

Quote from: LisaY on November 05, 2009, 04:23:42 PM

Does anyone know if astragalus is safe for pregnant/nursing moms? Thanks!

I know it's safe for nursing moms, since our pediatrician recommended it for both me and DS. I'm guessing it's fine for pregnant mamas, too, since Mountain Rose Herbs doesn't list any precautions for it.

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Re: Astragalus
« Reply #10 on: November 07, 2009, 06:45:50 PM » by mommyjen

It's safe, but when I took it when I was pregnant I had to discontinue it's use. I was so hot temperature wise when taking it and I could not stand it as I was already incubating and tend to run on the warm side anyways!

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Billy's wife and mom to John, Charles, Gilbert, and Lewis.

Re: Astragalus
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2009, 08:29:57 PM » by KingsDaughter

I bought some Astragalus for the kids by Deep Immune and they took it for about a month. My oldest, who is in 1st grade, avoided the flus that were going around (we don't vaccinate) and she also didn't get chickenpox even though there were 2 kids in the class that had it. Although, I really wouldn't have minded if she had gotten it so that we could get it over with (all 3 of my kids have not had chickenpox so far, but I wish they did). Unfortunately, hubby has never had chickenpox so that was an issue to take into consideration.

Anyway, I have no proof to back up it's effectiveness, but in the past, my daughter would pick up just about everything going around at her school and bring it home. So far, we've all be very healthy and I give some credit to the Astragalus.

I also put my husband on it during the chickenpox out break to try to help to protect him. I've taken it as well off and on to try to boost my immune system