Featured Herb: Astragalus - To boost immune system

[Nicola]

Featured Herb: Astragalus

Throughout our lives our immune systems are under assault from environmental toxins. Living in crowded cities, traveling frequently in airplanes, and spending time in day care centers and schools all expose us to many more germs than people had to deal with in the past. We can protect and strengthen our immunity by eating right, getting enough activity and rest, practicing stress reduction, and cultivating healthy emotional states. There are also several herbs, such as astragalus, that can help enhance immune function. Obtained from the root of Astragalus membranaceous in the pea family, astragalus has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it is used to ward off colds and flu. It is widely available and inexpensive, and can be beneficial for:

• People who "get everything going around"
• Cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy which suppresses the bone marrow
• Those with immune deficiencies
• Healthy people through the entirety of the flu season

Look for standardized extracts in capsules and follow package directions.

[al from Canada]

Nicola,

I've noticed that these "herbal" posts have been getting the fewest "hits". This scares me as I believe we should never dismiss the power of traditional herbs and remedies, that have been around longer that our civilization in north america. Many of these have surpassed the test of time and for good reason.........

Thanks for posting,
Al

[Ginagce]

I learned about astragulus back in 97 when I and my husband first had cancer. I read about it in Dr. Weil's 8 Weeks to Optimum Health book, still a great reference guide for basic complimentary medicine.

Astragulus not only builds our immune systems but by doing so builds strength and is renowned for many many years in asia as a strength promoting drug. Dr. Weil highly recommends it for those battling cancer or the fatigue brought on by cancer drugs.

I take it every day now and do believe it helps a great deal.

Best wishes to you. Thanks for sharing.

Gina

[Nicola]

Thanks Al & Gina, I think it is very important to use every medicinal property available to us whether it is modern medicine or holistic, the two combined together can make for a much stronger success rate. Always be sure to check with your onc first before starting on any supplements as they may not be well suited for use with the drugs we are on.

I love the book by Mary Dan Eades, MD "The Doctors Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals" it is very informative and easy to use. I would highly recommend it to everyone.

Hugs,
Nicola