by Barbara Minton
(Health Secrets) It’s cold and flu season again, and time to make sure your immune system is up to the task of protecting you. One of the best ways to make sure your immune system is first rate is through the use of adaptogens, a group of substances that have nonspecific actions in the body and create minimal disruption while they normalize body functions. Two Chinese herbs for cold and flu season, Astragalas and Schisandra, are adaptogens rapidly gaining favor in the Western world.
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Walking the tightrope
You and your immune system do a constant balancing act as you walk the tightrope of life. Let your immune system weaken too much, and the door is opened to pathogens and cancer. Let it strengthen too much, and the result can be systemic inflammation, allergies and autoimmune disorders. Astragalus and Schisandra function as balance beams to keep you perfectly centered on that tightrope.
Astragalus is a 2000 year old healer
Astragalus, known in Chinese medicine as Huang Qi, has been used for more than 2,000 years to strengthen vitality and stave off illnesses including colds and flu. Its growing popularity in the West may be due to extensive scientific study that began in the 1970′s, documenting the ability of the herb to stimulate the immune system, fight bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation and protect the liver.
Astragalus is prescribed for shortness of breath, general body weakness, and poor appetite. It has diuretic properties and can be used to treat colds, flu, stomach ulcers, and diabetes. It supports and strengthens body resistance, invigorates, and promotes tissue regeneration. Recent research studies concluded Astragalus acts by augmenting disease fighting white blood cells and clearing out aberrant cells that may create disease in the future.
Astragalus is a perennial plant and a relative of the pea plant. It’s native to the northern and eastern parts of China, Mongolia and Korea. Astragalus contains numerous nutritional components including flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpene glycosides, saponins, amino acids, and trace minerals.
Research documents the normalizing effects of Astragalus on the body.
In a study reported in the Journal of Food and Medicine, researchers investigated the immune stimulating effects of Astragalus through the effects of the herb on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Astragalus was able to affect production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha when used in high concentrations, lowering the inflammatory response. It was also able to modify responses from artificially stimulated macrophages with identified immuno-modulatory effects to reduce production of TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-12 in a dose-dependent manner. The researchers hypothesized that the historical use of Astragalus may be due to its ability to reduce the inflammatory response that indirectly leads to limiting of clinical symptoms during infection. These results underscore the adaptive, balancing qualities of astragalus.
Other research conducted in the U.S. investigated Astragalus as a treatment for people with compromised immune systems resulting from chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, Astragalus supplements were shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy. Studies performed at the National Cancer Institute and other leading Cancer Institutes in recent years have positively shown that Astragalus strengthens cancer patients’ immune systems, allowing them to recover significantly faster and live longer.
Recent research in China revealed that Astragalus offers antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function.
The Chinese have known for centuries that Astragalus is a superior herb. In the West the benefits of this herb are beginning to be understood by some allopaths. Astragalus is currently well accepted by most naturopaths and holistic healers.
How to use Astragalus
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Astragalus may be given to children to support their immune systems if there is no fever present. The dose should be determined by adjusting the recommended adult dose to account for the weight of the child. The dose for an adult is calculated on a weight of 150 pounds. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 pounds, the appropriate dose of Astragalus would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.
Adult doses are as follows:
• Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3-6 g of dried root per 12 oz water, three times per day
• Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2-4 ml three times per day
• Powdered root: 500-1,000 mg three times a day
• Powered extract: 100 to 150 mg
• Tincture: (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 3-5 ml three times a day
Astragalus has no side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with some prescription drugs.
Schisandra, another fine ancient adaptogen
The Chinese name for Schisandra means five-taste-fruit. Its balancing effect includes the taste buds where it produces a mixture of sour, sweet, salty, hot, and bitter tastes. This herbal adaptogen improves vitality and promotes revitalization. It boosts the immune system, and enhances physical endurance and mental concentration. It soothes the nerves, reduces anxiety, and is said to promote radiant skin tone.