Dragon Herbs Astragalus

Astragalus

The root of Astragalus membranaceus, an herb that grows in northern China, has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole. Astragalus is believed by the Oriental people to strengthen muscle and improve metabolic functions. One of the most important herbs in the world, Astragalus has been recognized as a superb and potent immune system tonic by modern researchers.

Astragalus is said to have another effect on the "surface" of the body --- that is, it is used to tonify the "Protective Qi," known as Wei Qi in Chinese. This Protective Qi is a special kind of energy which circulates just under the skin and in the muscle. Protective Qi is a Yang energy.

Protective Qi circulates in the subcutaneous tissues providing suppleness to the flesh and adaptive energy to the skin. This function is essential to life

An important effect of Astragalus is in its ability to fortify the "Upright Qi." Upright Qi is the energy allocated by the body to maintain upright posture and to maintain the position of the organs in their healthy position in their battle with gravity. As one gets older, or if one experiences chronic fatigue or exhaustion, or during illness, this Upright Qi is easily depleted resulting in the sinking, or "prolapse," of organs.

Astragalus enhances the function of the skin to eliminate toxins. It is commonly used to help sores in the skin to come to a head and suppurate, and thus to heal more quickly and effectively.

Astragalus has a mild diuretic action and helps to relieve excessive sweating. It is helpful in treating loose stools, chronic diarrhea and chronic or recurring colds. If a cold lasts too long it can cause a general fatigue syndrome that can itself become chronic. Astragalus is very useful for people who just can't seem to shake a cold, and Astragalus can replace the Qi necessary to regain full strength.

Studies conducted at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center at the University of Houston, the world's largest cancer research institute, demonstrated clearly that Astragalus improves the immune response in humans undergoing radiation and chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. Patients taking Astragalus during such treatment tend to have far fewer side effects and to recover at a higher and faster rate.

An interesting new area of research on Astragalus concerns its potential as a male fertility agent. Astragalus has been proved to stimulate sperm motility.

Astragalus' traditional function is that it tonifies the "three burning spaces" (metabolic functions), increases Qi, overcomes weakness, tonifies the Lungs and Spleen, raises Yang, reduces perspiration, facilitates excretion of water and eliminates edema (swelling).

Who can use it? As an energizer, Astragalus is famed for its strengthening effects on the outside of the body, in particular to the musculature. It is therefore beneficial in particular to younger adults, who tend to be physically active and require abundant external energy. Astragalus is used to strengthen the legs and arms, and is commonly used by people who work outdoors, especially in the cold, because of its strengthening and warming nature. Older people use it to prevent prolapsing (sinking) of various organs and tissues.

Concentration: 8:1

Specifications: 100 Capsules 500 mg each

Ingredients: Premium Astragalus root extract

Other Ingredients: Vegetarian capsules (Pullulan caps 100% natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process; vegetable origin; non-GMO; no starch, preservative or chemical modifications; gluten free.), rice powder.

Usage: Take 3 capsules, 2 times per day or as directed by a healthcare professional

Remember Ron Teeguarden's "First Rule of Tonic Herbalism," summed up in a single word -- Compliance. If you don't take the herbs, they won't work."