By John H. Biggs BSc, NCP - Owner Optimum Health Vitamins Share on Facebook
When it comes to overall immune support, and staying well over the holidays or winter, few herbs are as valuable and broad spectrum in their actions as Astragalus.
The active constituents in Astragalus include a broad spectrum of saponins, polysaccharides, trace minerals, flavonoids, and others. Astragalus stimulates immunity by increasing the activity of several white blood cell types, (i.e T-cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells), and by increasing the induction of interferon, the production of antibodies, and promoting the development of stem cells into immune cells. [1, 2, 3,4, 5]
It is used not only as a general immune tonic and strength builder, but has been shown to be helpful for colds and upper respiratory tract infections, prevention of flus, bronchitis, mononucleosis, and pneumonia, as well as the coxsackie B virus, (a cause of myocarditis).[2,3,4] It is commonly used, particularly in China, as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation, due to its ability to ameliorate side effects, and stimulate bone marrow function, affecting increased production of both red and white blood cells, while helping to maintain normal immunity.[2,3,4,5] Still other uses include a cardio-protective effects in mild congestive heart failure, and protection of liver function from both viruses and medication.[1,2,3,4,5]
An “adaptogenic” and tonic herb, Astragalus is native to China. It is called Huang qi in Chinese medicine and has been traditionally used for centuries for a very wide variety of ailments from chills, fever, phlemy coughs, asthma, pain relief, and general weakness, to hemorrhoids, strengthening the lungs, spleen, connective tissues, and overall vitality. [1,2,3]
Yet, it is commonly cautioned in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and/or by herbalists that Astragalus will drive a fever deeper, or “cause stagnation and feed the illness.”[2] Therefore it is said that it should not be used during acute infections, or during a fever. Yet, studies have clearly shown that it will enhance the immune response, thereby speeding recovery from infection, and that it possesses anti-inflammatory properties.[1,3] So why the conflict in information?
My opinion is that the answer lies in nature’s ability to achieve balance, i.e.in the ability of Astragalus to simultaneously stimulate immune activity that is inflammatory, while with its broad spectrum of compounds, to also enhance the body’s own antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory defences.
Remember, in the process of fighting a bug you do not want to suppress the body’s inflammatory mechanisms too much, but you also do not want to get too far down the inflammatory path. What’s required is a balance, and Astragalus is well adapted to help achieve this. Particularly when it is combined with other anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating herbs, one can get the immune supportive effects of Astragalus, without any downside.
As I always say, it’s the result that counts, so start with a well-informed, educated guess at what will be effective, and if it works keep doing it. If it doesn’t…do something else. (it often amazes me how long people will persist in doing something that is not producing desired results, or making them feel any better)
The only noted contraindication for using Astragalus is if you are on immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, in which case it may cause the opposite effect. [5] Yet it is also noted that after such therapy, Astragalus may be valuable in restoring normal immunity.
John Biggs BSc, NCP
References:
- Upton, R; Astragalus root: Analytical, Quality Control, and Therapeutic Monograph; American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Santa Cruz, Ca; 1999 pp 1-25
- Hoffman, D; Medical Herbalism – the science and practice of herbal medicine; Healing Arts Press, 2003: p 532.
- Alternative Medicine Review; Vol 8, #1, Feb 2003: monograph, pp 72-77.
- Winston and Maimes; Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief; Healing Arts Press, Rochester,Vermont; pp 147-150.
- 2006 Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, eighth edition; Therapeutic Research Faculty, Stockton CA, pp. 89-90