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Immune System, Recipe
Western science is catching up to the efficacious modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), whose plant-based remedies may boost the immune system and provide a host of health benefits. Astragalus is one of those promising TCM remedies.
But what is astragalus good for?
Astragalus, whose extract comes from the root of a flowering plant in the Leguminosae family, is used in TCM to improve vitality, strengthen Qi and treat a number of ailments. Recently, it’s become a popular supplement for overall health. Clinical studies are currently evaluating its effect on the heart, immune system and more.
If you’re considering making this potent root a part of your lifestyle, read on. This guide will help you better understand astragalus root extract and how to integrate it into your daily routine.
Astragalus has long been used in TCM to strengthen immunity. In particular, this herbal remedy is now in clinical trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness for improving immunocompromised patients’ immune system response.
Past studies have already shown encouraging results:
While these studies focus on immunocompromised patients, their results indicate that astragalus root benefits may include immune-boosting effects in healthy individuals, too. Astragalus root can help the immune system function for people with varying levels of health and for different reasons.
As you read on, you’ll find even more evidence that this herbal supplement can powerfully aid the immune system through specific cellular actions. For more natural ways to boost your immune system, check out our guide on how to support your immune system.
Astragalus root extract may also be able to help fight a viral infection. Initial research demonstrates promising results.
As we learn more about this plant, we may begin to understand the specific chemical pathways that enable antiviral activity and boost immune response.
Inflammation is your body’s healthy response to threats. If your body senses viruses, bacteria or even stress, inflammation may kick into high gear. While bouts of inflammation to target specific ailments is normal, chronic inflammation can result in fatigue, physical discomfort, difficulty sleeping, weight gain and a number of other challenging symptoms.
If you’re seeking to improve your overall health and feel better each day, you may already be aware of powerful anti-inflammatory supplements, like CBD tinctures and antioxidant-rich food. Astragalus extract could be another helpful addition to your regimen.
A number of studies suggest the root’s anti-inflammatory effects:
While inflammation comes in many forms, from surface-level rashes to internal cellular responses that you may feel more than you can see, early results suggest this herbal remedy can reduce inflammation and its negative long-term effects.
Since fatigue is one of inflammation’s negative long-term effects, it’s only natural that the benefits of astragalus may include reduced sleepiness and more energy.
Recent studies have focused on astragalus' ability to boost energy in patients struggling with chronic fatigue and athletes alike:
Whether you’re chronically sleepy, or you’re looking for a way to boost your energy and have more endurance for your workouts or daily tasks, astragalus may be a helpful supplement.
Allergies can be a particularly frustrating experience. Whether it’s your roommate’s cat or seasonal dust, pollen and mold, there is little that most allergy-sufferers can do besides taking antihistamines to improve their symptoms.
Astragalus is a TCM aid for allergy sufferers. To test its efficacy, researchers studied its effect. They measured the root’s influence on:
They found a decrease in all three measures, indicating overall improvements to an allergic response.
If you’re struggling with allergies, astragalus is a nontoxic, widely tolerated herbal supplement that may improve your symptoms. While more human studies are needed to fully understand its pathways, you can try it out now. If you’re unsure whether it might help, you can always consult with your doctor.
In TCM, astragalus is thought to strengthen Qi, our vital life force. Perhaps, then, it’s no surprise that the herb may also have a positive effect on heart function.
Past studies have focused on astragalus' efficacy when the heart suffers from hypoxia or anoxia—limited or absent oxygen flow. While these conditions can lead to heart failure or heart disease, recent studies have shown:
If you’re hoping to improve your circulation, and with it, your energy levels, astragalus may be a helpful supplement.
We’ve already reviewed astragalus' effects on the immune system, heart and more. In addition to working on these bodily systems, astragalus may also have an effect on the endocrine and digestive systems through its regulation of blood sugar.
When combined with a low-sugar diet, astragalus may help you to metabolize sugar and maintain healthy glucose levels. In turn, this can lower cholesterol, improve digestion and otherwise improve overall health.
As more studies are conducted, scientists will gain further understanding of the specific chemical pathways involved in some of astragalus' traditional uses.
While Western science has not conducted significant research on astragalus’ effect on mental and emotional stress, the extract is traditionally used for soothing nerves. This may be related to its anti-inflammatory effects and overall beneficial effects on the body, which influence how you experience stress.
When you improve your immune response, you may begin to experience other changes in your overall wellness. Astragalus has long been used for the above purposes, and may also have the following benefits:
Try it out for yourself and let us know what other effects you observe.
Are you interested in making astragalus root a part of your daily routine?
You can experience astragalus benefits as a supplement in powder, liquid and capsule form. Just be sure to source your supplement from a reliable provider, as not all supplements contain what they advertise.
Plant People’s new Advanced Immune Power capsules are made from organic, sustainably sourced ingredients that can boost immunity, including:
Formulated in a vegan capsule, it’s easy to take this mushroom immune supplement in the morning and evening. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of astragalus root along with the benefits of Vitamin C and other immune boosting mushrooms on a regular basis. To discover more about the magic of a mushroom immune supplement, check out these 10 incredible mushroom supplements benefits.
At Plant People, we’re committed to providing the best in plant and fungi-based medicine. Our hemp and herbal supplements are specifically formulated to help you reduce stress, get a better night’s sleep and feel more balanced everyday.
We’ve created the Advanced Immune Power blend to deliver the best of immune-boosting ingredients—those lauded in traditional medicine and supported by modern science.
Using organic, U.S. farmed ingredients, our blends deliver plants’ and fungi’s full range of healing abilities.
Journal of Clinical Oncology. “Astragalus-based Chinese Herbs and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16421421/
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Journal of Animal Science & Biotechnology. “Astragalus polysaccharide enhances immunity and inhibits H9N2 avian influenza virus in vitro and in vivo.” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/2049-1891-4-22
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Phytotherapy Research. “Review of the Botanical Characteristics,Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology ofAstragalusmembranaceus(Huangqi).” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ptr.5188?casa_token=bMGOeccDrVYAAAAA:hwhP6M-lrPdahMwp51o0geiF02fsFyMBqD_FMPiHi1K2P42MYia1PzAIbRQlXl3In-fFhARVQs2Xkc8
Journal of Ethnopharmacology. “Integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy Reduces the Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27340102/
Sacred Lotus. Chinese Herb Huang Qi. https://www.sacredlotus.com/go/chinese-herbs/substance/huang-qi-astragalus
Harvard Health Publishing. What’s in your supplements? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-in-your-supplements-2019021515946
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