Astragalus root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It’s an adaptogenic herb that helps the body to fight off stress and disease.
It boosts the health and function of your immune, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, helps to heal wounds, prevents diabetes, slows the growth of tumors and alleviates symptoms of chemotherapy.
The antioxidants found in astragalus root help you to combat disease and aging due to free radical damage. You can find astragalus in many forms, including as a tincture, capsule or topical ointment.
Among its diversified clinical applications, the potential use of this herb and its chemical constituents in treatments of inflammatory diseases and cancers has been actively investigated in recent years. Astragalus-based treatments have demonstrated significant amelioration of the toxicity induced by other concurrently administered orthodox drugs (e.g., immunosuppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics).
Astragalus is a plant in the legume family. It is also known as milk vetch or huang qi. Astragalus has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and is known to help the body fight off stress and other diseases.
It is considered as a miracle herb and the powerful extract from this root has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. It is also used as a natural diet supplement.
The most popular health benefit of Astragalus is in boosting the immune-system and energy levels. It has a variety of health benefits and is also known to help with ailments such common cold, diabetes, upper respiratory problems, arthritis, asthma and blood pressure.
One of the reasons, Astragalus is becoming a rage in the west is because it is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are able to change their function depending on the specific needs of the body. They adapt according to what the body needs and this is why Adaptogenic herbs like Astralagus are able to help us deal with a variety of problems.
The major components of Astragalus membranaceus are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. Contemporary use of Astragalus membranaceus mainly focuses on its immunomodulating, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory, as well as anticancer effects. In this paper, we summarize the properties of Astragalus membranaceus and its major constituents in the biological system based on experimental and clinical studies.
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The antitumorigenic mechanisms of a novel Astragalus saponins extract called AST in treating various gastrointestinal cancers are highlighted. We discuss in detail how the Astragalus herb and AST influence the immune system, modulate various cancer signaling pathways, and interact with specific transcription molecules during protection against gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers.
This information could help clinicians and scientists develop novel target-specific and effective therapeutic agents that are deprived of major systemic side effects, so as to establish a better treatment regimen in the battle against inflammatory diseases and cancers of the gut.
6 Health Benefits of Astragalus
1) Heart Health
Several studies suggest that Astragalus may be a heart-friendly herb as it is rich in antioxidants. It may also help lower cholesterol levels.
2) Relief from Seasonal Allergy
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3) Reduces Stress
Anxiety and chronic stress can cause adverse effects to our health. Hence, they need to be kept in check. Astragalus helps in curbing the stress level and promoting peace and calm in our mind and body. Those who suffer mood swings and constant nervous tension can benefit from this ancient herb.
4) Reduces Sleep Issues
Insomnia, sleeplessness, interrupted sleep patterns can be cured by regular consumption of astragalus root. By improving overall health, metabolism and hormonal balance this root can help in delivering a peaceful sleep.
5) Anti-ageing Properties
This is the most important and popular use of astragalus as no one likes the effects of ageing. It helps in reducing signs of ageing on the face, helps in the growth of tissues and prevents chronic illness symptoms. For wrinkles and age spots this root can be extremely beneficial.
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6) Boosts the Immune System
Astragalus has been used to boost the immune system for more than thousands of years. It protects the immune system from major attacks and makes it smarter and stronger at handling foreign substances. ‘It has natural antibiotic properties, so it can increase resistance to viral infections. It is full of antioxidants that protect cells against free radical damage’, according to the book Healing Foods.
A lot of studies are still underway to ascertain the complete benefits of Astragalus. But its roots in Chinese medicine and usage for over a thousand years cannot be denied.
The best way to consume Astragalus is to include it in soups or drink it like a tea.
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