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Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Also known as "Milk vetch root"
Perennial
Parts used: Root.
Constituents Glycosides, choline, betaine, kumatakenin, sugar, plant acid, beta-sitosterol, vitamin A.
Astragalus was held in high esteem by the Chinese, who incorporated it into many of their medicinal formulas. The herb has a sweet taste and has been used in traditional medicine as an immune system, lung, liver and spleen stimulator.
It also stimulates the circulatory system and acts as a heart tonic.
Beneficial effects of lowering high blood pressure and blood glucose levels have also been reported.
Herbal practitioners may suggest using this herb during treatment with chemotherapy as it stimulates the immune system. The journal of the American Cancer Society reported that this herb appeared to strengthen the immune function of a high proportion of the patients taking it.
Astragalus is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants or mushrooms that can impact how your body responds to fatigue, anxiety and stress. They contribute to your overall wellbeing and can be added to food, mixed into beverages or taken as tinctures (liquid concentrates) or supplements. When consumed, adaptogens target stressors in the body. To qualify as an adaptogen, plants or mushrooms must be nontoxic when taken in normal doses, must help your body cope with stress and help your body return to homeostasis (balance). They decrease or increase chemical reactions.
My suggested form of consumption would be a liquid tincture which is easily obtained online or in an apothecary or herbal medicine store or even many health food stores and co-ops. Follow the recommended dosage per that products suggestion.
(I do a dropper and a half in a small glass of water)
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Rob
Interesting