14 Benefits of the Super Herb Astragalus

Sometimes it is the tongue twisting, rarely mentioned, peripheral remedies that surprise us all. Astragalus has been around for thousands of years yet most couldn’t tell you what it is. However,  science has shown that the compounds found in this root could offer a variety of health advantages beyond conventional medicine. It is the 14 benefits of the super herb astragalus that may be a good go-to in your toolbox of optimal health picks.

A Botanical Adaptogen

As conventional medicine continues to forge through a score of temporary remedy attempts, some are successful yet most offer a quick fix without addressing the root cause. With alternative choices such as botanical medicine, the herb astragalus scores high on bringing a wider healing spectrum to your body. It is considered an adaptogen which means that when combined with other remedies it may enhance the overall healing effect. This is mainly due to its ability to protect the body from mental and physical stress through cellular manipulation.

Other adaptogens include panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, lonicera (honeysuckle), and glycyrrhiza, also known as licorice root

Telomere Titan

The aging process is a relentless path that begins in your DNA. This is where a constant regeneration of various cells takes place keeping you thriving through your twenties. Yet, around thirty or, if you’re lucky, forty years old the “caps” on the end of each microscopic DNA strand begin to degenerate. These caps are called telomeres and when they shorten enough they cannot contain the strand resulting in what is believed, cell death. This is the beginning of aging and a possible opening for cancer to move in.

Livestrong reports that,

“According to a study published in a 2008 edition of the “Journal of Immunology,” substances within Astragalus root — called cycloastragenols and astragalosides — have the ability to activate telomerase enzyme production, which could prevent telomere depletion and rebuild new ones.”

Immune Boost

Vitamin C and antioxidants are great boosters to your immune system function and astragalus may be an excellent addition. Using astragalus can be highly advantageous if you are healthy because it has been linked to fighting disease like a champ (so you’d be in really good herbal hands).

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Houston, astragalus showed a significant boost to the immune system of cancer patients.

Alternative Daily cites study results,

“Use of the herb in treating cancer improves the ability of T-cells and NK [natural killer] cells to kill cancer cells. Additionally, it turns on [activates] Interleukin-2, which kills tumors. As a complimentary treatment in cancer, astragalus fights immunosupression, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy, making cancer patients susceptible to infections and illness. Astragalus has also been found to help with side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as nausea, fatigue, lost of strength and weight loss.”

Sniffle Less

When viral germs seem to be rampant using astragalus on a daily basis may prevent them from infiltrating your system. A virus can’t be stopped by conventional medicine and must run its course leaving you in its scorched path. This is the case with flu and cold viruses.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that,

“Evidence in animal and laboratory tests suggests it may act against viruses like the ones that cause colds.”

Other Fixes

Although studies are small and some still in the works, astragalus has also been linked to showing high benefits when applied to a number of other diseases and conditions. Natural News lists some that have been documented:

• Helps with heart disease and high blood pressure
• Reduces inflammation
• Aids digestion
• Improves liver function
• Can be used as a general tonic
• Respiratory infections
• Fibromyalgia
• Anemia
• Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Kidney disease

Keep Vigilant

As with any alternative remedy it is important to discuss using astragalus with your doctor. The US Department of Health reports on possible contraindications,

“Astragalus is considered safe for many adults. The most commonly reported side effects are diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal effects. However, it may affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure and be risky for people with certain health problems, such as blood disorders, diabetes, or hypertension.”

Astragalus could be the best adaptogen to adapt to your health. See if you experience less stress and better health with these 14 benefits of the super herb astragalus.