If you live in fear of “flu season” then you will be grateful all winter long for the immune strengthening power of Astragalus. This root is an ancient Chinese remedy renowned for its ability to reduce the severity and duration of viral infections and more importantly, to prevent them!
Research demonstrates that Astragalus works on a number of different levels within the immune system. It can increase white blood cell counts and levels of interferon in the body, which in turn, helps stimulate the elements of the immune system that swallow up viruses and prevent them from replicating. Pharmacologically, it is thought that the polysaccharide components of Astragalus are responsible for its multi-faceted immune support. However, the root as a whole contains a wide array of other active ingredients, including saponins, flavonoids and coumarins, that give Astragalus its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
In the laboratory, Astragalus has shown itself to be not only an effective anti-viral, but also an impressive broad-spectrum antibiotic. In vitro trials of the root demonstrate the inhibition of staphylococci, haemolytic streptococci, pneumococci, diptheriae and Bacillus dysenteriae – all bacteria that can potentially cause severe illness in the body.
Astragalus shows promise in the treatment of a number of other disease states due to its many active components, including protection for the liver and a positive impact on the cardiovascular system. Other research shows cycloastragenol (a component of Astralagus) may have an indirect effect on protecting DNA. This has many implications since DNA damage is thought to be a predictor of age related disease.
So, throw on your Astragalus boxing gloves and give those cold and flu bugs the one-two punch!