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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
| Astragalus | Astragalus, Other |
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| Bitter extracts are diuretic, antiseptic and antispasmodic. One study shows that these extracts stimulate activity of white blood cells (an important component of the immune system). Extract from plant helped restore normal immune function in cancer patients with impaired immunity (Dr. G. Mavligit at University of Texas in Houston). Appears to restore normal immune function. Polysaccharides have been shown to intensify activity of certain white blood cells, stimulate pituitary-adrenal cortical activity, and restore depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Known to stimulate body's natural production of interferon. Useful for those immuno-compromised in any way. One study of patients with low NKCs (natural killer cells) were given injections of astragalus extract for 4 months. Compared with those who did not receive the extract, their NKC activity increased substantially; other components of their immune systems were stimulated and their symptoms improved. In a study by the Chinese, 10 people whose heart muscles were infected by Coxackie B virus (causes the heart inflammation known as myocarditis) received injections of astragalus extract for 3 to 4 months. NKCs rose 11 to 45%. They also showed increased levels of alpha- and gamma-interferon (45%). Symptoms improved. In one study done at the University of Texas at Houston, astragalus completely restored the immune function of cells taken from cancer patients. |
Milk vetches (Leguminosae family) are used medicinally and for food and fodder in many parts of the world. 
MEDICINAL:
Bitter, sweet, tonic; stimulates immune system, spleen, lungs, liver, circulatory and urinary sytems; antiseptic, diuretic, antispasmodic, carminative; lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, antipyretic; non-specific immune stimulant, potent anti-viral activity, stimualtes T-cell production.Definite action = Immune stimulant (bitter principles), diuretic (bitter principles), antiseptic (bitter principles), antispasmodic (bitter principles), carminitive (bitter principles).Secondary adaptogen. Invigorates vital energy. Strengthens body resistence. Has normalizing effect on body functions. Powerful immune strengthener. Secondary use as a toning diuretic herb in kidney inflammation formulas. Good tonic herb to use throughout the year for aiding digestion as well as promoting immunity.Has been used to build the immune system in chronic disease, allergies, and recurring infection. Combined with nettles, licorice and calendula flowers for long-term immune building.Has been used by some herbalists as a tea to be taken for to help prevent and treat arrhythmia.Probable action = Antitumor and diaphoretic.Extract stimulates T-cells and restores immune function in cancer patients with impaired function. Supportive therapy for chemo and cancer. Extracts are bactericidal, hypoglycemic and hypotensive.Has the ability to inihibit cell RNA metabolism and prolong life span of some human lung diploid cell strains.Helps to protect adrenal cortical function of people treated with radiation or chemo.In Chinese medicine it is used to invigorate vital energy (chi) and strengthen body resistence and promote tissue regeneration, promote diuresis, and disperse poisons. May prevent the spread of malignant cancer cells to healthy tissue.Adaptogenic and normalizing effects on nervous system, hormone system,and immune system.Has been used to treat infections of the mucous membranes of the body, especially the urinary and respiratory tracts.One of the traditional Chinese materia medica, used as a tonic for upper respiratory functions; has prophylactic effect on the upper respiratory tract infections in chronic bronchitis patients.Has been used for asthma, hayfever, infections, diabetes, edema, nephritis, ulcers, prolapse of digestive organs, kidney problems, and slow healing skin eruptions.Said to rejuvenate digestive organs.Has been used to tone the spleen, and said to be useful in spleen deficiency problems such as poor appetite, fatigue and diarrhea. Has been used to promote discharge of pus.Has been especially noted in Chinese medicine for cases of diabetes (root is frequently used in polyherbal prescriptions for diabetes mellitus), and for reducing complications of poor circulation such as as high blood pressure and failure to heal wounds. Hypotensive action due to gamma-aminobutyric acid (0.01-0.09%). RAH (Radix Astragali sev Hedysari).Has been prescribed for malaria.As a diuretic has been prescribed for megalospleny.Has been used for anemia and blood disorders.Has been used for pneumonia and those at risk for contracting it.Has been used for thymus repair.Commonly combined with ginseng to protect against winter colds and viruses; combined with Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis for poor circulation and low energy; combined with Atractylodes macrocephala (Chinese thistle daisy) and Ledebouriella seseloides for allergies and frequent colds; decocted alone with Atractylodes for colds, edema and oliguria (abnormally low exrection of urine).Has been decocted with Atractylodes and Codonopsis for anorexia, rectocele (prolapse of the rectum into the perineum), uterine prolapse and weakness.Has been decocted with cassia, jujube and ginger or angelica for arthritic pain and numbness.Root has been used for cancer, anasarca (generalized massive edema in subcutaneous tissue), diarrhea, dysuria, edema, malnutrition, nightsweats, renitis (inflammation of the kidneys), weakness, boils and nervousness. Used in the traditional compounds of: Biota and Zizyphus, Ginseng and Licorice, Dong Quai and Peony, Astragalus and Ganoderma, Ginseng and Phaffia, Anemarrhena and Astragalus, Eucommia and Achryanthes, Alisma and Hoelen.In some parts of the world it is an important folk medicine herb for preventing cancer. Some herbalists prescribe astragalus to people who are undergoing chemo and radiation treatments (should be only under professional guidance).
DOSE = TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY| NOTE: A. hoantchy, A. mongholicus and A. scaberrimus are synonyms or are related species cited as remedies for cancer, leukemia, and tumors. |
The roots were eaten by the Cree and Stone Indians.Image
The roots were gathered in spring or fall and eaten raw or boiled by the Blackfoot tribe of Native Americans.Image
The plumlike pods were eaten raw or boiled (Montana).Image
Used in China as a liver and kidney tonic since the first century A.D.The peas are hulled and boiled for food; the pods eaten fresh or boiled, or else dried for winter use (New Mexico).Regarded as a diuretic, pectoral and tonic and is used for cachexia (wasting diseases and malnutrition), cancer of the uterus, fever, leukemia and malaria. Used by the Cheyenne for poison ivy.The roots were dug after a rain and eaten as sweets by the Hopi of Arizona.Image
Has been used for blenorrhea (profuse mucous discharge from the vagina or urethra), and as an unguent for burns. Image
The gum is collected from at least 20 species but mainly from A. gummifer which was known and used in ancient Greece. It is a low evergreen or semi-evergreen, umbrella-shaped thorny shrub, hardy to 23 degrees. It is 12 inches high and wide with spiny-stalked, pinnate leaves and axillary clusters of downy, white pea flowersand is found in upland forests and grasslands in the >Middle East and especially in Kurdistan.Image
Is used in homeopathy for conditions characterized by fullness in the right temple and upper jaw; pain over the left eyebrow, painful facial bones; dizziness; pressive pain in temples; pain and pressure in maxillae; stomach is weak and feels empty; there is burning in the esophagus and stomach.Cited by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., as the most powerful herb for the immune system. Has been used to counteract the effects of radiation and chemotherapy in both Ayurvedic and Chinese systems of medicine. It is sweet, slightly warm and affects the spleen and lung.