The Remarkable Benefits of Astragalus Root

Astragalus root is a herb that’s tremendously important in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known for its many health benefits, especially its potential to slow the aging process. The herb was hailed as a protector against stresses, both mental and physical. Astragalus provides health benefits to a number of body systems and ailments. Because of the tremendous success of so many research studies and trials, new information about astragalus is coming to light all the time. In general, its greatest strength is preventing and protecting cells against cell death and other harmful elements, such as free radicals and oxidation.

According to continuing research, astragalus health benefits include:

Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is at the root of most diseases. From arthritis to heart disease, it’s often the culprit of the damage. Many studies show that thanks to its saponins and polysaccharides, astragalus can reduce inflammatory response in connection to a number of illnesses and conditions, from helping to heal wounds and lesions to reducing inflammation in diabetic kidney disease.

Boosts the Immune System

In terms of reputation, boosting the immune system is astragalus’ claim to fame. It’s been used in this capacity for thousands of years. A study out of Beijing displayed its ability to control t-helper cells 1 and 2, essentially regulating the body’s immune responses.

Contains Antioxidative, Anti-Aging, and Longevity Capabilities

Astragalus is well-known for its anti-aging effect. New and exciting research is currently being conducted that shows that Astragalus does, indeed, have powerful anti-aging properties, slowing the aging process at a cellular level.

Oxidation due to free radical damage is the main component in disease and aging, and many elements found in astragalus fight free radical damage and prevent of oxidative stress. 

It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for longevity, to invigorate qi (vital energy) and to strengthen the body. It seems to have solid scientific basis too, since a component of Astragalus called cycloastragenol is found to increase telomerase, an enzyme that promotes telomere health. Telomeres are the end portions of DNA; they get shortened every time the cell undergoes division. Hence, telomere length is a more reliable indicator of biological age and longevity than the chronological age of a person.

Slows or Prevents the Growth of Tumors

Many recent screenings have shown the success of astragalus saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides in decreasing or eliminating tumors. In instances of chemoresistance treating liver cancer, astragalus has shown potential in reversing multidrug resistance and as an addition to conventional chemotherapy, according to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

Protects the Cardiovascular System

The flavonoids present in astragalus are antioxidants that help prevent plaque buildup in arteries and narrowing of vessel walls by protecting the inner wall of the vessel. In addition, a 2014 study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine suggests injection of astragalus, combined with conventional treatment for viral myocarditis (inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall), makes treatment more successful in heart conditions.

Other studies have shown its ability to reduce blood pressure and level of triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides put individuals at risk for many forms of heart disease, such as stroke, heart attack and hardening of artery walls.

During a heart attack, heart muscle damage occurs when there is a lack of blood supply and oxygen. At that time, calcium overload creates secondary damage. Astragalus may prevent additional heart muscle damage by regulating calcium homeostasis in the heart.

Regulates and Prevents Diabetes and Illnesses Related to Diabetes

Astragalus has been studied progressively as an antidiabetic. Studies show its ability to relieve insulin resistance and treat diabetes naturally. The herb’s collection of saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides all are effective in treating and regulating type 1 and 2 diabetes. They’re able to increase insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin) and also act as anti-inflammatories in areas related to diabetes symptoms. 

Kidney disease in diabetics is also a common problem, and astragalus has been used to treat kidney illness for many years. More recent studies in humans and animals have shown astragalus can slow the progress of kidney problems in diabetics and protect the renal system.

Aids in Wound Healing and Minimizes Scarring

Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, astragalus has a long history of treating wounds. Radix astragali, another name for the dried root of astragalus, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the repair and regeneration of injured organs and tissues.

In a 2012 study by the Institute of Pharmaceutics at Zhejiang University, wounds treated with astragaloside IV (the active ingredient in dried astragalus root) showed recovery rates increase two- to threefold over 48–96 hours. It was concluded that astragalus is a promising natural product for anti-scarring and healing in wounds.

Alleviates Symptoms of Chemotherapy

Astragalus has been shown to help patients receiving chemotherapy to recover more quickly and extend their life spans. In cases of severe chemotherapy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bone marrow suppression, astragalus has been given intravenously and in combination with other Chinese herbal mixtures. Early research suggests its ability to reduce these symptoms and increase the efficacy of the chemotherapy treatments.

Treats Colds and Flu

Because of astragalus’ antiviral capabilities, it has long been used to treat common colds and the flu. It’s commonly combined with other herbs like ginseng, angelica and licorice. As with many other natural cold remedies, it seems to work better when used when healthy individuals use the supplement regularly in order to prevent the illness before it happens. A regimen of astragalus before the colder months of winter may help to prevent or decrease the number of colds and upper respiratory illnesses individuals will have throughout the season.

Provides Supplemental Therapy for Chronic Asthma

Astragalus has been used to treat chronic asthma and determined to be a successful supplemental therapy and asthma natural remedy. After being treated, hypersensitivity in airways decreased substantially and mucus production and inflammation were reduced in studies. By preventing or reducing asthma attacks, individuals could be relieved of chronic asthma issues.

Sexual Health

Traditionally prescribed in Chinese Medicine for male infertility, Astragalus has now been scientifically proven to increase sperm motility in a study conducted by the Institutes of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Medicine. It is extremely supportive of male hormones, by balancing glucose levels it can optimise testosterone and growth hormone levels. 

There is also evidence to suggest astragalus can successfully:

• prevent collagen degradation 
• help heal lung tissue affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns
• inhibit herpes simplex virus 1 
• prevent the replication of viruses like Coxsackie B-3, a virus that triggers illnesses ranging from mild stomach issues to major heart complications
• treat inflammation in allergic dermatitis (an allergic reaction of the skin) 
• help treat hepatitis by inhibiting hepatitis B virus cells in the liver
• treat HIV by protecting t-helper cells fight the virus for much longer
• be used as a mild diuretic 

Typical Use

Astragalus Tincture: 3 - 5 ml, three times a day. Powdered Astragalus root: 1/2g - 1g, three or four times per day.

Precautions

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Astragalus.

Also read:

• He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): The Herb of Intuition and Longevity
• Schizandra, The Quintessence of Tonic Herbs
• The amazing benefits of Ashwagandha

People who fret over minor things for more than a day have a much higher risk of chronic disease

It's time to let go of the minor upsets. People who get easily agitated by a family argument or flat tire have a much higher risk of developing chronic diseases years later, new research has found.

A study of more than 1,000 people found those who dwelled for more than 24 hours on mundane stressors had much weaker immune systems and more heart problems 10 years down the line. By contrast, those who could 'let it go' did not experience significant health changes over the decade-long study. 

The findings, published today in the journal Psychological Science, provide some of the clearest evidence to date that negative emotions can impact physical health. More importantly, the researchers at the University of California, Irvine said, the study hammers home that everyday upsets can be just as damaging to our minds and bodies as major traumatic events like divorce or death.

'Our research shows negative emotions that linger after even minor, daily stressors have important implications for our long term physical health,' said Kate Leger, a graduate teaching assistant at UC Irvine.

'When most people think of the types of stressors that impact health, they think of the big things, major life events that severely impact their lives, such as the death of a loved one or getting divorced.

'But accumulating findings suggest it is not just the big events, but minor, everyday stressors that can impact our health as well.' 

Leger and her team analyzed 1,155 people in the Midlife in the United States Survey, a nationally representative study of adults. In the survey, the participants answered questions about the daily stressors they had experienced across eight consecutive days - and the effect they had on them. Each day they reported how much of the time over the previous 24 hours they had felt a variety of emotions, such as being lonely, afraid, irritable and angry. 

The subsequent part of the study took place a decade later, when they completed surveys that assessed their chronic illnesses and functional limitations.

All together, Leger found a simple flat tire, bad grade or argument has an effect on an individual's health when the bad feeling it generates spills over into the following day. 

Critically, this revealed a link between lingering bad feelings in response to a stressor and a greater number of health problems. These included chronic illnesses, functional impairments and difficulties with everyday tasks. The associations remained regardless of individuals' gender, education and health at the outset. And they held even after the researchers took their same day emotional responses and average number of stressors into account. 

Leger said: 'This means health outcomes don't just reflect how people react to daily stressors, or the number of stressors they are exposed to.

'There is something unique about how negative they feel the next day that has important consequences for physical health.'

The researchers suggest the phenomenon could play out through activation of stress-related systems or through health behaviors - two potential mechanisms that offer avenues for future research. 

Leger added: 'Stress is common in our everyday lives. It happens at work, it happens at school, it happens at home and in our relationships.

'Our research shows the strategy to 'just let it go' could be beneficial to our long term physical health.' 

[dailymail]

Also read:

• Impatience speeds up aging in DNA: People with quick tempers ages faster
• Want to live longer? Think positively!
• Positive thinking: Just believing you are healthy cuts your risk of early death by 71%