Astragalus is an herb in Chinese Medicine used to support the immune system. It’s considered an adaptogen, which means it stimulates the body’s resistance to environmental, emotional, and physical stress. Astragalus contains more than 100 plant compounds including flavonoids, amino acids, polysaccharides, and saponins. The roots of the astragalus plant are made into capsules, tinctures, powders, and teas. It’s known to enhance the immune system, improve kidney function, heart function, and blood sugar levels.
Let’s look at these six incredible health benefits of astragalus.
- Boosts the immune system. A review of 19 studies found that astragalus improved immune responses while lowering cytokines. It stimulates the production of white blood cells like T-cells and macrophages with its plant components of polysaccharides. It also enhances the body’s ability to reduce inflammation and fight infections. I can attest to the power of astragalus. I’d never heard of it until I was in the cancer journey.
After my first chemotherapy, my oncologist ordered a Neulasta shot, which is a modern drug that helps to boost your white blood cells after chemotherapy. Since I was doing so many things to support my immune system, I declined the shot due to side effects. I wanted to see if I could handle the chemotherapy without getting it. About ten days after my first round of chemotherapy, my blood work showed I was neutropenic, which means my white blood cells had dropped from 5.0 to 1.5. I was at the beach with my family when my oncologist told me to immediately quarantine away from everyone and not eat any food with bacteria. If I even walked on the beach and pricked my skin with a shell, or ate any food with any bacteria, I could die!
Needless to say, we were scared. But my naturopathic doctor at the cancer center told me to send my husband to a natural pharmacy to buy astragalus for me. I panicked because it was too late now to take the Neulasta shot, and if my white blood cells did not return to normal, my chemotherapy schedule would have to be put on hold. So I began taking the astragalus at the dosage she prescribed, and within five days, my white blood cells returned to the normal range, and I was able to keep on my chemotherapy schedule. I’d learned my lesson, and after the next chemotherapy, I got that Neulasta shot! It was clearly the astragalus that saved me after that first chemotherapy.
By keeping my chemotherapy schedule on time, it allowed me to join my family in Hawaii for our 40th wedding anniversary.
- Helps with colds and upper respiratory infections. Popular immune boosting remedies for colds and flu include astragalus, elderberry, echinacea, and goldenseal. Although not a cure for asthma or allergies, astragalus extract has also shown tremendous relief for those with allergies. This makes me wonder if this herb would benefit anyone who has Covid-19.
- Improves healthy blood flow and cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in astragalus have been proven in research to reverse atherosclerosis in animals. Some studies suggest that it may reduce the symptoms of myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle. It also supports healthy blood flow and has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help in reducing inflammation with benefits for heart health.
- May improve kidney function. Astragalus supports kidney function by improving filtration processes and lowering oxidative stress. It also boosts blood flow and reduces protein in the urine.
- Has anticancer benefits and may help control side effects of chemotherapy. Astragalus fights cancer by enhancing the immune system’s God-given defenses against cancer cell growth. Astragalus has been found to increase the effects of chemotherapy in human studies. It can also prevent the spread of cancer.
In addition to its anticancer benefits, astragalus may also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. I’ve already mentioned how it helped me to boost my white blood cells after my first chemotherapy. According to a research review of multiple studies on patients receiving chemotherapy, astragalus reduced nausea and vomiting.
- May help regulate blood sugar levels. The flavonoids and polysaccharides in astragalus improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood glucose levels. In an analysis of 13 studies, astragalus was reported to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. Type 2 diabetes results from ineffective use of insulin due to insulin resistance and deficient glucose metabolism. Astragalus helps with both.
Astragalus is a wonder herb to many. Known as an herb with anti-aging properties, it helps prevent chronic illnesses and reduces oxidative stress. It can protect against diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and even neurological diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. As an adaptogen, it can boost the immune system and help your body deal with stress.
As with all herbs, astragalus has some cautions. It’s not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers due to not enough studies. Some people might experience gastrointestinal issues, itching, and rashes when using it. As with any herb or medication, it can react with other herbs and medications. For example, doctors don’t recommend taking astragalus with certain heart medications or if being treated for autoimmune disorders and transplants because it stimulates the immune system. It’s best to check with your healthcare professional before using and for proper dosage.
Have you ever heard of astragalus before? If so, how have you used it?
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Six Incredible Health Benefits of Astragalus
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For Your Health,
Ginny
Ginny Dent Brant is a speaker and writer who grew up in the halls of power in Washington, DC. She has battled cancer, ministered around the world, and served on the front lines of American culture as a counselor, educator, wellness advocate, and adjunct professor. Brant’s award-winning book, Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World, was endorsed by Chuck Colson and featured in many TV and media interviews. Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer was released in May 2020 after her journey with cancer and was recently awarded the First Place Golden Scrolls Award for Memoirs, a finalist in Serious Writers Book of the Decade, and Second Place in both Selah Awards for Memoirs and Director’s Choice Award for Nonfiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. It recently received the Christian Authors Network’s (CAN) Gold Award for Excellence in Marketing for reaching 62.5 million people with a message of cancer prevention and survival. It was written with commentary from an oncologist and was featured on CBN’s Healthy Living Show, Atlanta Live, and CTN’s Homekeepers along with over 75 media outlets. Learn more and cancer and wellness prevention blog and book information at www.ginnybrant.com.
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**** This content is strictly the opinion of Ginny Brant and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Ginny Brant nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program. ****
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