Astragalus Root
Seven Health Benefits Of Astragalus Root
Astragalus is a dietary supplement which is also called milk vetch root or Huang qi. It is regarded as an immune system booster and can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses and diseases. It is believed to work by stimulating the immune system as well as prevent the production free radicals. Free radicals are associated with many health problems including aging.
Out of the over 2000 species of Astragalus, only two are reputed for their medicinal purposes; Astragalus-membranaceus and Astragalus-mongholicus. The root of this plants are the only parts used for medicinal purposes.
Astragalus possess saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which accounts for its tremendous health benefits. Below are seven health benefits of this wonderful herb;
1) It has anti-inflammatory capacity:
The saponin and polysaccharide present in Astragalus root help to reduce inflammatory response that comes from several diseases and illnesses such as diabetes kidney diseases, heart disease, and arthritis.
2) It boosts the immune system:
This is the most popular and accepted benefit of Astragalus. For many years, people have used this herb to improve immune system capacity. The herb has been observed to be able to control T-helper cells 1 and 2. T-helper cells are the most important type of cell in immunology. They help to activate other immune system cells to fight against invasion. Thus, controlling or boosting the capacity of t-helper cells is improving the immune system as a whole.
3) It helps protect the cardiovascular system:
Astragalus protects the cardiovascular system in a number of ways. Firstly, it helps prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries which could result in the thinning of a vessel wall. A narrowed artery forces the heart to work more than normal. Also, in the treatment of viral myocarditis, a combination of conventional treatment and Astragalus injection increases the chances of a successful treatment. The root is also reputed for reducing blood pressure and the level of triglycerides present in the system. High level of triglycerides increases the risk of a heart attack as well as the hardening of the arteries.
4) It helps prevents and regulate diabetes and other related diseases:
Astragalus root has been known to help treat diabetes naturally. Its combination of polysaccharide, saponins, and flavonoids help in the treatment of the two most popular type of diabetes (type 1 and 2). They increase insulin sensitivity as well as protect the cells responsible for insulin production and release (pancreatic beta cells). It has also been used in the treatment of kidney illnesses.
5) It has antioxidant and anti-aging capabilities:
Aging and majority of health problems that confront mankind result from oxidation that comes from free radical damage. Astragalus root possesses elements that fight the production of free radicals and hence prevent oxidative stress.
6) It helps in healing of wounds:
Due to its anti-inflammatory capacity, Astralagus has been used in the treatment of wounds and repair of damaged organs and tissues.
7) Reduces chemotherapy symptoms:
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have been known to use Astralagus root to suppress symptoms associated with this therapy. It also helps to improve the efficacy of the treatment helping the patient recover quicker.