The Food Mill, Ashwagandha Liquid Capsules

Astragalus has been used for centuries to help keep immune function optimal by restoring, strengthening and increasing vitality (adaptogenic). It stimulates deep immunity and is best for immune deficiency where one gets sick easily or is prone to viral and bacterial infections. It will excite white blood cells, natural killer, increase T-cell activity, interferon and other immune activity. The active constituents include polysaccharides (glucans), saponins (astragalosides), flavonoids and phytosterols, all of which contribute to the positive actions of Astragalus. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears to help trigger immune cells from a “resting” state into heightened activity. One study showed Astragalus root helps promote and maintain respiratory health. It also enhances the body’s production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. Astragalus can help activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Astragalus stimulated NK-cell activity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and restored steroid-inhibited NK-cell activity in another study. Traditionally, Astragalus is used when not acute. In other words, use it in between acute episodes in order to boost immunity and avoid frequent acute episodes. Astragalus is indicated for those who get sick frequently, for illnesses that do not resolve in a reasonable time, for those who get sick time after time. It is also indicated for those using antibiotics frequently. Think of it as an herbal flu shot, so take it before the immune season begins, especially for the elderly, the young and the immune suppressed. Astragalus is the best immune herb for support in chemotherapy. It is an adjunctive cancer therapy. It will help keep white blood cell counts in the normal range and prevent opportunistic infections from occurring. It can help keep HIV patients immune function in the normal range.