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Astragalus Herb

10/29/2014

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Another great herb that I have used for decades is Astragalus. It's not for those that have auto-immune diseases though, but for most of us it is an amazing herb to use and I highly recommend it. You can obtain this in a pre-digested form from Pure Herbs. Just send me a note and I will email you how to obtain it! Here is what the University of Maryland Medical Center has to say about this wonder plant:

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It was often combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease. Astragaus is called an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress.
Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver.
Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes use it on the skin for wound care. In addition, studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent colds.
In the United States, researchers have looked at astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements seem to help people recover faster and live longer. Research on using astragalus for people with AIDS has produced mixed results.
Recent research in China suggests that, because astragalus is an antioxidant, it may help people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving heart function. At low-to-moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects. However, it does interact with a number of other herbs and prescription medications. Astragalus may also be a mild diuretic, meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid.
Plant Description
Astragalus is a perennial plant, about 16 - 36 inches tall, that is native to the northern and eastern parts of China as well as Mongolia and Korea. It has hairy stems with leaves made up of 12 - 18 pairs of leaflets. The root is the medicinal part of the plant, and is usually harvested from 4-year-old plants.
Parts Used
The dried root is used medicinally.
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Astragalus has been used for the following:
Adaptogen -- protects the body from stress and disease
Anemia -- One early study suggested astragalus may improve blood counts in people with aplastic anemia. The study was poorly designed, so more research is needed.
Colds and influenza -- In TCM, astragalus is used as part of an herbal combination to prevent or treat colds, although TCM theory holds that, in some cases, it may make colds worse. Evidence in animal and laboratory tests suggests it may act against viruses like the ones that cause colds.
Diabetes -- Astragalus appears to lower blood sugar. More studies are needed to determine whether it can help treat diabetes.
Fatigue or lack of appetite from chemotherapy -- Some studies suggest astragalus may help reduce side effects from chemotherapy. The studies have not been well designed, however. More research is needed.
Heart disease -- Several studies suggest that astragalus may act as an antioxidant and help treat heart disease. Other studies suggest astragalus may help lower cholesterol levels. 
Hepatitis -- A few studies have used a combination of herbs containing astragalus to treat hepatitis. Results have been mixed.
Kidney disease -- Preliminary research suggests astragalus may help protect the kidneys and may help treat kidney disease. More studies are needed.
Seasonal allergies -- One study found that astragalus may help reduce symptoms in people who have allergic rhinitis or hayfever.
Available Forms
Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:
Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)
Capsules and tablets, standardized and non-standardized
Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings in Asian countries
Topically for the skin
How to Take It
Pediatric
There is not a lot of scientific evidence about giving astragalus to children, so ask your doctor first. According to TCM, you should not give astragalus to a child with fever because the herb may make the fever last longer or grow stronger. Dosage should be determined by your doctor.
Adult
Dosage depends on condition being treated, age, and weight. Work with your physician to determine the safest and most effective dosage for you. Higher doses may suppress the immune system. For best results, use a standardized astragalus supplement. Recommended doses are as follows:
Standardized extract: 250 - 500 mg, 3 - 4 times a day standardized to 0.4% 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone 7-sug.
Decoction (strong boiled tea): 3 - 6 g of dried root per 12 oz water, 3 times per day
Fluid extract (1:1) in 25% ethanol: 2 - 4 mL, 3 times a day
Powdered root: 250 - 500 mg, 3 - 4 times per day
Ointment: 10% astragalus applied to surface of wound. Do not apply to open wound without your doctor's supervision.
Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: 20 - 60 drops, 3 times a day
Precautions
At recommended doses, astragalus has no serious side effects and can generally be used safely. It does interact with other herbs and medications (see Possible Interactions section).
Evidence about whether astragalus is safe for women who are breastfeeding or nursing is lacking. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.
People with autoimmune disease should speak with their doctor first before taking Astagalus because it may stimulate the immune system.
Many practitioners recommend against using any single "adaptogenic" herbs over long periods of time. Instead, they might suggest rotating among several "adaptogens" every couple of months.
Possible Interactions
If you take any of the following medications, you should not use astragalus without first asking your doctor:
Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Astragalus may interfere with these drugs. If you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or take cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients, or corticosteroids, do not take astragalus.
Lithium -- Astragalus can make it harder for the body to get rid of lithium, so dangerously high levels of the drug could build up.
Supporting Research
Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, et al. Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002;23(8):757-761.
Cheng Y, Tang K, Wu S, et al. Astragalus polysaccharides lowers plasma cholesterol through mechanisms distinct from statins. PLoS One. 2011; 6(11):e27437.
Duan P, Wang ZM. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.2002;22(7):515-517.
Hao Y, Qiu QY, Wu J. [Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in promoting neutrophil-vascular endothelial cell adhesion and expression of related adhesive molecules]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(5):427-430.
Hei ZQ, Zhang JJ, Lin SQ, et al. [Effects of Astragalus membranaceus injection on nitric oxide and endothelin concentration of intestinal mucosa after hemorrhage shock-reperfusion in rats]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004;29(5):444-447.
Kim SH, Lee SE, Oh H, et al. The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinesemedicine astragalus. J Chin Med. 2002;30(1):127-137.
Li M, Wang W, Xue J, Gu Y, Lin S. Meta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathy. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011; 133(2):412-9.
Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF. [Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004;24(2):121-123.
Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, et al. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2010;24:175-81.
Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;320(4):1103-1111.
Shi FS, Yang ZG, Di GP. [Effect of Astragalus saponin on vascular endothelial cell and its function in burn patients]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001;21(10):750-751.
Wang D, Zhuang Y, Tian Y, Thomas GN, Ying M, Tomlinson B. Study of the effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus on atherosclerosis formation and potential mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longrev. 2012; 2012:282383.
Yang QY, Lu S, Sun HR. Clinical effect of Astragalus granule of different dosages on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Chin J Integr Med. 2011; 17(2):146-9.
Alternative Names
Astragalus membranaceus; Astragalus mongholicus; Huang-qi; Milk-vetch root

Source: Astragalus | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/astragalus#ixzz3HZavmIUD 
University of Maryland Medical Center 
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Oil of Cajeput

10/3/2014

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One of the most amazing herbs that I would never want to be without in my medicine cabinet is an amazing oil from India that has applications for almost anything...Well...almost anything!  I have used this for 15 years now and it is great for muscular pain and cramps of any sort and if a cold begins coming on...you really want to get this onto your chest and even the bottoms of your feet, as it will go into the body from there too. It is far better then Vicks VapoRub Ointment which has that horrible petroleum in it. When you use the Oil of Cajeput you get a pure oil and it is so powerful and one bottle will last for a year or more!!!! Of course that depends on how it is used, but my bottles last for years and it will not spoil with a shelf life of 5 or more years. For those with muscle pain or cramps you can use it daily! This oil is just amazing and one of our Creator's great ideas for healing. Just email me at: Jody@LivingWellCenter.Org if you would like to order a 4 oz bottle and see for yourself what this herb does! If you leave me your phone number and the best times to call you I will get back to you as soon as I can. 

Here is what we have read about this amazing Pure Herbs Oil of Cajeput: 

Comes to us from the tropics of India and the Molucca Islands of Indonesia. This small tree, or tall bush with drooping limbs, is much like a weeping willow, with multiple layers of paper-like-thin bark. Cajeput oil is related, in function, to something called "Tea Tree Oil", but the action, and not unpleasing taste of Cajeput, is preferred by a great many herbalists. 

In spite of its tropical home in a humid, hot environment, the Cajeput tree does not fall prey to fungus or infections because of the antibiotic oil which circulates in its sap.This oil can be taken by people for the same purpose. If candida yeast infections are a problem, then mix three to four drops with a little food and eat at each meal. Naturally, to prevent reinfection, drug antibiotics must be eliminated from the diet, as well as meats, where the animals have been fed on antibiotics as part of their diet. Another thing to consider, is possible reinfection where the yeast problem would be traded back and forth. 

If a cold or the flu, sprinkle a few drops of Oil of Cajeput on a handkerchief or tissue and breathe deeply, as needed, to keep nostrils open. To open stopped up sinuses immediately, put one drop of Oil of Cajeput in one half cup of water distilled is best and irrigate the nose, lean the head back and sniff several drops through the nose into the throat. An eyedropper is a good aid to this procedure. In cases of flu, fever, tight chest and or laryngitis, place one to two drops directly on the tongue and apply several drops to the throat and chest area. Cover up and sweat the mucus loose as the oil penetrates and breaks up the infected mucus. You may cough up mucus as tough as tire treads, but you will be well in a very short time.

Oil of Cajeput is a pain reliever if sinus blockages or headaches occur. Apply the oil to the painful area and the pain leaves. The same can be done for toothaches or tooth abscesses, to clean them. Place one drop of the oil on a cotton ball and lay between the gums and cheek and leave there until relief. For external sores and abscesses that just won't heal, mix one part Oil of Cajeput with three parts olive oil, place on gauze and lay over the area. The area will slough off dis-eased tissue and build healthy, pink, repaired tissue in short order. 

For relief of swollen breast due to congestion, apply full strength to breast externally as needed. For boils and carbuncles generously rub the Oil of Cajeput directly on the area. The oil will penetrate at once and relieve the pain, and mix with the purulent pus material and push it out or dissolve it. Oil of Cajeput is very handy to have around the house for ordinary cuts and scrapes, as well as, serious cuts and gashes. In these cases apply, as needed, full strength to heal without a scar and prevent infection. You need not "medically wash" the area and cause more pain. Just apply, or let drip on, the Oil of Cajeput. 

Swellings around the toenails or fingernails are repaired by a few drops directly applied. Ringworm and external fungus infection, such as athletes foot, are also quickly dispatched by Cajeput. If "dryness" occurs in the area where Oil of Cajeput is used, also apply oil from 100 units vitamin E capsules. 

If head lice, mix one part Oil of Cajeput with three parts of olive oil and apply to the scalp. Leave on overnight and shampoo next morning. Repeat each evening until free of lice. Then, ten days after free of lice, repeat process to kill any remaining lice or hatched eggs. 

In cases of "colitis problems" with hemorrhages, apply 80 drops of Cajeput Oil, three times per day to the abdominal area. When "erosion of the cervix" occurs, douche daily with 5 drops of Cajeput in one cup of distilled water. The same mixture can be used as a vaginal douche for gonorrhea. 

Impatigo can be fully corrected in a short time by direct applications. Oil of Cajeput is truly a potent weapon among our herbal resources for building better health naturally.

DOSE: As given above. 
For mosquito and insect bites, apply directly to the area. To repel mosquitos, apply EXTERNALLY TO EXPOSED AREA. 
Do not get in the eyes. If this happens accidently, flush with water. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


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Go Green!

10/2/2014

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The more living foods you eat that are green and organic...the better your blood will be! Go green and make big salads with sprouts...esp. broccoli sprouts and sunflower seed sprouts if you can find them and use good oils sparingly. Some people think that they are going to have a healthy meal and get a big salad on their plate and pour store bought salad dressings all over the "used to be" healthy salad. Now that just messed up the entire deal...right! Oye! 1 TBL of Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil with lemon, fresh garlic and maybe a touch of tahini. You can blend a larger amount and keep it in a glass bottle in the fridge. That is perfect and now you can enjoy and get creative too by adding fun things like pine nuts, pumpkin seeds or sometimes I love to put in non-sugared cranberries for zest! 
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