Herbs for Immune Health
Strengthen Your Defences – Naturally
taken from http://www.suntenglobal.com/news/show.php?ID=548
Sometimes the immune system needs a little extra support. Take cold and flu season for example, when nasty germs seem to be flying around everywhere and anywhere.
How are Germs Spread?
During cold and flu months we spend more time indoors, where airborne viruses can easily pass from one person to the next.
It’s thought that viruses are spread mainly by droplets that are made when people who have a cold or flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Those little drops can be inhaled by others or land in the mouths or noses of those nearby.
Take a Herbal Boost
Several herbs can help boost immune health, helping to prevent colds and flu, shorten their duration, and reduce symptoms once they’ve started.
Astragalus
Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Native to China,Mongolia, and Korea, astragalus contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Astragalus is used to support the immune system, lower blood pressure, treat diabetes, and protect the liver. It appears that astragalus has antiviral properties and may stimulate the immune system, helping to prevent the onset of colds and influenza.
Major known ingredients: D-β-asparagine, 2’4’-dihydroxy-5,6-dimethoxyisoflavane, calycosin, formononetin, cycloastragenol, astragalosides, choline, betaine, kumatakenin, sucrose, glucoronic acid, β-sitosterol
Major Combination:
- With Radix Ginseng (Ren Shen) for general debility, reduced appetite, fatigue, and spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency.
- With Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) for weakness, and loose stools associated with Spleen qi deficiency.
Found in formulas such as:
Strengthen Spleen and Heart (Gui Pi Tang)
Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang)
