The flu season hit harder than expected, I mean even Boston had to declare a state of emergency due to the extreme number of flu cases. This article came out just in time, read on and learn! This is the article I did this month for New Living Magazine. I will be writing for them every other month, so if you are looking to see some of my latest research, writings and rants, if you live in the Nassau County area in Long Island, NY look for them at your local health stores!
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Ancient Chinese herbs have been known to contain powerful properties that have been used as remedies for centuries. The Chinese have been logging their medicinal uses for herbs as early as 100AD. The power of Chinese herbal remedies and supplements are often overlooked in America where synthetic chemical based supplements have long been king. One remarkable ancient Chinese remedy for flu season is the Astragalus Root whose Chinese name Huang Qi is not common to the local markets or the typical supplement store. However, it is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine. Astragalus Root has been said to have a broad range of benefits. The main power of this root is its ability to boost the immune system. During this time of year a boost to the immune system is just want many of us need to clear our heads from oncoming sickness. Here we will go over the history of the root, the most recent studies and current uses of this Chinese remedy.
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) is one of the oldest plants to be used medicinally dating back to about 200BC. It was known even then to balance the body systems and to be good for the lungs and spleen. The Chinese name Huang Qi translates to “Yellow Leader”, the name is given for the unique yellow color of the root of this plant. According to “The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs” – astragalus boosts the immune system by “stabilizing the exterior” and strengthening the “chi.” In Western terminology strengthening the “chi” translates loosely in to strengthening the immune system. The Chinese knew and understood the powers of this root and how it could fight against disease and increase overall vitality, long before anyone knew about bacteria, white blood cells, or the immune system.
In a recent scientific study from Sept 2012 in PLoS One a Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal, titled “Therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV (AGS-IV) on myocardial injuries; multi-target identification and network analysis” covered what exactly are the therapeutic benefits of the main active ingredient AGS-IV in astragulus do to the body. The study concluded that the therapeutic effects of AGS-IV are based upon a combination of benefits such as blocking calcium influx, vasodilation, anti-thrombosis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and immune regulation. The effects of this powerful combination all lead to super-charging the immune system by improving its capacity. The study proved that astragalus root definitely has some merit in being one of the powerful Chinese supplements that can benefit us during the winter months.
In a 2008 study published by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas. The study examined the immuno-modulatory effects of Astragalus with great potential for the herb to treat immune disorders and modulate immune-related challenges. This study concluded “That the historical use of astragalus as a therapeutic agent may be due to reduction in the pro-inflammatory response that indirectly leads to limiting of clinical symptoms during infection’. Though this study looked into how astragalus can affect systemic infections the research also stated that astragalus does not treat the actual virus, but has an effect on the immune system that improves its response. This root is a main staple in traditional Chinese medicine for a reason and these are just a couple of the studies that prove why.
The Astragulus Root is a must add supplement to those who live in colder climates during this time of year when cold and flus spread like wildfire. To be effective, this supplement must be taken throughout the winter season and not just when symptoms appear. Astragalus can be taken as a capsule or as a tea. The capsule is better to regulate the dosage. Dosage should not exceed 25g a day. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, during the winter 250mg-500mg in capsule form taken daily is plenty to ward off the colds and flus that may come.
Joey Olivo is a Master Trainer at Synergy Fitness Franklin Square. His specialty is training for extreme fat loss results and strength gains. Read his blog at joeysgymclass.com, and find him online at facebook.com/joeysgymclass. If you would like to set up a live speaking engagement, a personal consultation for training and nutrition, or you want to attend one of his unique high-energy small group classes, feel free to contact him at [email protected] for information.
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Hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think!
Stay strong,
Joey
