Astragalus root is best known for its powerful immune system boosting capabilities. It has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs, to strengthen the body against disease. Astragalus is an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. It has antioxidant effects that naturally inhibit free radical production. Astragalus may be beneficial for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections and help to lower both blood sugar and blood pressure.

Astragalus has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used topically for wounds. In the United States, researchers have investigated astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy. Research using astragalus for people with AIDS has so far produced inconclusive results.

Recent research in China indicates that astragalus may offer antioxidant benefits to people with severe forms of heart disease, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. At low-to-moderate doses, astragalus has few side effects, although it may interact with other herbs and prescription medications. Astragalus may also have mild diuretic (rids the body of excess fluid) activity.

Modern Chinese clinical studies have found that the herb contains an anti-clotting agent and has vaso-dilating properties, helping to prevent coronary heart disease and improving circulation. Chinese researchers have had good preliminary results using Astragalus compounds called astragalosides in treating congestive heart failure.

Astragalus Root is said to help strengthen and restore normal immune function in seriously debilitated patients. Many modern researchers claim that the herb appears to increase the production of the body's T-cells (white blood cells), which attack the invaders that cause disease, and seems to protect healthy cells while defending against unhealthy cells. The herb also activates the important malignant growth suppressing gene p53 that prevents defective cells from multiplying. Gene p53 acts as a "molecular patrolman" that ensures that genetically defective cells do not multiply and may reduce the risk of serious colorectal, breast and other malignant diseases.

According to clinical trials from the University of California, Berkeley, Astragalus was shown to increase chemotherapy efficacy and reduce toxicity when combined with platinum-based chemotherapy to improve survival and tumor response for systemic treatments for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. Astragalus has been shown to have immunologic benefits by stimulating macrophage and natural killer cell activity and inhibiting T-helper cell type 2 cytokines.

Astragalus Root has been traditionally used to help with the following conditions:

* Adaptogen - protects the body from stress
* Colds and influenza
* Persistent infection
* Fever
* Multiple allergies
* Asthma
* Chronic fatigue
* Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy
* Anemia
* Wounds
* Cardiovascular support
* Kidney function
* Reduce Blood Sugar
* Stomach ulcers
* Digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas and bloating

Suggested Use: Mix 2 teaspoons with juice, yogurt, add to your favorite smoothie, or infuse into a tea.

Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus

Other Names: Milk Vetch Root, Huang Qi

Origin: China - Certified Organic

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the best raw and organic products available. Our Astragalus Root powder is certified organic and passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals, and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalfoods.com offers Organic Astragalus Root powder packaged in airtight stand-up, re-sealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Organic Astragalus Root powder in a cool, dark, dry place.