Astragalus - The Yellow Leader
Astragalus is a plant that is native to Northern China. The medicinal portion of this plant is the root, which is collected in the spring, needs to be dried for four to seven years. Astragalus Membranaceus, , is the root of a plant member of the Pea family and is native to Northeast China, it is now also cultivated in the United States. In China, the Astragalus root is known by the name "Huang-qi". The name means "Yellow Leader" because it is one of the superior tonic roots used in traditional Chinese medicine. Astragalus was first mentioned in the 2000 year old classic "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing".
Some of the known active components of Astragalus includes flavonoids, free amino acids, trace minerals and polyphenols. Astragalus has been used to stimulate energy and general weakness, lack of appetite, treatment of colds, flu, abdominal ulcers and Diabetes. Astragalus is still widely used today in Chinese medicine and the importance of this herb is becoming known more to our traditional and natural medicine practitioners. Astragalus has been said, that no single compound has such wide ranging effects in the treatment or enhancement of cellular communication. Polysaccharides from Astragalus are used in the enhancement of the Immune System by the use of Glyconutrients. It is known to be a immunostimulant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agent. In China Astragalus is commonly used on Cancer patients undergoing radiation and / or chemotherapy to stimulate their immune system, during and after treatment. Astragalus has been used in the treatment of AIDS, Allergies, Arthritis, Bronchitis, Cancer, Candida, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Heart Disease, Hepatitis, HIV, Hypertension, Immune System, Kidney Disease, Leukemia, Liver Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Debility, Diabetes, Digestion, Edema, Fibromyalgia, Malaria, Stress, Ulcers, Urinary Tract Infections and Vaginitis. Astragalus provides one of the Eight Essential Sugars considered essential to life that are used in Glyconutrients.
Astragalus has been prescribed for centuries for general weakness, chronic illnesses, and to increase overall vitality. The genus Astragalus is a very large group of more than 2,000 species distributed worldwide, and is commonly known as milk-vetch root. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Astragalus is classified as an herb that tonifies the qi and is indicated for symptoms of spleen qi deficiency such as diarrhea, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Astragalus tonifies the lung qi and is used in cases of frequent colds, spontaneous sweating, and shortness of breath. Astragalus is typically prescribed as a dried root, powdered, or in a decoction. Classically, Astragalus is prescribed in combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs, depending on the desired therapeutic effect and the specific TCM diagnosis. Astragalus root has been used to promote immune function and as a tonic to build stamina. Research shows Astragalus root stimulates the immune system in many ways. Astragalus 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 ceils 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.
USES OF ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus is claimed to help the immune system, and to increase the body's resistance to common viruses.
Astragalus helps in preventing colds and influenza
Astragalus acts as a natural treatment for Persistent infection, Fever, Night sweats, Multiple allergies, Shortness of breath, Chronic fatigue, Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy, Anemia, Wounds, Stomach ulcers, Uterine bleeding & Prolapsed uterus.
Astragalus is also used to treat general digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Astragalus promotes resistance against disease & Mild Stimulant.
Astragalus reduces blood pressure by helping to rid the body of excess water weight.
Astragalus may be helpful in congestive heart failure.
Hawthorn Berries - The Heart Tonic
Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) is a small deciduous tree or shrub, with lovely white spring flowers, followed by oval red fruits, or berries. These Hawthorn Berries have been used for heart and circulatory problems for generations. Hawthorn Berries have been used medicinally since the 19th century & has been recognized as a prime source for advantageous nutrition, when an Irish doctor began using it successfully, to treat heart disease. Hawthorn Berries are native to the Mediterranean region and have been most popular in Europe. Hawthorn extract is commonly used as aroma therapy and is known for its benefits on the circulatory system. Hawthorn is perhaps best known for its use in cardiovascular conditions. The folk history of this herb is profound, with applications for several conditions relating to the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn Berries have a long history of use as a heart tonic. The Greeks employed Hawthorn Berries primarily for heart disorders and the Chinese used Hawthorn Berries for both digestion and circulatory problems.
Hawthorn is a flavonoid-rich herb, renowned for its ability to support the normal activity of the heart. Hawthorn has been used for centuries to aid circulation. Hawthorn has the ability to increase oxygen utilization by the heart, it increases enzyme metabolism in the heart muscle, it acts as a very mild dilator of the heart muscles, and it serves as a peripheral vasodilator dilating the blood vessels out in the arms, head and legs; thereby lowering the blood pressure and reducing the burden placed on the heart. Hawthorn has been shown to increase blood flow and improve the heart's metabolism which allows it to function with less oxygen. Hawthorn will dilate blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and this is how it is effective at lowering blood pressure. Hawthorn can actually be used for both high and low blood pressure, because of its strengthening action on the heart. Studies have shown that Hawthorn Berries are excellent for both prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease when used on a regular basis. The active constituents in hawthorn are noted for their antioxidant activity as well.
Hawthorn Berries and Hawthorn supplements are known for their ability to enhance metabolism and the utilization of oxygen in the heart. This allows for protection of the arterial walls and dilation of the coronary blood vessels improving the pumping of the heart. Hawthorn Berries also have anti-oxidant properties and are a great way to get rid of free radicals that damage cells. Hawthorn acts on the body in two ways. First, Hawthorn dilates the blood vessels, especially the coronary vessels, reducing peripheral resistance and thus lowering the blood pressure. Hawthorn is thought to reduce the tendency to experience angina attacks. Second, it apparently has a direct, favorable effect on the heart itself, which is especially noticeable in cases of heart damage. Hawthorn 's action is not immediate, but rather develops very slowly. Its toxicity is low as well, becoming evident only in large doses. It therefore seems to be a relatively harmless heart tonic that apparently yields good results in many conditions. The actions of Hawthorn on the heart tissue make it suitable for use in conditions other than CHF as well. These may include; poor coronary blood flow, angina, and arrhythmias. For the peripheral vascular system, Hawthorn is employed for treatment of elevated blood lipids, lowers serum cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels, Buerger's disease, and atherosclerosis.
BENEFITS OF HAWTHORN BERRIES
Hawthorn is antispasmodic, cardiac, and sedative. Hawthorn is said to normalize blood pressure by regulating heart beat, and will lower the blood pressure. Heart muscle weakened by age will be greatly benefited by Hawthorn, and it is helpful in arteriosclerosis, and with nervous heart problems.
These medicinal benefits are thought to be due to a combination of the amines and the flavonoids. Hawthorn effects are not instant, but taken over a period of months Hawthorn will reduce symptoms and act as a tonic to the heart. Chinese usage in the digestive system suggests the use of Hawthorn to ease digestion of meat and greasy foods, and where there is pain, distension, and diarrhea. Many studies have shown that Hawthorn dilates coronary blood vessels, allowing the heart to be supplied with vital oxygen and nutrients. The various flavonoids present in hawthorn neutralize certain substances from constricting blood vessels.
This occurs not only because of the increased blood and oxygen supply to the heart, but also because of enhanced metabolism within the heart muscle itself. The result is an increase in the force of contraction. This is why using Hawthorn has been shown to be beneficial in cases of congestive heart failure and various heart rhythm disturbances such as arrhythmia and heart palpitations
In addition, Hawthorn has mild sedative properties which may be another reason it is so beneficial to those who are anxious, nervous and stressed -- commonly associated with heart problems.
USES OF HAWTHORN BERRIES
Hawthorn Berries are effective in relieving restlessness and insomnia and tension.
Hawthorn Berries acts as Anti-spasmodic by preventing and relieves spasms.
Hawthorn Berries is a natural heart tonic and restorative
Hawthorn Berries may aids in digestion.
Hawthorn Berries restores, nourishes, and supports the heart; it exerts a gently strengthening effect on the heart.
Hawthorn Berries restores, nourishes, and supports the entire body; it exerts a gently strengthening effect on the body
Hawthorn Berries facilitates and regularizes menstrual flow.
Hawthorn Berries are effectively used to increase blood pressure.
Hair Loss and Quit Smoking Product
Hair loss : What is the normal cycle of hair growth and loss?
At any one time, about 10 percent of the hair on your scalp is in a resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place. This growing phase lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time.
It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss.
What causes excessive hair loss?
A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary.
Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment of the thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.
Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.
Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine.
Certain infections can cause hair loss. Children may have hair loss caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines.
Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.
Can improper care of my hair cause hair loss?
Yes. If you wear pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia (say: "al-oh-pee-sha"). If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss.
by Dr . Brian Kennet
