Astragalus, the unsung cancer fighter

Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been around for over 4,000 years. Astragalus is an adaptogenic, nontoxic herb and plant extract that helps the body resist the damaging effects of stress while restoring normal physiological function. Astragalus aids adrenal function, digestion, metabolism, combats fatigue and increases stamina. Astragalus is very effective in helping people with AIDS and has even proven to have an anti-tumor effect and can increase the efficacy of chemotherapy.

A native plant of China, astragalus is officially known as astragalus membranaceus: AKA Milk Vetch Root and Huang Qi. Astragalus is a perennial plant that grows up to 4 feet tall. The root of the plant has a sweet taste and contains choline, flavonoids, amino acids-gamma aminobutyric acid, canavanine, beta-sitosterol, saponins (astragalosides) and oil. The primary actions of astragalus are adaptogenic and immunomodulating. The secondary actions are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, cardiotonic, diuretic and hepatoprotective.

Medicinal Use

Astragalus is an herb that has actions in nearly all of the body systems. It is used to treat chronic colds, Epstein Barr Virus, HIV and candida by preventing infection recurrence. Astragalus stimulates bone marrow blood cells while enhancing deep immune strength. Studies show that the polysaccharides in astragalus increase phagocytosis (the engulfing of microorganism invaders by the immune system), increase production of immunoglobulins and macrophages and modulate the pituitary-adrenal cortical activity. Astragalus protects the kidneys and lungs from damage from autoantibody complexes, regulates sweating, decreases fatigue and increases tolerance to stress.

Astragalus protects against oxidative damage by increasing mitochondrial function without increasing the mitochondrial oxygen consumption. In the liver, astragalus is a mild choleretic and also increases repairs in chronic viral hepatitis while reducing inflammation and other symptoms. Astragalus also lengthens telomeres for longevity (TA 65 is a very pricey extract made from Astragalus that is touted to reduce all the effects of aging and mimics pretty much all the benefits of the inexpensive herb form of astragalus). Astragalus even increases motility of human sperm.

Astragalus is considered to be a cardiac tonic. In the cardiovascular system, the saponins in astragalus inhibit lipid peroxidation in the myocardium and one study using patients with angina revealed that cardiac output increased after two weeks of treatment. Astragalus strengthens left ventricular function and reduces free radical damage in patients after a heart attack and increases super oxide dismutase activity in cardiac muscle.

Astragalus: the unsung cancer fighter

Studies at the University of Houston have shown that astragalus can improve immune function in cancer patients by increasing T-cell counts. Astragalus increases the ability of NK cells and T-cells to kill cancer cells while switching on the anti-tumor activity of Interleukin-2. In chemotherapy treatments astragalus provides anti-neoplastic activity and decreases immunosupression. Astragalus reduces the consequences with both chemo and radiation of fatigue, weight loss, anemia, nausea and loss of strength while increasing WBC production for leucopenia (a common side effect of immunosuppressive therapy), thereby decreasing life-threatening infections.

Even though this incredible herb is listed on the Botanical Herbs Board Exams and in the Compendium of Pharmacological Actions of Medicinal Plants and Their Constituents, naming the benefits of astragalus can bring a warning letter from both the FDA and FTC, as Dr. Andrew Weil found out when he listed the benefits of taking astragalus to prevent the swine flu. So don't expect to see any of this information on a vitamin or herb label. Despite what modern medicine and the FDA says, healing did occur long before pharmaceuticals were invented. True health comes by good foods, minerals, herbs, fasting and cleansing. Astragalus is a good guy for natural health!

Sources:

Compendium of Pharmacological Actions of Medicinal Plants and Their Constituents, Compiled and copyrighted by Eric Yarnell, ND Actions of Medicinal Plants 2007 Eric Yarnell, ND

Zhang CZ, Wang SX, Zhang Y, Chen JP, Liang XM. "In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms." J Ethnopharmacol 2005;98(3):295-300.

Nutrition 740 notes Spring 2006, Dr. Mona Morstein, SCNM

http://www.cancertutor.com/WarBetween/War_Cure_Rates.html http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/pdfs/121581-151.pdf

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035924_astragalus_cancer_prevention.html#ixzz1vdXAVVBA

Parsley is an effective antioxidant, diuretic, blood tonic, and more

Parsley, that little piece of leafy green garnish that seems to decorate every plate in restaurants all across the U.S., is actually a serious herb which packs a powerful punch. Most people smile and ask sheepishly, "Are we supposed to eat it?" If it is certified organic parsley, then the answer is "yes." Parsley leaf is loaded with antioxidants and is a fantastic diuretic. The herb is a wonderful kidney aid, helping to get rid of kidney stones and edema (swelling), as well as healing any urinary tract infection or inflammation. Parsley root is high in calcium, iron, and B complex vitamins.

The antioxidants in parsley are able to combat oxidative stress in vivo

The British Journal of Nutrition published a medical study to measure the antioxidant capabilities of parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Fourteen people ate a restricted diet for two weeks which was high in parsley, but low in other foods containing flavones and other natural sources of antioxidants. Urinary excretion of the flavone apigenin was measured before and during the ingestion of parsley. Apigenin levels were noticeably higher when parsley was added to the diet. The researchers noted that when the subjects were on the restricted diet, their oxidative stress markers rose. However, when the people added parsley during the second week of study, the parsley was able to reverse these numbers somewhat.

Parsley is a scientifically proven diuretic

In 2002, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study confirming the diuretic effects of parsley, as claimed for years in folk medicine literature. Rats were given parsley seed tea to drink. Over a twenty-four hour period, the rats had a marked increase in urinary volume. The scientists believed that parsley works as a diuretic due to a mechanism in the herb which blocks the re-absorption of sodium and potassium. This causes more water to flow via osmosis, and hence, a greater urinary volume.

Herbalists use parsley for kidneys, joint problems, nerves, and more

Dr. John R. Christopher, one of the greatest master herbalists of the twentieth century, used parsley in a variety of ways. He used the herb not only for all kidney and bladder issues, but also for jaundice and sexually-transmitted diseases. Dr. Christopher used parsley for water retention (edema), and suggested parsley root tea for stiff fingers and other joint issues. He said gallstones could be removed by drinking a pint of fresh parsley tea every day. The herb is also calming to the nerves and adrenal glands. Dr. Christopher recommended at least two quarts of strong parsley tea per day for these issues, or even up to a cup of tea every hour. To make fresh parsley tea, add a large handful of parsley to a pint of boiling water. Cover, steep, and drink the tea throughout the day.

According to Dr. Christopher, fresh parsley juice is a very potent healer. Parsley juice is an effective blood tonic, but it should be diluted with some other kind of fresh, organic juice, such as carrot juice. No more than an ounce or two of parsley juice should be taken at any one time.

Sources for this article include:

Pubmed.gov. "Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) intake on urinary apigenin excretion, blood antioxidant enzymes and bio-markers for oxidative stress in human subjects," S.E. Nielsen, et al. British Journal of Nutrition June 1999; 81(6): 447-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10615220

Pubmed.gov. "Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley," S.I. Kreydiyyeha and J. Usta. Journal of Ethnopharmacology March 2002; 7993): 353-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11849841

Herbal Legacy.com. "Parsley," by Dr. John R. Christopher http://articles.herballegacy.com/parsley/

About the author:
This article is provided courtesy of Donna Earnest Pravel, owner and senior editor of Heart of Texas Copywriting Solutions.com. Get free biweekly tips on natural healing and herbs by visiting her blog, Bluebonnet Natural Healing Therapy.

Source:: http://www.naturalnews.com/035044_parsley_antioxidants_blood.html#ixzz1nQWprfSw

What Is the Best Edema Treatment?

The term edema refers to swelling in the body due to fluid retention. The swelling can be restricted to one area of the body, such as the ankles, or can include the entire body. The best edema treatment depends a great deal on what is causing the edema. Edema that has no known cause is called idiopathic edema. Edema can also be the result of heart and circulatory problems.

One of the first treatments recommended for edema is to reduce the level of salt in the diet. A dietary salt restriction may be all that is necessary for the edema to resolve itself. It is also possible to reduce sodium levels in the body by the use of prescription diuretics. If your doctor prescribes diuretics, he will monitor you carefully to prevent side effects of the medication.

An effective edema treatment that does not require medication is daily bed rest. This is particularly effective if the edema is present only in the legs. Lying with the feet slightly elevated may be all that is necessary to reduce the presence of edema. Some doctors also dispense elastic support stockings for patients that are suffering from edema.

There are a variety of herbal treatments and vitamin supplements that can be used as an edema treatment. The effectiveness varies with the individual, and it is important that these not be taken without first discussing them with your physician. If you are taking prescription diuretics or are suffering from heart failure induced edema, it is particularly important that your physician know everything that you are taking.

Magnesium is a vitamin supplement that shows promise at reducing edema. Magnesium can be purchased on its own, or as part of a multivitamin. It is a bulky vitamin, and it is unlikely that you will find a multivitamin that has 100% of the recommended daily amount of magnesium in it.

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid, which may work as an edema treatment for some people. Some researchers believe that evening primrose oil’s effectiveness is increased by combining it with fish oil supplements. This combination is considered particularly effective for treatment of edema that is associated with premenstrual syndrome.

Ginko biloba is an herbal supplement that is believed to support circulatory health. Its positive effect on the circulatory system is believed to decrease fluid accumulation associated with edema. Another herbal supplement, horse chestnut, is also believed to support circulatory health as well as prevent capillaries from leaking fluid into the surrounding tissue. One final herbal supplement commonly used as an edema treatment is dandelion leaf. It is important to realize that dandelion leaf works as a diuretic, so people taking prescription diuretics should not use it.

Source: wisegeek.com