Echinacea And Astragalus : Powerful Immune Boosters

If you’d rather avoid an appointment with this man, then sign-up to the FREE Daily Health eletter...
where good health comes naturally!

It’s that time of year when we start to stock up our medicines in a bid to ward off colds and flu.

Today I may just make things a bit easier for you. Two herbal remedies your medicine chest should never be without are Echinacea and Astragalus. Both of these are powerful immune boosters that can help you to be more resilient all year round.

Daisy Power

Echinacea is a member of the daisy family. It is one of the most popular herb medicines and is estimated to be used by 1-4 per cent of the population. Native American tribes who used the plant to treat snake and insect bites, coughs and colds and typhoid fever first recognised its medicinal properties.

This humble herb has been under medical scrutiny and has been put through several trials for the numerous medicinal properties it is claimed to have: namely anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It’s popularity today is fuelled by claims that it has immune stimulating properties and can reduce the severity of symptoms and duration of colds and flu, especially if it is used in the early stages of infection.

US researchers from the University Of Connecticut School Of Pharmacy, pooled evidence on the anti-cold properties of Echinacea from 14 different studies – after previous studies identified no clear health benefits. They found that taking Echinacea decreased the overall risk of catching a cold by 58 per cent. The duration of colds was reduced by an average of 1.4 days. Their findings have been reported in the journal The Lancet. Dr. Craig Coleman, who led the research, wrote: “An analysis of the current evidence in the literature suggests that Echinacea has a benefit in decreasing the incidence and duration of the common cold.”

The Director of the Common Cold Centre and healthcare clinical trials at the University of Cardiff, Prof Ronald Eccles called the findings “a significant step in our battle against the common cold”. He also said: “Harnessing the power of our own immune system to fight common infections with herbal medicines such as Echinacea is now given more validity with this interesting scientific evaluation of past clinical trials.”

One important note: Echinacea shouldn’t be used on an indefinite, continuous basis. With long-term use, Echinacea appears to lose its effectiveness. The maximum period of continuous use should be 8 weeks. Then take 1 week off.

Sign up to The Daily Health e-letter - it’s FREE!    ("We value your privacy!")

In just 5 minutes every day, it will tell you what works, what doesn't work, and what may harm you in both orthodox and alternative medicine.


“The HSI Daily Health e-Alerts contain scattered nuggets and gems of
health and nutritional wisdom.A very useful source of information about new thinking and
innovative treatments for a wide range of conditions.” - Dr AB, FRCS

Two Peas in a Pod

Astragalus is from the pea family and has been sacred for more than 2,000 years in China for its tonic effects, which include strengthening the immune and respiratory systems, and healing from the effects of viruses.

Today it is most commonly used for immune enhancement. This amazing remedy boosts your immunity and kills all kinds of infections from viruses to bacteria to fungal infections. It also helps heal bronchitis and pneumonia.

Clinical trials provide evidence for its use in the prevention of the common cold and as an addition to cancer therapies. Dozens of studies show that Astragalus is a powerful immune booster that increases your body's production of T-cells, macrophages and NK (natural killer) cells. Recent studies show it’s a potent cancer fighter, as well. In one study, Astragalus was able to restore immune function in 90 per cent of the patients studied. In two other studies, cancer patients receiving Astragalus had twice the survival rate of those who only received standard therapies.

There is also evidence for cardiovascular system improvement, particularly with angina, congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. This may be due to the herb's antioxidant activity.

For cold or flu protection, add one drop full of tincture of Astragalus to a hot liquid like tea or soup three times a day. As tablets, take 350 to 400mg three times a day. While Astragalus can be taken indefinitely without side effects, it's best to consult your doctor, especially if you use blood thinners.

Two Bonus Remedies

Honey has long been used in hot drinks to sooth a cold. Honey made from nectar of the Manuka bush, a native plant of New Zealand, is renowned for its unique antibacterial properties.

Manuka Honey's anti-bacterial activity is attributed to an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide - an antiseptic. Its high sugar concentration also helps to inhibit bacterial growth.

Research shows that Manuka Honey can stimulate the immune system and help the body to deal with infections by activating the growth of immune cells, while also fighting the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes that causes sore throats.

Another handy herb in the fight against colds and flu is black elderberry. Studies have shown that extract from black elderberry can shorten the duration of influenza, stimulate the immune system and significantly reduce the duration of the flu by around four days.

Medical science recently also discovered the basis for the elderberry’s health-giving reputation. Studies have shown that elderberries are unusually rich in the phytochemicals known as flavonoids. Elderberries are the most concentrated source of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that act as powerful antioxidants to boost the immune system and protect the body’s cells from harm.

If you have good advice or remedies to share with our readers and to help others making their winter woes more bearable, please join us in our forum discussion by clicking here

Did you find this information useful?
Then why not get more expert health recommendations just like this
delivered direct to your inbox
Sign up here to The Daily Health e-letter - it's FREE!     ("We value your privacy!")


"It is truly refreshing to read a newsletter on the topic of alternative medicine which is scientifically based and reviewed by professionals………" - Robert Sinott

Sources:

‘Echinacea puts cold on a run’, by Charles Clover, published online 26/06/07, telegraph.co.uk

‘Echinacea and the immune system’, by Juliet Parker, published online, nottingham.ac.uk

‘Is Mother nature best defence?’, published online 15/11/05, dailymail.co.uk

‘Astragalus for colds and flu, also fights cancer’, published online, herbalremediesinfo.com

‘Bounce back better from colds and flu’, by Scott Blossom, published online 02/02/05, findarticles.com

‘Astragalus benefits and information’, published online, herbwisdom.com Alzheimer’s Power-line doubles the risk: American Journal of Epidemiology, 2008; doi: 10.1093/aje/kwn297