Uses for the Chinese herb astragalus have been in practice for many centuries. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers many uses for the plant, as an integral part of the system of alternative medicine. The plant is native to China, but it has been popular as a supplement in the United States since the 1980s.

Types of Astragalus

There are many types of astragalus, with over 2,000 species of the plant. Of the 2,000 species, only two are used for medicinal purposes.

?€? Astragalus membranaceus
?€? Astragalus mongholicus

These two types of astragalus may go under a number of different names including:

?€? Bei qi
?€? Huang qi
?€? Ogi
?€? Milk vetch
?€? Hwanggi
?€? Astragalus

Uses for Astragalus

The Chinese herb is an important part of Chinese medicine, as it is used as an ingredient combined with other herbs. Other herbs commonly combined with astragalus include angelica, licorice, and ginseng, among others.

The primary use of the herb is to improve immune system function, but it has been used to treat medical problems as well, primarily chronic hepatitis and heart disease. In some cases, the herbal remedy is used to augment cancer treatments.

The root of the plant is the main source for medicinal uses, with this part of the plant administered in the following ways:

?€? Tea
?€? Extracts
?€? Capsules
?€? Soup

Scientific Backing

Little research is available about the effectiveness of the Chinese herb, but this does not mean that it is not effective. Preliminary studies suggest that the herb can be effective in improving heart functioning and it can be a natural immune system booster, especially when it comes to fighting infection.

When combined with glossy privet, the herb can be used as a complementary approach to treating cancer. Studies are still ongoing for this herb as an effective immune system booster. While studies are being conducted, many believe the ancient Chinese herbal remedy is very effective.

Locoweed

Locoweed is a form of astragalus that does not fall into the two main categories of the medicinal form of the herb. This component has strong side effects and it is not designed for medicinal purposes or for alternative medicine.

Side Effects

Some side effects can arise with use of astragalus. However, little is really known about the side effects. The problem stems from the simple fact that the herb is used in combination with other herbs, so some side effects may occur because of the other herbs, and not astragalus.

The herb is known to interfere with certain medications. Any medication taken by organ transplant recipients or any drugs designed to keep the immune system under control may become weakened with use of astragalus.

Always discuss using any herbal remedy with your physician, especially if you are in treatment for any illness, or if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant.

See more here: Uses for the Chinese Herb Astragalus

Here is the original post: Health Benefits of Ganoderma

Sambiloto. Foto http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ckPB1Ppopzg/SwKbqCbRh_I/AAAAAAAAACI/Ww-cGktqqNU/s1600/sambiloto.jpg

Jamu is a term for herbal medicine from Indonesia. Though its proven effective to cure many diseases, many people do not like to drink it though, because of its smells and tastes weird. There is one type of traditional liquor is very bitter that many people do not want to drink, its called Sambiloto. However many people are still looking for this bitter herb since that it has offering many beneficial.

This herbal is considered as the famous and effective Indonesian medicinal plants. You can use Sambiloto as a traditional medicine for disease prevention purposes or treatment, that it’s been proven, effective, safe and efficacious. Sambiloto (andrographis paniculata) is a kind of herbaceous plants in the family acanthaceae. The leaves are sambiloto there Andrographolide chemicals that can protect the heart, fight cancer and boost immunity.Lots of leaves Sambiloto benefit from this, among others is to treat the disease diabetes, typhoid, and some are saying could also leaves Sambiloto for itching disease and prevent cancer. It’s also been widely used to prevent malaria so that many people also called it as anti-malaria drug. In addition it leaves are also useful for maintaining the immune or stamina. Still thinking to hate this great plant? @alternativemedicine

Tumeric. Foto http://www.healthjockey.com/images/turmeric-june-08.jpg

Indonesia is rich in natural resources, especially the spice. The spice has many benefits, for example, can be used for traditional medicine. Many people argue that traditional medicine is safer than using medical treatment. Traditional medicine does not mislead any side effects, so safe to be consumed by everyone.

Many people use turmeric to treat diabetes mellitus, appendicitis and overcome the non-current menstrual. The treatment of these diseases is based on turmeric mixed with other traditional materials, for example the turmeric concoction for diabetes mellitus:  Ingredients: 3 pieces of turmeric, half teaspoon salt. Both materials are boiled with 1 liter of water, and then filtered. This potion to drink 2 times a week in a half cup per each.

The turmeric has a scientific name Curcuma longa Linn. It is a spice and medicinal plants native from Southeast Asia region. There are various ways the use of turmeric for health, turmeric also has myriad benefits. In addition to the kitchen spice turmeric can also be used for both traditional medicine and health care beauty. Turmeric is also efficacious to cure a stuffy nose, how to burn the turmeric and inhale. Traditional medicine to helps keep your immune system. @alternativemedicine

Vitamin D may be crucial to fending off infection, according to a recent report. But as many as 70 percent of the U.S. population may be D-deficient, says report author Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

The report highlights vitamin D’s role in inducing the expression of cathelicidin, a compound integral to the immune system’s first line of defense against wounds, bacteria, and viruses. The report also underscores vitamin’s D’s role in reducing risk for conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and influenza. Vitamin D appears to curb inflammation, keep blood pressure in check, and protect against heart disease as well.

D deficiency may be particularly prevalent during the winter months, when lack of sunlight exposure slows up the body’s synthesis of the vitamin. In order to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, many health experts recommend taking a daily supplement.

Fighting Infection With Vitamin D originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 06:00:01.

Capsaicin: For arthritis, shingles, or neuropathy
What the science says: An active component of chile pepper, capsaicin temporarily desensitizes pain-prone skin nerve receptors called C-fibers; soreness is diminished for 3 to 5 weeks while they regain sensation. Nearly 40 percent of arthritis patients reduced their pain by half after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month, and 60 percent of neuropathy patients achieved the same after 2 months, according to a University of Oxford study. Patients at the New England Center for Headache decreased their migraine and cluster headache intensity after applying capsaicin cream inside their nostrils.

How to try it: Capsaicin ointments and creams are sold in pharmacies and health stores. For arthritis or neuropathy, try 0.025 percent or 0.075 percent capsaicin cream one to four times daily; best results can take up to 2 weeks, says Philip Gregory, PharmD, a professor at Creighton University and editor of the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. But research on capsaicin and headaches remains limited — and don’t expect stronger versions anytime soon: “Current formulations are better suited for more acute problems, like a sore muscle or an arthritis flare-up, than everyday pain and stiffness,” Gregory says.

InflaThera or Zyflamend: For arthritis
What the science says: Both supplement brands contain ginger, turmeric, and holy basil, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric (a curry ingredient) may be the best: A component, curcumin, eases inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, according to the Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis. Researchers are now testing Zyflamend in RA patients, but some experts are already sold: “Each herb has its own scientific database of evidence,” says James Dillard, MD, author of “The Chronic Pain Solution.”

How to try it: ProThera, InflaThera’s maker, will only sell to health care professionals, so your doctor has to order it for you; that said, it’s reportedly stronger (and slightly cheaper) than Zyflamend. InflaThera’s suggested dosage is twice daily with food. For the more readily accessible Zyflamend, take one capsule two or three times daily, but avoid it near bedtime — each pill contains 10 mg of caffeine (another version, Zyflamend PM, is reportedly less stimulating). Buy Zyflamend at swansonvitamins.com or immunesupport.com/zyflamend.htm. Or, save money and try curcumin to start: Taking 500 mg four times daily, along with fish oil and a diet low in animal fat, can ease arthritis, says Jane Guiltinan, ND, immediate past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Arnica: For acute injury or post surgery swelling
What the science says: This herb comes from a European flower; although its healing mechanism is still unknown, it does have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Taking oral homeopathic arnica after a tonsillectomy decreases pain, say British researchers, and German doctors found that it reduces surgery-related knee swelling.

How to try it: Use homeopathic arnica as an adjunct to ice, herbs, or conventional pain meds, suggests Guiltinan. Rub arnica ointment on bruises or strained muscles, or take it in the form of three lactose pellets under the tongue up to six times per day. Boiron is among the most reputable arnica manufacturers.