There’s been a lot of talk about the swine flu these last two weeks. The immediate danger to most parts of the country is very small. Even so, all these news reports have got people thinking about what they can do to protect themselves. I’ve already had several patients ask me what they can do to keep from getting sick.

A strong immune system plays an important role. I recommend three things to all my patients to help the immune system stay strong and healthy. Take vitamin C, get enough sleep, and wash your hands regularly.

I’ve recently added a fourth suggestion to that list. If you really want to give your immune system the support it needs, then I recommend astragalus.

Chinese Herb Gives You Dramatic Results

In Chinese medicine, astragalus has been used for thousands of years in many, many different ways.

Ancient Chinese healers used astragalus to reduce the affects of stress on the body. Whether a patient suffered from physical, emotional, mental, or environmental stress, healers used astragalus to help the person cope better and to prevent detrimental effects that stress might have on health.

Astragalus was used to make the body better able to fight off diseases. People took the herb to protect against colds and infections as well as more serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Healers also prescribed astragalus to help increase the vitality of their patients. Even healthy patients could benefit form the improvement in stamina and energy that astragalus delivered. The history of astragalus is very interesting, but it’s the recent research on this herbal supplement that has me excited about recommending it to my patients.

Modern-Day Research Backs Up the Benefits of Astragalus

In the realm of modern medicine, the powerful health benefits of astragalus are just coming to light. It turns out there are good reasons why Chinese healers used astragalus for so many purposes. The herb is powerful and versatile when it comes to supporting your overall health. One of things I like best about it is that it works as both a preventative and as a treatment for many illnesses.

Astragalus has a number of valuable properties. It contains complex sugar molecules called polysaccharides that help strengthen the immune system. It has antibacterial properties that help to fight off infections and a number of diseases. It also works as an antioxidant and helps to protect your cells from damage. It has anti-mutagenic properties that make it a powerful ally in preventing cancer. And it helps reduce chronic, low-level inflammation that contributes to so many age-related diseases.

I just read a recent study in which scientists discovered that astragalus actually works to keep your cells younger. It stimulates the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that helps protect the DNA within your cells and that may slow aging at a cellular level. Younger cells mean less disease—especially cancer—and a slower overall aging process.

In animal studies, researchers have also verified the effects of astragalus on stamina and vitality. In mice induced with chronic fatigue syndrome, astragalus helped to restore balance to the production of inflammatory cytokines and it increased the mice’s endurance.

For strengthening the immune system, astragalus works in a number of ways. It helps remove pathogens, it stimulates T-cell activity, and it activates a number of antiviral systems within your body. Through these means, astragalus supplements can protect you from everyday illnesses like the cold and flu. Other research shows that it can be an effective treatment for these illnesses, as well, helping you to recover faster.

The immune-boosting properties of astragalus are so powerful that it actually interferes with immune suppressing drugs. These drugs are most commonly given to transplant patients to reduce rejection. If you’re on an immune suppressant for any reason, you shouldn’t take astragalus. Otherwise, this powerful supplement can benefit you greatly.

The recommended dosage for astragalus is one to 25 grams a day. You can find astragalus at health food stores. It’s commonly available as a standardized extract or in powdered capsules. For the best results, I prefer the extract. Your body will be better able to absorb it.

Whether you’re worried about the swine flu or looking for a good way to promote your overall health and slow down the aging processes in your body, astragalus is a good option. Give it a try… I’m certain you’ll be pleased with the results.