Astragalus Health Dictionary

Royle.

Family: Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.

Habitat: The western Himalayas.

Ayurvedic: Rudanti, Rudravanti.

Action: Depurative, bechic, blood purifier (used in skin diseases). Root powder and decoction also used as an adjunct in tuberculosis.

Dosage: Fruit—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)... astragalus candolleanus

Labill.

Family: Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.

Habitat: Highlands of Asia Minor, Iran, Greece, Syria and Russia.

English: Tragacanth Gum.

Unani: Katiraa, Kataad (Gum)

Action: Demulcent, emollient (used for irritation of the internal mucosa, colitis, dry coughs), laxative. Mucilage used as an application to burns.

The gum contains polysaccharides and proteinaceous polysaccharides.

Tragacanthin is water-soluble, consisting of an arbinogalactan and traga- canthic acid. Bassorin is an insoluble methylated fraction (gel). The polysac- charides have been shown to have im- munostimulating activity (stimulation of phagocytosis and an increase in plasma cell counts of T-lymphocytes.

Although tragacanth increases weight of stool and decreases gastrointestinal transit time, it does not appear to affect cholesterol triglyceride or phospholipid levels as other soluble fibres do. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

Tragacanth has been shown to be active against a variety of tumours. It appears to inhibit growth of cancer cells.... astragalus gummifer

Linn.

Family: Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.

Habitat: Found in the plains of Punjab.

English: Tonkin bean, Melilot, King's crown, King's clover.

Unani: Naakhunaa, Ikil-ul-Malik. (It is also equated with Melilotus alba Desv. and Trigonela uncata Boiss. in National Formulary of Unani Medicine.)

Action: Nervine tonic (used in nervous and catarrhal affections), antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, emollient, diuretic, galactogenic.

The callus of the plant contains amino acids; roots contain saponins and sterols. The leaves yield 3-nitro- propionic acid.... astragalus hamosus

Dymock.

Family: Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.

Habitat: The mountainous regions from Asia Minor to Iraq and Iran.

English: Sarcocola.

Ayurvedic: Rudanti (substitute).

Unani: Anzaroot, Kohal Kirmaani (Gum).

Action: Gum—antirheumatic, aperient, anthelmintic, emollient.

The rootbark yields alkaloids, atala- phylline and its N-methyl derivatives and atalaphyllidine, which have close structural similarities with the antitu- mour alkaloid, acronycine, and its co- geners. The rootbark also contains the limonoid, atalantin.

The leaf juice forms an ingredient of a compound liniment used in hemiplegia. The essential oil is used in paralysis. The oil contains higher terpene esters belonging to azulene group (29%). (Azulenes impart anti-inflammatory activity.)... astragalus sarcocola

Royle.

Family: Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.

Habitat: The western Himalayas at 2,400-3,900 m, and Kashmir.

English: Indian Gum tragacanth.

Action: Gum—an Indian substitute for tragacanth (A. gummifer gum).... astragalus strobiliferus

Astragalus tea is a good choice to improve the immune system and it also renders a pleasant beverage to consumers. Astragalus Tea description Astragalus is one of the most frequently used herbs in food supplements and remedies in China, well known as an immunity booster. It has been proved it enables the body to maintain its normal balance of health. Astragalus contains antioxidants, compounds that protect the body from free radicals, which can damage the human metabolism. This plant has anti-inflammatory properties and it is a natural antibiotic that destroys bacteria and viruses. Astragalus tea is made by brewing the roots of the abovementioned plant. Astragalus Tea may be intaken internally or applied topically to accelerate wounds to heal. Astragalus Tea brewing Astragalus tea can be served both hot and cold. To prepare the hot tea, steep one tea bag in hot water for 3 - 5 minutes. To prepare the iced tea, steep one tea bag in hot water for 3 - 5 minutes and refrigerate. 2 to 4 tea bags of Astragalus tea can be used daily. Astragalus Tea benefits Astragalus Tea can be successfully used to:

• improve the functions of the lungs, thereby it helps treating ailments as bronchitis, pneumonia and whooping cough
• help in the overall efforts to treat ulcers and tumors in the stomach
• reduce fatigue
• promote the healing of wounds
• strengthen the immune system
• remove fluid from the body
• relieve impotence and frigidity

Astragalus Tea is an adjuvant in treating heart problems. Astragalus Tea side effects Astragalus tea side effects are generally related to high doses consumption. Astragalus tea is a healthy beverage that can treat cancer, due to its high content of antioxidants which fight the free radicals, responsible for tumors growth and cancer cells spreading.... astragalus tea