Herbs& Their Properties

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus

Parts Used: roots

Properties: alterative, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, immuno-stimulant, stimulant.

Astragalus is very instrumental in augmenting flagging immune systems, and boosting overall health. In Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) it is generally combined with other strengthening herbs, being used historically to raise energy levels, treat chronic diseases and cancers, and significantly improve liver, kidney and adrenal function. It has been shown in recent scientific studies to have beneficial effects on heart functions, and to possibly improve chemotherapy benefits, and more studies are currently targeting astragalus as a cancer adjunct therapy.

Astragalus is so good at raising immune responses that when it is used against infections it can increase or prolong fevers. Therefore, I generally do not use it if there is already a fever present, and if a fever presents while using astragalus, I recommend backing off of it for several days. Once the fever presents, the immune system is already doing its job!

Because it hones the immune system, without actually over-stimulating it as Echinacea can sometimes do, astragalus has been used traditionally to help treat those with multiple allergies, where the cause is believed to be a faulty immune system: Astragalus has the ability to “reboot” the immune system, similar to Cat’s Claw.

Astragalus can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so if you are already on diabetic medications or have very low blood pressure, Astragalus is not indicated.

Barberry

Berberis vulgaris

Parts Used: berries, roots, bark

Properties: antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent, febrifuge, hypotensive, immuno-stimulant, sedative, uterine stimulant.

Barberry was used by the Egyptians for thousands of years, and is still widely used today in Iran to treat gallbladder and digestive disorders. Barberry’s name actually derives from its prolific use in England were it can be found throughout the land forming impervious hedges which bar all trespassers.

Barberry contains notable quantities of the antibacterial alkaloids berberine and berbamine. It increases white blood cell production and is often used to treat diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and viral, bacterial and fungal infections. For kidney or bladder stones, barberry can be very effective given in half-doses three times a day.

Note:Barberry is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and in people with decreased liver function.

Bilberry

Accinium myrtillus

Parts Used: berries and leaves

Properties: astringent, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, laxative, diuretic, refrigerant.

Bilberryhas a long tradition as an eye treatment in Europe, even having been used during World War II in Britain to improve airplane pilots’ night vision.

Taken internally, bilberrycan lower blood p