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All articles are commissioned by and represent the sole copyright of, The Health Network Company (NZ) Ltd. Reproduction, duplication and/or transfer by any means electronic or otherwise is strictly prohibited. Breach of copyright will be pursued to the full extent of any applicable laws. Disclaimer If you are concerned about your health or treatment, always see your own doctor.
These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Milk vetch (yellow vetch)
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Astragalus
For thousands of years, astragalus has been used in the Orient as a tonic herb to build the body's resistance to infection.
There are some 2000 species related to this medicinal variety. Some are used as food and fodder crops; while others are actually toxic to livestocks. One variety, actually accumulates minerials and was used by prospectors as indicators for ore-rich deposits.
Astragulas with its slightly sweet-tasting roots, is used frequently in Chinese cooking to creat delicious nourishing soups to tonify the Qi. It is considered a superior herb and is extremely safe and health enhancing. Astragalus is being cultivated in many areas in the west and seeds are commercially available.
The use of this herb,( together with another Oriental herb, codonopsis) can improve the action of the thymus gland and spleen ( glands responsible for producing immune cells) thus enhancing the body's immunity to infection. It is useful for conditions of immune deficiency.
Astragalus can also lowers blood pressure and blood- sugar levels and is used to treat diabetes, kidney problems, slow- healing skin conditions, prolapsed organs, and it can also promotes urination and relieves oedema. It can be used for blood deficiency caused by loss of blood or after childbirth.
If you experience any of these:-- fatigue, lack of appetite, suffer from colds and flu frequently, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, and diarrhoea astragalus is of great help.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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