We have within us a real army prepared and well armed to defend ourselves against external invasions of viruses and bacteria: it is the immune system .
Before resorting to drugs, we can do something to help this army be "fit" and ready to defend us. As always, nature comes to our aid with a large number of effective remedies .
Astragalus and Echinacea have always been used as support plants for the immune system. What are they and how do they work? Read here.
Astragalus
It is a plant that belongs to the legumes (the same family of peas and beans), native to northern China. It has long fibrous roots and leaves that can contain toxic substances. Of the species " Astragalus membranaceus " the Chinese have used for centuries the roots, in the form of sticks and with a sweet taste, to make infusions or broths. Capsules containing dry extract, or mother dye bottles are on the market.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used as a tonic, in case of weakness and to increase resistance to diseases .
Because it works
Clinical studies have shown that the use of Astragalus determines the increase in the number of antibodies (IgA and IgG) and even seems to block, in laboratory experiments, the multiplication of some viruses (retroviruses) by acting on their RNA.
The people responsible for this action could be the polysaccharides (molecules related to sugars) contained in large quantities in the Astragalus root . The specific mechanisms of action are still under study.
The Astragalus also contains molecules with antioxidant and antibacterial actions, to enhance the positive effect on the immune system .
What the tradition has known for centuries is confirmed: the Astragalus stimulates the white blood cells ("soldiers" of our army) to strengthen the body's defenses against external agents.
Warnings
Astragalus should not be used if:
- You are taking anticoagulant drugs (warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel) and some anti-inflammatory NSAIDs, since the ability of the Astragalus to increase the risk of bleeding when used simultaneously has been highlighted;
- Usually take β-blocking drugs, sedatives, hypnotics, colchicine, ephedrine, Rauwolfia alkaloids and calcium salts;
- You are diabetic : antidiabetic drugs or insulin can interfere with Astragalus preparations;
- You are doing a cure with plants that can alter your blood sugar (for example bitter melon and Gymnema) or that can interfere with blood clotting (for example Panax Ginseng, Gingko Biloba and Aglio).
echinacea
It is a plant native to the American continent. Its botanical name is " Echinacea Purpurea ". It belongs to the Compositae (Asteraceae) family, such as sunflowers, dandelion and daisies. It is also called Coneflower due to the characteristic cone shape of its flowers.
For the native Americans it was a sacred plant, traditionally used for therapeutic purposes for wise diseases and to counter the bite of snakes and poisonous insects.
It is still used for its actions on ongoing infections, antibiotics and antivirals, to stimulate the immune system and therefore as a prevention of influenza.
How to use the echinacea mother tincture
Because it works
The active substances are flavonoids, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, volatile oils, present in different concentrations in the roots and in other parts of the plant, therefore we recommend the use of supplements composed of all the plant components, in order to contain all the active molecules .
The polysaccharides act on the cells of the immune system in various ways: they stimulate the action of macrophages (white blood cells) to "disintegrate" the infectious bacterial cells, increase the production of proteins which in turn activate the destruction of foreign cells to the body. In this way the effect of echinacea is wide-ranging, stimulating the body's defenses against "external attacks" in general.
To enhance its action, it is recommended to take echinacea in combination with vitamin C.
Warnings
Echinacea can have several side effects. In fact, it should not be used if:
- you are allergic : there may be very serious cases of echinacea allergy;
- you are pregnant;
- you have chronic conditions for which you are being treated with drugs;
- during treatment you experience problems or eye discomfort.
