Astragalus root is a widely known medicinal herb that has long been a staple of Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners of Chinese medicine have used this powerful root to stimulate and strengthen the immune system. Astragalus herb is thought to help keep your immune system healthy so it fights off free radicals and diseases. More recently, the use of the herb is catching on with practitioners of alternative medicine in the rest of the world.

The Astragalus root, otherwise known as astragalus membranaceous, is thought to be a powerful herbal supplement. Astragalus root comes from a perennial plant of the pea family which grows in northern China and Mongolia. As an herbal remedy, it has been used for literally thousands of years in China for therapeutically healing. Hard to believe something so small can hold such big benefits.

While there may be many areas of human health that a dietary supplement including Astragalus capsules can help, there is surprisingly little or no research on the properties of the herb. Herbalists believe the root can stimulate the spleen, liver, lungs, circulatory, and urinary system. Astragalus powder has been recommended to treat conditions ranging from arthritis, asthma, and nervous conditions to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Another positive benefit of the Astragalus root is its ability to increase both energy levels and vitality.

The Astragalus herb is famous for its purported ability to boost your immune system. Western medicine has discovered that this Chinese herb stimulates our bodies by producing a substance known as interferon and boosting red blood cell formation. Interferon, an anti viral agent, assists our bodies when destroying viruses and other harmful free radicals. For this reason, herbalists recommend the Astragalus powder for people who suffer from a weakened immune system. This would include those who frequently suffer colds or respiratory infections. It may also be helpful for those with more serious conditions such as cancer, since the body is in a weakened state while fighting this disease.

Known as a safe herb, the Astragalus herb has no known side effects. However, it is still important to consult a physician before taking any kind of supplement, especially if you are taking medications already. Some medications can counteract the properties of the herb, and vice versa. Before starting any herbal regimen consult with your doctor. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, it’s not advisable to take astragalus as its effect on children have not been tested.

Feverfew herb is a delightful short-lived perennial plant with bright chartreuse or yellow leaves and wonderful tiny flowers that look like miniature Shasta daisies with a bright yellow center and white rays. This herb is known by the Latin botanical name of Tanacetum parthenium, although it also has the common names of featherfew, Santa Maria and wild chamomile. Although it has a small daisy-like flower similar to the chamomile flower, the chamomile flower is conical in shape in the central yellow portion of the flower whereas the feverfew flower is flat. Ferverfew herb was originally native to Eurasia, but is now commonly found worldwide, likely because it is self fertile and due to its propensity to reseed freely.

Feverfew herb is used in a variety of ways. It may be drunk as feverfew tea with the flowers being dried for use in tea. The essential oil of feverfew herb may be used in perfumes as well.

Feverfew herb may help to prevent or treat bruising, as well as may help to reduce swelling of joints or injuries. It may be useful as a tonic and as a mild laxative, and the leaves may help with headaches. In traditional herbalist practices the leaves are thought to possibly help with migraines. It may also reduce intestinal gas and may increase menstrual flow. It is bitter in flavor and may stimulate the appetite. The dried flowers of feverfew herb may also help to repel insects.

The name of feverfew herb has an interesting derivation. It was thought in early times to have the ability the break a fever. These types of herbs were known as febrifuges, and thus the name was drawn from that classification. The “parthenium” part of the Latin name goes back to an old myth where a person had fallen off the Parthenon, the famous temple of ancient Greece. This herb was given to him and thought to save his life.

You can find feverfew herb available in cut and sifted as well as powder and capsule forms. Feverfew capsules are usually made from dried leaves. Parthenolide occurs naturally in the plant and is found in the highest concentrations in the flowers and fruit. This active ingredient been used in remedies for the relief of migraines, to help prevent blood clots, as an anti-inflammatory providing relief in cases of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid.

Everyday there are new ways of helping our bodies deal with infections and other problems. Herbal remedies for various conditions are constantly being discovered. Used appropriately, herbal remedies, such as slippery elm bark extract, can speed up the process of our bodies healing themselves and fighting off harmful free radicals.

The slippery elm herb comes from the bark of elm trees which grow throughout North America. The tree has been utilized in a number of ways, including canoe making, as a food preservative, as a source of survival food during the Revolutionary War and as a medicine. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is a strong and durable fiber, which can be spun into thread, twine or rope. It was once used for bowstrings, ropes, jewelry, clothing, snowshoe bindings, woven mats, and even in some musical instruments.

For centuries, the bark has been used as an herbal remedy for a number of conditions. Other common names for Ulmus rubra, or slippery elm bark, include slippery elm herb, red elm, moose elm, gray elm, soft elm and Indian elm. The part of the Ulmus rubra tree used in making slippery elm bark extract is the inner heartwood of the tree itself. Red in color, the inner slippery elm bark heartwood is ground into a fine powder. This powder or extract is most often how it is sold. It is also common to find the powder sold in slippery elm capsules, as well.

Slippery elm bark extract contains high mucilage content and becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. Many herbalists believe it is good for coating and calming the entire scope of your digestive tract from the mouth down to the intestines. Slippery elm bark herb may relieve diarrhea, cramps, and indigestion, and in general may soothe the respiratory and digestive tracks.

While Slippery elm herb has many uses, it is perhaps most well known by herbal practitioners for its use as a healing tea. When done so, the herb becomes mucilaginous in texture, and is great for soothing a sore throat. It also is not uncommon to see slippery elm powder or extract used as an expectorant as a means of relieving throat and lung congestion. For sores, rashes and burns affecting the skin, slippery elm bark soothes the skin when externally applied. It is also made into a poultice as a treatment for burns, wounds, boils and ulcers by reducing pain and inflammation.

Juniper berries are often used in the culinary world as a spice to enhance meat, stuffings, sausages, stews, and soups and marinades. As an herbal remedy juniper berries are used in an herbal infusion by herbalists for urinary tract and bladder infections and inflammations and to to reduce water retention.

You can make juniper tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tablespoon of juniper berries, covering, and allowing the berries to steep for 20 minutes. The usual dosage is 1 cup twice a day.

At Starwest Botanicals, we enjoy making herbal teas and infusions and wanted to share this video on making your own Juniper Berry Infusion. We stock high quality wild-crafted juniper berries and organic juniper berries for use in your own remedies and preparations.

Juniper should not be taken internally by pregnant women or by individuals with kidney problems. Juniper contains a potent volatile essential oil, oil of sabinal. Not for use exceeding four to six weeks in succession; contraindicated in inflammatory kidney disease. Before taking for a medical condition, it is best to consult with a physician.

Essiac herbal tea is thought by practitioners of alternative medicine to be a potent natural herbal formula used to fight cancer. Well-known for over 90 years, the proponents and critics of Essiac herbs are constantly going back and forth about the true efficacy towards our health. Essiac tea is recommended by herbalists as an alternative healthcare means of treatment for various forms of cancer and is used to alleviate symptoms and side effects of conventional cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy.

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All natural Essiac tea offered by the pound in certified organic and conventional blends. Blended according to Rene Caisse’s recipe using only the finest quality ingredients.

Essiac Herbs Help to Fight Free Radicals

Essiac tea is made from a combination of four herbs: burdock, slippery elm inner bark, sheep sorrel, and Indian rhubarb root. Many believe that this unique formula stimulates immunity, alleviates pain, boosts overall energy, and curbs inflammation. While Essiac herbal tea may not benefit all people suffering from cancer, early studies show that the herb burdock can potentially improve wellness by fighting free radicals, strengthening liver health, and triggering the growth of probiotics. However, there is minimal scientific evidence to support such claims.

The actual tea itself was named after Rene Caisse who was a Canadian nurse. Essiac is her last name spelled backwards. During the early 1920s, Rene Caisse began treating cancer patients with an herbal formula she discovered and claimed it could help fight the disease. While medical authorities put down the herbal treatment as ineffective and unproven, Essiac herbs has continuously gained popularity among those looking for new and more natural ways of beating cancer.

One of the wide ranges of benefits of why people buy Essiac tea is how well it cleanses red blood corpuscles. This is where it gets its medicinal value from and why more and more doctors have begun recommending Essiac tea. Cleaning the blood is not any easy process to attempt; Essiac herbs are thought to be specially prepared for this process.

So while health professionals argue for and against Essiac tea, it is worthwhile to note that both sides have compelling points. However, further study is needed regarding Essiac tea’s effectiveness towards cancer and other conditions.

If you are interested in the history and use of teas you may enjoy our other explorations in discovering teas from around the world. Be sure to see our previous posts on Hibiscus tea for your health, an overview of Japanese green teas our tasty Chai tea recipe and our insights into making therapeutic herbal teas.

New studies are following the use of Hibiscus in the fight to lower high blood pressure

Hibiscus tea is the infusion made from Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, an herbal tea drink consumed both hot and cold by people around the world. Hibiscus tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. It contains vitamin C and minerals and is used traditionally as a mild medicine, as it’s believed to reduce cholesterol. Certain health authorities have been working to build awareness around the diuretic properties of the tea, and its effectiveness in the treatment of urinary tract infections.New studies are following the use of Hibiscus in the fight to lower high blood pressure.

Chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, currently affects 1/3 of the adult population in the United States. While weight reduction and aerobic exercise are recommended as the first steps when dealing with this medical condition, Hibiscus tea is making great strides in drug-free treatment programs.

Hibiscus tea has actually been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for high blood pressure. Now, recent research has been conducted to prove its effectiveness. In a recent study, 65 volunteers were split into two groups. One group drank Hibiscus tea, the others were given a flavored beverage that tasted like Hibiscus, but contained none of the actual herb. Those who drank the real tea had a 7.2% drop in their systolic blood pressure, while the other group had only a 1.3% drop.

Also, those with higher blood pressure (129 and up) showed greater improvement, seeing their systolic blood pressure drop 13.2% during the study, which was funded by Hain Celestial Group and the Agricultural Research Service, a scientific research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. Further research will determine the significance of Hibiscus Tea in the reduction of blood pressure over the long-term.

There are an abundance of herbs which support the immune system; some of which can be used as a long term to enhance resistance to infection and others which are beneficial for the treatment of acute infections. Bayberry, boneset, Echinacea, elder flower, and elder berry, are amongst the herbs which can be used for the treatment of a cold, flu, fever, and upper respiratory infections.

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) (Wax Myrtle)

Bayberry has potent astringent actions and can be very beneficial for the treatment of upper respiratory infections. It tightens the tissues, improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Taken internally, bayberry is beneficial for treating conditions which result in excessive mucus secretions, such as allergies and sinus infections. It can also be used to reduce minor bleeding. Additionally, it has lymphatic properties. A decoction of the root bark, gargled, is helpful for treating a sore throat or for tender, bleeding gums. Bayberry can be consumed as a decoction, a liquid extract, or in capsule form.

Contraindications: discontinue using bayberry if it is overly drying.

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Boneset is a valuable remedy for colds, flu, and fevers. It is a strong diaphoretic, which helps to break a fever. It helps to reduce muscular aches and pain which accompany a fever. The herb was used extensively during many flu epidemics including “break-bone fever,” which is how it acquired its common name. Boneset is also used as a remedy to reduce excess secretions of the mucus membranes. Drink 4-8 ounces of hot tea at frequent intervals to break a fever.

Contraindications: avoid use during pregnancy.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia) (Purple coneflower)

Echinacea can be used as an immune stimulant for the treatment of acute cold and flu, and as a preventative when one feels symptoms of illness emerging. It stimulates and increases white blood cells, and enhances the body’s immune response. Echinacea inhibits viral and bacterial growth, and has lymphatic actions. It can be beneficial for the treatment of sore throat, swollen glands, laryngitis, chicken pox, and upper respiratory infections. It can be consumed as a tea (decoction), a liquid extract, and in capsule form. Echinacea should not be used on a long term basis for prevention.

Contraindications: regular use of Echinacea should be avoided by individuals with Lupus. Consult an herbalist before consuming Echinacea, when treating other autoimmune conditions, as it may be contraindicated.

Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra, Sambucus mexicana)

Elder flower has a mild and pleasant flavor which is very palatable as a tea. It is beneficial as a diaphoretic; a hot infusion of the flowers induces sweating. Elder flower is indicated for viral infections accompanied by muscular aching, stiffness, rheumatic pains, and fever. It has mild expectorant actions.

Be sure to see our previous post on the recipe for making Socata – elder flower lemonade.

Elder Berrry (Sambucus nigra, Sambucus mexicana)

Elder berry reduces lymphatic swelling, and has antiviral and expectorant actions. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. It tastes delightful and can be consumed in the form of an infusion, a glycerin extract, or a liquid extract.

By Christa Sinadinos, Clinical Herbalist

Chinese herbs have been used for hundreds of years as a part of the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners of this style of medicine will combine herbs so that they are custom blended for each individual patient. They use both bulk herbs and dried herbs in preparing the decoctions. Chinese herbs, in this traditional medical style, can be classified by the four natures, the four tastes and the meridians. The natures refer to yin and yang, with yin being cold and yang being hot. The tastes are salty, sweet, pungent, bitter and sour. The organs in the body that Chinese herbs claim to work upon are called the meridians.

The following are ten herbs popular in Chinese traditional medicine:

1. Maitake Mushroom – This is an edible mushroom with the Latin name of Grifola frondosa, which refers to the fronds that the mushroom forms when it attaches itself to the foot of trees. It is considered in traditional Chinese medicine to be an adaptogen, which may help in bringing bodily systems back to normal levels. Maitake is thought to strengthen the immune system, and may also help bring blood pressure, glucose, insulin and liver lipids back to normal levels. It contains potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamins B2, D2 and niacin.
2. Lycii Berries, Lycium Fruit – The common name is Wolfberry, but it also is known as Goji berry. They taste sweet and in traditional Chinese medicine are considered to be neutral in nature. In this medical style, they are thought to act on the kidneys, lungs and liver. The fruits contain zeaxanthin as well as vitamin C. Studies from China indicate that it may help with vision-related diseases, as well as cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
3. Schisandra Berries, Schizandra – This is considered to be one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The berries are used as dried herbs in teas, and may act as a restorative adaptogen with benefits to the liver. An adaptogen is an herb is believed to help the body fight stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.
4. Fo-ti Root – In traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-ti root is thought to aid the kidneys, add cool to the yin, improve weak bones and stop the graying of hair. If it is drunk as a tea, it can have a laxative effect.
5. Ginseng root and Powders – Ginseng may help boost energy, reduce stress and increase endurance. It comes in different colors, red and white. White is unprocessed, while red is processed with steam.
6. Galangal Root – This plant is a member of the ginger family, but it does not taste the same as ginger. It may act as a stimulant, and even an aphrodisiac. It may help flatulence, and stomach sicknesses, even sea-sickness.
7. Ginkgo Leaf – Ginkgo leaf may help to improve blood flow to organs and tissues, it may protect cells from free radical damage, and it may help block blood clotting. Its effects on treating dementia are inconclusive, but it is reputed to help memory.
8. Peony Root – In traditional Chinese medicine, Peony root is thought to help relieve cramps of all types. It may help to improve circulation of blood to the skin and extremities.
9. Astragalus Root – This root may help to boost the immune system, and thus may help to prevent infections and may help to heal allergies. It is typically used in conjunction with other dried herbs.
10. Licorice Root – Licorice root may help to relieve inflammation, improve digestion and even neutralize toxins. It may help to relieve sore throat as well as muscle cramps.

It is always wise to first consult with your health care provider, who can offer the best medical advice for you concerning these and other herbs.

If you are interested in traditional Chinese medicine, there are several terms that are used that you might not have heard of before. One term that is important to understand is the word “adaptogen.” As it relates to traditional medicine, adaptogens are dried herbs that may help the body to resist fatigue, anxiety, stress and trauma. Essentially, they may help the body adapt to stress.

Bulk herbs and dried herbs offer a cost-effective way to add these herbs to your daily life, but only on the advice of your health care practitioner. There are many dried herbs that claim to be adaptogens:

Eleuthero Root – This root may help to enhance the immune system and decrease inflammation. It also may help to improve endurance and memory.

Licorice Root – Licorice root may help as an expectorant, and is commonly found as an ingredient in contemporary cough syrups. It may also help as an adaptogen for the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands.

Jiaogulan Powder – Jiaogulan may help to lower cholesterol, and may also be of help to combat jet lag and altitude sickness.

Maca Root Powder – Maca may help with energy, fertility and impotence, as well as with memory issues and menopause.

Ginseng – Ginseng is a common adaptogen that may offer antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects. These may be of help to relieve stress in the body.

Ashwagandha Root – This root may help to bring into balance the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal axis and the neuroendocrine system. It may also help to reduce inflammation and to boost the immune system.

Red Reishi Mushrooms – This mushroom is considered in traditional Chinese medicine to be an adaptogen that may help with insomnia, relieving stress, flu, allergies and asthma.

With the help of your health care practitioner, you may want to see if adaptogens are right for you.