Not to boast, but I rarely catch colds nowadays. Oh sure, maybe I get the odd sniffle once a year, but considering how many miles I log in airplanes and my contact with germ infested children, I think that’s a pretty good track record. And it’s not because I was breastfed or watch my sugars or am super healthy. My secret? This one herb: astragalus.
Astragalus grows wild in China, Mongolia and I think Korea, too.
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This is why I take astragalus
I first caught wind of this root used in Traditional Chinese Medicine when I heard Dr. Weil speak in Calgary a few years ago. He’s the bald dude with the white beard who’s on CNN and Oprah a lot. He’s also a Harvard MD, and one of the top holistic health practitioners in the US.
Anyway, Dr. Weil travels a lot, and swears by astragalus supplements for building up the immune system. If I recall correctly, he said it was his number one recommendation for keeping your immune system in tip top form.
Read here what he has to say about it.
This is Dr. Weil. I drink all his Kool-Aid.
We all know the hazards of this time of year when the weather changes, and all the kids and co-workers return from holidays to start swapping germs back and forth. That’s why September (or ideally mid-August) is a great time to start take astragalus.
Apparently, astragalus is a non-toxic herb that can be used long term for increased resistance. Naturally, I’m not a medical doctor, so please talk to your own health care practitioner before trying it yourself or giving it to anyone in your family (I haven’t given any to teenage daughter yet).
Do you often feel like this at this time of year?
Astragalus benefits
Since taking astragalus I don’t get sick nearly as much. Even if I do catch a cold (so rare), I feel better taking astragalus during it. For me, it’s more effective than Vitamin C or echinacea.
Astragalus is one of the world’s best immunity boosters. It helps the body manage stress and ward off disease. I’ve read it’s also an anti-inflammatory and is good for the cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure.
Where to buy astragalus
There’s actually quite a few regular stores where you can buy astragalus. I used to drink this (inexpensive) green tea with astragalus from SuperStore. I can’t find it anymore, but I think it’s worth mentioning in case you’re able to find it in your region.
Now, I just pop capsules purchased from my local health food store. I take astragalus from September till April, and viola – my immune system is rocking. Astragalus in the tablet form can be hard to find at run of the mill pharmacies, but pretty much every health food store carries it.
Though, when I do get hit with a cold, I turn to these tried and true run down remedies to get back in gear.
Be sure to check with your doctor before taking astragalus (or any new supplement). Obviously, I’m no healthcare professional. Astragalus has worked for me, but who knows?
Maybe you have some totally messed up system and this will throw it out of whack. Everybody’s different and all that. I’ve recommended astragalus to friends and travel writer colleagues for years. Fortunately, none of them have suffered any adverse affects.
What are your go-to tricks for warding off colds?
Hello from Monday Funday. I use essential oils to keep colds away. I love a healthy tea so I’ll have to look into giving the green tea with astragalus a try.
Essential oils sound good. I might add some to my bath tonight. I feel a twinge coming on…Thanks so much for dropping by my site, Erica. Much appreciated.