Astragalus

Question
Is there any danger in taking astragalus or echinacea for the inmune system? Is there a limit as to how much to take?


Answer
Hello,



Echinacea should be taken before getting sick or at the latest during the early stages of a cold.  And then it should not be taken for more than 10 days at a time.  It boosts helps the body create more white blood cells and therefore can boost the immune system.  But is really only effective between colds or at the beginning of a cold.  Once you are pretty sick, Echinacea won't necessarily speed your recovery. The reason you only take it 10 days at a time is because it can put your immune system on "high alert overload" and that can adversely stress out the body.



Astragalus is a great herb.  It strengthens the Lungs and helps the body build a natural resistance towards disease.  I use that herb a lot when I have children clients who are considered "failure to thrive." Because it works so well to tonify the "Normal Chi" (TCM terms).  I don't recommend astragalus during colds, however.  Because it works to tonify the Lung Chi, it can also cause a cold or flu virus to stay "stuck" in the lungs.  Here's a good example:  If you want to strengthen your house, you may build up thicker walls (in theory).  Well, if you have robber or a tornado in your house, you wouldn't want to build up your walls.  In the same sort of way...astragalus builds up the walls of your house.  If you have a cold or mucus in your lungs, it will just make it harder for your body to get rid of it.



I hope that helps.  

Cheers,

Dr. C