If you've experienced mild outbreaks of the herpes virus, the astragalus membranaceus root blended with certain vitamins and minerals can possibly provide dependable, natural relief. According to some studies, astragalus can potentially act as an effective herbal treatment against the herpes virus 1 and 2. Though more testing is needed, astragalus has been used for medicinal purposes in Chinese medicine, and is usually recommended for herpes prevention rather than to treat a crisis.

Astragalus is now becoming more popular in modern day Western medicine. Vitamins and supplements on the market today such as ImmunaSure, which was co-created by Dr. John Sherman, blend astragalus with lemon balm and de-odorized garlic to create a powerful support for the immune system.

What is Astragalus?

Astragalus belongs to the legume family called Fabaceae and sub-family called Faboideae. Native to the Northern Hemisphere regions, astragalus is often called milk-vetch, goat's-thorn, and locoweed. There are 2,000 species of herbs and shrubs in the Fabaceae family. The astragalus root comes from perennial plants that thrive in northern China as well as Mongolia. It has been used as a staple in Chinese medicine for centuries. Astragalus roots for medicine must be at least four years old and dried before they can be used as natural supplements.

Benefits of Astragalus

Astragalus root has several components that are believed to help strengthen the immune system. These are flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, astragalosides, and triterpenes. The root is believed to ward off infections and works by helping the skin to eliminate toxins from the body. Astragalus root can help reduce sweating and also acts as a mild diuretic. In America, studies have been conducted to show astragalus root can indeed help boost the immune system's T-cells, even for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.

Astragalus contains probiotics to help boost the body's good bacteria in the digestive tract. Another benefit is that astragalus root helps to protect the adrenal cortex, a hormone-producing gland that affects stress levels in the body. Saponins in the root can help prevent blood clots that may lead to stroke or a heart attack.

Uses for Astragalus

Astragalus root can be blended in a natural supplement or multivitamin and taken orally in capsule form. It can also be taken in powdered form as a tea or tincture. Astragalus in ointments can be used topically to help treat exterior wounds and other skin ailments.

Important Note: Always consult with a doctor before using astragalus or other vitamins and supplements - especially if you have an auto-immune condition, are a transplant recipient, are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you are a hemophiliac. Astragalus may also react negatively to certain medications.

With strengthening of the immune system, the body will better be able to fight against herpes virus 1 and 2. Though there is no definite cure for herpes, the unwanted cold sores and other herpes symptoms can possibly be lessened with this remarkable root as a natural supplement!