LymeNet Flash: Astragalus to Increase WBC -- Has it Worked for Anyone?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Astragalus to Increase WBC -- Has it Worked for Anyone?

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Topic: Astragalus to Increase WBC -- Has it Worked for Anyone?

seibertneurolyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6416

posted

Herbalist suggested hubby made a tea (decoction) of astragalus root to improve his WBC. Has anyone else tried this?

I think that Buhner only recommends astragalus for early Lyme infections in the Healing Lyme book?

Suggested dose was 5 grams daily.

Bea Seibert

Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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Yes, because it stimulates the part of the immune system that is pushed in the chronic stage, it's only recommended only for early lyme (not just by Buhner, but others, too).

However, there may be times when this might be okay for a short course for someone with chronic lyme. I don't know enough about that, though.

I sure would not take it late in the day. I took this many years ago and it really wired me, causing agitation. In others, it helps with a sense of strength.

It's a bit of a hop, skip and jump, but you can connect to Buhner's site here: www.gaianstudies.org/lyme-updates.htm

Here's a chapter from The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook (Tillotson):

http://tinyurl.com/66konl

Astragalus

excerpts:

. . . Astragalus is noticeably stimulating, and its action is described as being able to "push the blood," and "bring energy up to the head." I wholeheartedly agree with the latter statement--I get a headache if I take it myself, indicating I don't need this type of energy stimulation. . . ."

. . . I urge caution when using astragalus unless under the care of a qualified health care practitioner, because while it works really well in weak patients with signs of coldness, it can create nervousness, headache and even raise blood pressure in patients with heat signs or hypertension. . . .

And

www.itmonline.org/arts/astragalus.htm

Astragalus: Practical Aspects of Administering the Herb

. . . It appears that the polysaccharides are present in sufficient quantity that the high dosage astragalus preparations could affect the white blood cell activity. . . .

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Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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Sounds like this is alone as the tea, but is he taking other herbs as part of an over all protocol?

I just remembered that if Astragulus is part of a formula - or if there are other herbs taken during the day to balance - that it can be far less stimulating to the immune system and/or to the nervous system and it can work out fine.

It would depend on the overall combination.

-

Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

Brussels
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13480

posted

I take astragalus and have been fighting lyme and reinfections since 2005.

It is an amazing herb. Easy to take, good taste (compared to other herbs....), I just add the powder in water and drink.

Buhner says to take it in case of new tick bite, even if fighting chronic lyme.

I didn't have a new tick bite, but was fighting a new lyme revival. Now I just take astragalus as preventive.

What is WBC?

Selma

Posts: 6199 | From Brussels | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Brussels:

What is WBC?

Selma

White Blood Cells.

--------------------
One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.
~ Helen Keller

My Lyme Story

Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007 | IP: Logged |

Brussels
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13480

posted

Thanks, disturb!

Astragalus increases CD4+ cells counts and balances CD4/CD8 ratio. ( page 87, 119,120 in Buhner). The herb increases Th1 response.

It's adaptogen, anti fatigue specific for chronic fatigue, helps many neuroborreliosis symtptoms (page 120).

It's one of the superior tonic herbs in Chinese medicine.

Astragalus decrease abnormal levels of IgG, IgM, C3, C4, CD8+ and CD19+, while increasing levels of CD4+ and CD56+.

Ratios of CD4/CD8, CD3/HLA-DR and CD3/CD16 normalize after the second and third week of use of astragalus(page 122).

It also can modulate Th1 and Th2 levels in lung cancer patients.

Posts: 6199 | From Brussels | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

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