posted
Hi all, i just read somewhere that astragalus should not be taken if you have had lyme for many years. Is that true, I've been on it for a month or so.
thanks!
Posts: 40 | From northern nj | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- True, Astragalus, as a primary supplement, should not be taken by anyone with a chronic infection. Even for some with a new, acute infection, this may not be the correct herb for THEM.
Astragalus is too "yang" (too forceful for the kidneys and adrenals that are in a weakened state) to be used alone.
Even then, it's best balanced with other herbs that will provide more of a "yin" approach (more gentle so as not to stress the adrenal system).
Buhner's book "Healing Lyme" explains more about that.
However, as PART of a supplement formula, where is it balanced with several other herbal ingredients, astragalus can very helpful for the total effect of the formula. BALANCE is the key.
But, you'd want such a formula to have been made or prescribed by a LL ND (naturopathic doctor) or someone else with equivalent training - and a thorough knowledge of what chronic lyme does to humans. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- From the Book �The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook� � by Alan Tillotson, Ph.D. & D.Ay (doctor of Ayurvedic medicine).
WHAT IT DOES: Astragalus root is sweet in taste and slightly warming in action, It strengthens the vital force (Qi), boosts the immune system, and strengthens the heart and lungs.
RATING: Yellow, due to limitations in usage.
SAFETY ISSUES: Should not be used to treat acute infections. Use cautiously in patients with hypertension or heat signs. Discontinue use if it causes headache.
Excerpts:
Astragalus root is a very important vital energy (Qi) in TCM, as important as ginseng root.
. . . [specific uses are cited] . . .
. . . 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. . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
thanks Keebler. That's where i read it, while at the library. I will heed your advice until i can get an ll nd.
Posts: 40 | From northern nj | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
so should i not be using the adrenal support drops from nutramedix? It has astragalus in it. But combined with other herbs.
Posts: 908 | From Albany | Registered: Nov 2008
| IP: Logged |
Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
HI Keebler!
So great to see you!
I have started experimenting with Buhner herbs, but not this one. I am extremely excited about his protocol. This guy has figured it out. I love his book. I'm going to buy more of his books.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- jlcd1,
Combined with other herbs in combination formula intended for lyme patients, formulated by a professional who knows all about CHRONIC lyme & herbs, a little bit of astragalus is usually fine and can be very helpful to the other ingredients (but consult with your own LLMD or LL ND).
Not otherwise. Never alone. Never from someone unfamiliar with how borrelia sprirochetes - and a body dealing with them - work.
But, even if in a lyme-specific formula, even if just for support, if it makes you feel agitated, back off.
If you have headaches from it, back off. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, check first with your doctor or herbalist so they can review the balance of the formula.
If the combination formula feels supportive, great. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Proprietary Blend (too bad, as you can�t tell how much of what but it).
================
jlcd1,
For myself, I would not take this. I've taken similar products in the past and they've been far too strong for me.
I can't suggest what is best for you, though here are some things to consider.
As the KIND of Ginseng used is not listed, that is a huge gamble. Some kinds are far too harsh for lyme patients. Some are not. You need to know exactly what kind is used.
I also like to know how much of everything.
However, IF your LLMD or LL ND specifically suggests this for YOUR BODY, and if you do okay with it, since the astragalus is not alone, that part should be okay.
But, if you feel wired or agitated by this, that's sign the entire formula could be too strong. Rhodiola can be strong, but with Ginseng and Astragalus (both of which are also stimulating), it can be too much of a boost.
But, it also depends on how many drops you take. Always add to at least 1/3 cup of water, maybe more.
I know schizandra can be balancing. I'm not familiar with Rhododendron but I THINK I recall that is used in some adrenal formulas.
You can study more about each one from the book, linked in a post above and at other good educations web sites.
But, again, it's a shot in the dark unless you know the kind of Ginseng. There are many kinds, very different from each other. Contact the company on Monday, or scour their site to see if you can find that answer. It will help your decision.
you can read the basic properties of many herbs here, and learn how different body systems work.
============================
Buhner's book: "Healing Lyme" has a wonderful chapter on Siberian Ginseng ((Eleutherococcus senticosus)
I really admire his work. You might want to see what he has to say about adrenal support. - ===============================
I've done very well with this in the past. It was very balancing for my system (but I prefer to avoid alcohol tinctures now). Scroll down to see ingredients. ------
Herb Pharm Adrenal Support Tonic� Compound $10. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Brussels
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13480
posted
I used astragalus with both chronic and acute lyme and I loved astragalus.
Buhner is not too sure about the statements in his book anymore (about T1 and T2).
He recommended me without doubt astragalus after a new tick bite (even with crhonic lyme). He wrote to me in an email and I think I read it in Planet thrive too.
Astragalus is a plant used as food in China, kids take them quite often.
I would try and see and wouldn't abandon this wonderful plant out of the protocol. I didn't use it as much as cats claw, and some other Buhner's herbs, but I did use it on and off and certainly after a new tick bite.
Posts: 6199 | From Brussels | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
I have read his question and answer thread (Buhner), and while he usually states not to use astragalus with chronic Lyme, he has advised some people who couldn't raise their antibody levels to go ahead and try the astragalus even though they were chronic.
His book is just a guideline. Everyone is differnt. I have chronic and I use it. When I don't I feel worse. I hope to try the Siberian Ginseng soon and medicinal mushrooms.
Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Hmmmmm. I've been taking AG Immune from BodyWise for 8 years now. It's astralagus in combo with Arabinogalactan, Ai/E10 whey extract and Maitake Mushroom. Been off abx almost 7 yrs now and have not relapsed.
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922
posted
Sounds like a good product. I will check out the link. Thanks.
Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic