For thousands of years, astragalus has been found effective in strengthening the body against disease. Astragalus has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties and is a respected adaptogen and immune stimulator. Studies on astragalus have proven the herbs natural ability to help combat a variety of illnesses which include: preventing colds, fighting the onset of upper respiratory infections, treating diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and protecting the liver. More recent U.S. studies have shown that astragalus can be used for treating compromised immune systems damaged by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The following article lists, in more detail, the many conditions astragalus better prepares our furry loved ones for.
Used to treat
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Compromised immune systems due to chemotherapy or radiation
- Heart disease
- Short-term infections
- Acute immune stresses
- Chronic immune problems
- Burns (immune support)
- Kidney Disease
- Cushing’s Disease
- Demodex Mange
- Circulatory problems
- Prostatitis
- Aging
- Abrasions and Lacerations
- Pneumonia
- Skin Problems
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Hyperthyroidism (for cats)
- Cancer
- Cognitive Disorders
- Senility
- Dental Diseases (Periodontal Disease, Gingivitis, Stomatitis)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (FIV)
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
- Feline Leukemia Virus Infection Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Kennel Cough
- Rickettsial Disease
- Ringworm
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Mastitis (and other nursing related infections)
- Inflammation
- Muscle Spasms
- High Blood Sugar
- Debilitated Nervous System
- High Blood Pressure
- Poor Water Metabolism
- Incontinence
Used to Prevent
- Almost all bacterial infections and subsequent diseases
- Colds
- Kidney cell damage
- Complications during surgery
- Spleen complications
- Lung complications
- Blood complications
- Lyme Disease
- Mastitis (and other nursing-related infections)
A Summary of Adaptogenic Properties
First, a working definition of an adaptogenic herb:
An adaptogenic herb is a medicinal plant sought for its ability to correct bodily imbalances and increase resistance to stress, fatigue, anxiety, and trauma.
Pet care-takers would do well to observe a glimpse of what Astragalus can do with regard to achieving bodily balance. Astragalus is very effective in helping the body overcome acute immune stresses. This herb can help the body recover from long term steroid therapy, maintain biological balance during athletic events and in times of stress or overwork, and help prevent the negative effects of stress during breeding. Astragalus has been shown to help the body correct imbalances in the realm of blood pressure, pulse rate, blood sugar, and thyroid function*. A long time favorite in Chinese medicine, this herb has recently been receiving attention in western medicine for its ability to build resistance to disease and infection.
*Astragalus is used as an herbal treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs.
Please ask your Thomas’ Tails staff if you have any questions or desire more details about any of the above information.
