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Plants and factories work for the prosperity of the highly developed countries, for our comfortable and happy living. Still, everything has its weak-points, not only advantages. The price we pay for comfort and progress is our health. We live in the cities with millions of cars, dozens of factories, constant rush and strain. We live under pressure. Air, soils, and rivers are polluted, beautiful and shiny fruits and vegetables are stuffed with pesticides and herbicides. It all is not lethal, but it can influence our health, weakening the protective strength of the body, harming the immune system. As a result, we feel tired, exhausted, and sapless. Fatigue and depression are the usual things for the members of the modern society. Traditional Chinese medicine has a very useful recipe to support the immune system. It is a tea, made of the dried root of the Astragalus plant, which works not worse than the well-known Echinacea. The Chinese use Astragalus to protect the body from fever, colds, and flu; multiple infections and allergies; fatigue, wounds and anemia; stomach ulcers, uterine bleeding, and prolapsed uterus. Moreover, this plant can promote the discharge of urine, lower blood pressure, improve overall heart function, and treat digestive disorders (diarrhea, gas, bloating). However, it is important to note that Chinese herbalists recommend taking Astragalus for preventing diseases, not for curing them. The plant effectiveness is higher if teas or tinctures are made of Astragalus in combination with other immune-boosting herbs (Echinacea, Ginseng, etc.). Resent scientific research shows that Astragalus has power over the human organism due to its active components: polysaccharides, saponins, astragalosides, flavonoids and triterpenes. Polysaccharides, having a strong antioxidant effect, play the key role in increasing the number of immune-related cells (T-cells, macrophages, and especially interferon), which help the organism fight and get rid of the multiple viruses and bacteria. Astragalus is also supposed to become the alternative treatment option for persons with the weakened (due to chemotherapy or radiation) immune system, as the plant can promote tissue regeneration (for example, protect bone marrow and heal wounds). Saponins can help avoid cardiovascular diseases (heart attack and stroke), because they have a powerful anticoagulant effect: they prevent blood clotting. Protecting the adrenal cortex (the gland that produces hormones related to stress), Astragalus can increase the body resistance to daily stresses. Some scientists suggest that Astragalus may be helpful in treating atherosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, diabetes, chronic active hepatitis, genital herpes and AIDS. However, all these are just suggestions for the time being, which need to be clinically proven.
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