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10 Proven Benefits of Astragalus Root (#4 Is Vital)

The AHA! Team — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 09:37:08 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN via Dr. Axe – Do you know about astragalus? If not, you should, because astragalus root is one of the most powerful immune-building plants on the planet. This adaptogen herb helps beat stress while fighting disease at the same time. How effective can it be? Turns out, plenty. In addition to pumping up your immune system, studies show it’s vital for cardiovascular health and can even help fight off tumors and alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy. Believe it or not, that’s not all, either. There are more astragalus benefits that are simply unbelievable, which is why it’s one of the essential herbs — like ashwagandha — to add to your wellness regimen. What Is Astragalus? Astragalus is a plant within the Leguminosae (beans or legumes) family, with a very long history as an immune system booster and disease fighter. Its roots are in Traditional Chinese Medicine, in which it’s been used as an adaptogen for thousands of years — meaning it helps the body fight off stress and disease. Today, astragalus medicinal healing and treatment uses span many different illnesses and diseases. The perennial flowering plant, also called milkvetch root and Huang qi, grows from 16 to 36 inches tall and is native to the north and eastern regions of China. It’s also been traced back to Mongolia and Korea. Astragalus roots are harvested from 4-year-old plants and are the only part of the plant that’s used medicinally. Only two of the over 2,000 species of astragalus, astragalus membranaceus and astragalus mongholicus, are used medicinally. Astragalus contains three components that allow the plant to have such a positive impact on human health: saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides, which are all active compounds contained in certain plants, including some fruits and vegetables. Saponins are known for their ability to help lower cholesterol, improve the immune system and prevent cancer. Flavonoids, also found in astragalus, provide health benefits through cell signaling. They show antioxidative qualities, control and scavenge of free radicals, and can help prevent heart disease, cancer and immunodeficiency viruses. Polysaccharides are known to have antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory capabilities, among other health benefits. Benefits In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb was hailed as a protector against stresses, both mental and physical. Astragalus provides health benefits to a number of body systems and ailments. Although more studies in humans are needed to solidify its effectiveness, success in rats, mice and other animals have prompted progressive research on the herb. Because of the tremendous success of so many research studies and trials, new information about astragalus is coming to light all the time. In general, its greatest strength is preventing and protecting cells against cell death and other harmful elements, such as free radicals and oxidation. According to continuing research, astragalus health benefits include: 1. Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory From arthritis to heart disease, inflammation is often the culprit of the damage. Many studies show that thanks to its saponins and polysaccharides, astragalus can reduce inflammatory response in connection to a number of illnesses and conditions, from helping to heal wounds and lesions to reducing inflammation in diabetic kidney disease. 2. Boosts the Immune System In terms of reputation, boosting the immune system is astragalus’ claim to fame. It’s been used in this capacity for thousands of years. A study out of Beijing displayed its ability to control T-helper cells 1 and 2, essentially regulating the body’s immune responses. It’s also been shown to enhance immune response in mice, and in a randomized controlled trial, members of the Polish rowing team had their immunological balance restored “through a stabilization of NK and Treg cells with a positive trend in Tδγ towards Th1 response during restitution by cytokine IL2 modulation” when taking astragalus root. 3. Helps Slow or Prevent the Growth of Tumors Many recent screenings have shown the success of astragalus saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides in decreasing or eliminating tumors. In instances of chemoresistance treating liver cancer, astragalus has shown potential in reversing multidrug resistance and as an addition to conventional chemotherapy, according to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. The root’s anti-tumor effects have been studied extensively, showcasing promise to slow or prevent tumor growth. 4. Protects the Cardiovascular System The flavonoids present in astragalus are antioxidants that help prevent plaque buildup in arteries and narrowing of vessel walls by protecting the inner wall of the vessel. A 2014 study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine suggests injection of astragalus, combined with conventional treatment for viral myocarditis (inflammation of the middle layer of the heart wall), makes treatment more successful in heart conditions. Other animal studies have shown its ability to reduce blood pressure, and can help control triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides put individuals at risk for many forms of heart disease, such as stroke, heart attack and hardening of artery walls. During a heart attack, heart muscle damage occurs when there is a lack of blood supply and oxygen. At that time, calcium overload creates secondary damage. Astragalus may prevent additional heart muscle damage by regulating calcium homeostasis in the heart. 5. Regulates and Helps Prevent Diabetes and Illnesses Related to Diabetes Astragalus has been studied progressively as an antidiabetic. Several animal studies show its ability to relieve insulin resistance and help manage diabetes naturally. The herb’s saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides all are effective in treating and regulating type 1 and 2 diabetes. They’re able to increase insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic beta cells (the cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin) and also act as anti-inflammatories in areas related to diabetes symptoms. Kidney disease in diabetics is also a common problem, and astragalus has been used to treat kidney illness for many years. More recent studies in humans and animals have shown astragalus can slow the progress of kidney problems in diabetics and protect the renal system. 6. Contains Antioxidative and Anti-Aging Capabilities Oxidation due to free radical damage is the main component in disease and aging, and many elements found in astragalus fight free radical damage and prevent of oxidative stress. The herb’s polysaccharides have positive effects on the immune system and improvement of the function of the brain, both of which could lengthen life span. 7. Aids in Wound Healing and Helps Minimize Scarring Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, astragalus has a long history of treating wounds. Radix astragali, another name for the dried root of astragalus, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the repair and regeneration of injured organs and tissues. In a 2012 study by the Institute of Pharmaceutics at Zhejiang University, wounds treated with astragaloside IV (the active ingredient in dried astragalus root) showed recovery rates increase two- to threefold over 48–96 hours. It was concluded that astragalus is a promising natural product for anti-scarring and healing in wounds. 8. Helps Alleviate Symptoms of Chemotherapy Astragalus has been shown to help patients receiving chemotherapy to recover more quickly and extend their life spans. In cases of severe chemotherapy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bone marrow suppression, astragalus has been given intravenously and in combination with other Chinese herbal mixtures. Early research suggests it has the ability to reduce these symptoms and increase the efficacy of the chemotherapy treatments. 9. Can Treat Colds and Flu Because of astragalus’ antiviral capabilities, it has long been used to treat common colds and the flu. It’s commonly combined with other herbs, like ginseng, angelica and licorice root. As with many other natural cold remedies, it seems to work better when used when healthy individuals use the supplement regularly in order to prevent the illness before it happens. A regimen of astragalus before the colder months of winter may help prevent or decrease the number of colds and upper respiratory illnesses individuals will have throughout the season. 10. Provides Supplemental Therapy for Chronic Asthma Astragalus has been used to treat chronic asthma and determined to be a successful supplemental therapy and asthma natural remedy. After being treated, hypersensitivity in airways decreased substantially and mucus production and inflammation were reduced in studies. By preventing or reducing asthma attacks, individuals could be relieved of chronic asthma issues. There is also evidence to suggest astragalus can potentially: prevent collagen degradation help heal lung tissue affected by bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns inhibit herpes simplex virus 1 prevent the replication of viruses like Coxsackie B-3, a virus that triggers illnesses ranging from mild stomach issues to major heart complications treat inflammation in allergic dermatitis (an allergic reaction of the skin) help treat hepatitis by inhibiting hepatitis B virus cells in the liver treat HIV by protecting T-helper cells fight the virus for much longer be used as a mild diuretic Uses and Recipes There are a number of ways to use astragalus root medicinally. Astragalus is currently used as an addition to conventional treatments and should not be used as a replacement for medications unless suggested by a doctor. Astragalus is available at most Chinese markets or health food stores in these forms: Tincture (liquid alcohol extract) Capsules and tablets Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings in Asian countries Topically for the skin Dried and used in tea There is not a standardized dosage for astragalus, but you can work with a doctor or specialist to determine how much you should take and how often. There are differences in doses depending on age, health and medical history. Wondering how to incorporate this antiviral herb into your diet? Here are a couple recipes to try: Herbal Immune System Soup with Astragalus Astragalus Butter (Peanut Butter Substitute) Risk and Side Effects Astragalus is generally safe to use with no serious side effects. There are possible interactions with other herbal supplements, so start with smaller doses to prevent side effects. Women who are pregnant and who are nursing should not use astragalus, as some animal research indicates it may not be safe for pregnant moms. People with autoimmune diseases should speak with their doctors before starting astragalus because of its ability to stimulate the immune system. Individuals with diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other immune system conditions could be especially sensitive to astragalus. Some specialists suggest only using a specific adaptogen for a few months and then moving on to another. The following drug interactions can occur with astragalus: Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar): This drug is used to suppress the immune system. Using astragalus can decrease the effectiveness of this drug. Lithium: Astragalus can affect how the body reduces lithium levels because of its diuretic qualities. Taking astragalus with lithium can lead to unsafe levels of lithium in the body. Speak with a medical professional before combining astragalus with lithium, as a dosage change might be required. Immunosuppressants: Drugs that suppress the immune system are commonly used to help prevent rejection in transplant patients and accept the new organ or tissue. Because of astragalus’ immune system boosting capabilities, it decreases the effectiveness of these drugs. Some of these drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) and others. Final Thoughts Astragalus root is an adaptogen used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for a large number of conditions. The most extensively researched benefits of astragalus are: Acts as an anti-inflammatory Boosts the immune system Helps slow or prevent the growth of tumors Protects the cardiovascular system Regulates and prevents diabetes and illnesses related to diabetes Contains antioxidative and anti-aging capabilities Aids in wound healing and minimizes scarring Helps alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy Treats colds and flu Provides supplemental therapy for chronic asthma There are several ways to use it, from teas to supplements to topical creams. You can also incorporate it into various recipes. When using astragalus, be sure to consult with your physician, and be aware of possible interactions and side effects. To read the original article click here.

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Shilajit: The Ancient Brain-Boosting, Hormone-Regulating Medicinal “Herbomineral”

The AHA! Team — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:47:11 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN via Dr. Axe – When you consider a new supplement, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not a jar of black, tar-like goo. But maybe it should be, because shilajit is an excellent ancient herb (or herbomineral, to be precise) with a host of health benefits. One reason shilajit is such an effective medicinal herb is due to its high fulvic acid content. Fulvic acid has many proven benefits, from improving gut health to keeping skin healthy. This ancient herb contains a huge percentage of fulvic acid and is one of the most common supplements used to increase your intake of this potent acid. Known for thousands of years as a rejuvenator of the whole body, shilajit has garnered a fairly significant body of research for its impact on various body systems. So, before writing it off for its odd appearance, you should take a read into what it may be able to do for you. What Is Shilajit? Known by many names, shilajit is also called mineral pitch, mineral wax, black asphaltum, Asphaltum punjabianum (in Latin), shargai, dorobi, barahshin, baragshun, mumlai, brag zhun, chao-tong, wu ling zhi, baad-a-ghee, and arkhar-tash and mumiyo (variably transliterated as mumijo, mumio, momia, and moomiyo). It’s a tar-like substance (known as a biomass) found in the Himalayan and Tibet Mountains. As lush forests were compacted as mountains arose, shilajit was formed. When the temperatures rise around these Indian mountains, this tar-like medical marvel substance oozes from crevices within the mountains. Ranging from yellowish-brown to pure black in color, the black variety is considered the most nutritional. Over 3,000 years ago, shilajit was mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts. Known as “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness,” it has been one of the staples of traditional medicine (and an aphrodisiac) in a variety of Asian countries for thousands of years. More recently, due to its impressive effect on diabetes, shilajit was included in an herbal supplement known as Diabecon. Another fascinating feature of shilajit is its ability to help reduce the side effects of high-altitude travels. People going from low to high altitude may find it works as a natural way of avoiding “altitude stress.” Nutrition Facts It’s not clear if shilajit is a purely biological or geological substance, as it does have a high presence of nutrients found in both categories. Some of the most often recognized nutrients within it are fulvic acid, humic acids and dibenzo alpha pyrones. Although it’s likely that various types and brands contain different concentrations of some vitamins and minerals, this breakdown of the nutritional content of one brand helps give a starting point for the amounts of common minerals you might find. It’s commonly stated that shilajit, in pure form, contains about 85 different vitamins and minerals. A half-teaspoon serving of shilajit powder (approximately 1.2 grams) contains about: Calories: 3 Iron: 5.4 mg (30% DV) Selenium: 2.8 mcg (5% DV) Zinc: 0.45 mg (4% DV) Calcium: 40 mg (3% DV) Benefits 1. Provides Energy and Revitalization For millennia, practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have prescribed shilajit to boost energy and revitalize the body. Because of the level of importance these natural doctors put on this supplement, the body of confirmed scientific research on it is growing steadily. One way shilajit helps provide the body with energy is the way it increases the function of mitochondria within the body. Mitochondria are organelles that serve as the “power source” of cells in the body because they convert oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the substance that actually powers body cells. Shilajit encourages the function of mitochondria, helping them oxygenate more efficiently. Not only does it help mitochondrial function on its own, but it’s been found to create a powerful effect on mitochondrial oxygenation when combined with supplemented CoQ10, an antioxidant naturally found in all human cells. As this substance helps increase the production of ATP, it increases overall energy and stamina. In fact, it’s commonly used to enhance athletic performance. Chronic fatigue syndrome, a disorder classified by at least six months of inescapable fatigue, has been successfully treated with shilajit supplementation, also evidenced by the way it enhances mitochondrial function. In addition to mitochondrial efficacy, this herbomineral revitalizes the body with its strong antioxidant properties. By fighting disease-causing free radicals, it repairs internal damage to the body caused by chemicals and other dangerous agents you’re exposed to, and it reduces the levels of fat in the blood. 2. Promotes Brain Health Shilajit seems to have a targeted mechanism for protecting brain cells in particular. Initial studies show it has “distinct and marked neuroprotective activity.” In an animal study conducted by the Physiology Research Center at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran on the effects of shilajit on risk factors following a traumatic brain injury, researchers discovered that it has positive effects on the three most indicative factors of death following traumatic brain injury: brain edema, blood-brain barrier permeability and intracranial pressure. This incredible nutrient may also present a novel treatment option for patients suffering from mild cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of fulvic acid and a treatment protocol including administration with B vitamins have shown promising results in pilot studies. In addition, shilajit exhibits anti-epileptic properties and potentially antipsychotic effects, as it adjusts GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels (a naturally occurring acid in the brain) to normal. 3. Regulates Hormones and Immune System Another important function of shilajit is the way it regulates various body systems, such as your immune system and the balance of hormones. Many researchers agree that it impacts so much of the body because of the way it helps these systems remain in equilibrium. In particular, shilajit impacts reproductive hormone functions. In healthy males, supplementation increases blood testosterone and encourages the production of sperm. When tested in pilot studies involving rats, it was also associated with ovulation in adult female rats, indicating that shilajit powder or resin may be an agent to consider for those struggling with infertility. 4. Alleviates Pain Response Ayurvedic medicine has long praised shilajit for its ability to reduce pain naturally, but research has been limited until the last few years. Because of its interaction with GABA levels in the brain, this herbomineral has a significant effect on orofacial pain (pain of the face, mouth or jaws), acting as a “sedating agent.” A 2015 study on mice found it to relieve and lessen chronic pain over the course of time, dependent on the size of the dose. Regarding pain, in a study involving mice, shilajit interacts positively with morphine, minimizing the buildup of tolerance to morphine and, therefore, reducing the amount of this medication that one in serious pain would need to introduce into his or her system for effective pain relief. 5. May Help Manage Diabetes Those with diabetes may be interested to know that shilajit can help reduce blood glucose and lipid profiles in diabetic rats, especially when taken in conjunction with diabetes medications. Shilajit is a main ingredient in a supplement known as D-400, Diabecon or GlucoCare. This supplement is designed to combine the most powerful Ayurvedic natural treatments into one pill. D-400 reduces blood glucose levels and shows potential to repair damage to the pancreas caused by diabetes. 6. Helps Prevent and Protect from Cancer Fascinatingly, shilajit has been found to be toxic to various of types of cancers, including lung, breast, colon, ovarian and liver cancer. Some researchers attribute its toxicity to these cancer to the presence and combination of heavy metals in the substance, making it a potential natural cancer treatment. Also related to cancer is the ability shilajit has to protect certain body systems from dangerous radiation damage. A June 2016 study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that it greatly protected ovaries from radiation-related damage in an animal study. 7. Fights Inflammation and Viruses Research finds that shilajit can be effective in healing and preventing gastric ulcers and reducing the inflammation related to them. One 2021 study demonstrated that it helped alleviate gastric lesions in rats. Not only does it help alleviate inflammation, but it has “broad, yet specific” antiviral herb properties. One Italian lab study found significant antiviral activity against a number of herpes-related viruses and HRSV, a virus that causes respiratory tract infections, especially in children. 8. Supports Skeletal Health Shilajit may even improve the health of your skeletal system. In a study of obese patients published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, supplementation greatly improved the function and regeneration of skeletal muscles. 9. Good for the Heart and Blood By exercising its antioxidant “muscles,” shilajit has been shown to protect the heart against damage resulting from drug-induced injury. A study published in Cardiovascular Toxicology performed on rats found that subjects given shilajit had less lasting damage visible on the heart. Preliminary research also indicates that shilajit can help, in certain doses, regulate heart rate. In smaller doses, it may lower a speeding heart rate. However, in large doses, it may have the opposite effect. 10. Aids in Breaking Addictions Because of its unique interaction with other drug substances, shilajit has a profound effect on the process of breaking addiction. When given to patients coming down from opioids, it reduces the actual addiction and minimizes withdrawal symptoms, better in many cases than common medications given to break dependence. Similarly, this medicinal “herb” reduces addiction to alcohol and diminishes the withdrawal experienced by alcoholics who stop drinking. How to Take Shilajit Shilajit is not readily available at a grocery store — however, it’s possible to purchase imported shilajit at various online retailers. The three forms in which it comes are shilajit powder, shilajit resin and supplements. Depending on whom you ask, each option has its benefits, but most experts generally agree that pure shilajit resin is the most “pure” form to buy. In most cases, people find that spooning out a small portion (often between the size of a grain of rice and a pea) and mixing it into water is the simplest method to take it each day. Beware, though: It does not taste great. If you choose to use shilajit, you probably want to get used to quickly downing a glass of water with dissolved shilajit or adding that water to a smoothie or other liquid to counteract the rubbery taste. One important part of purchasing it is to find reputable distributors. There are many companies selling various shilajit products, but many of them have been found to be very impure forms of the substance or cut with other, non-nutritional things. Again, do your research before beginning to take it. Risks and Side Effects Reports on the various “warnings” involving shilajit are inconsistent. However, it’s important to recognize a few possible issues regarding this substance. First of all, the two well-known possible drawbacks include the presence of heavy metals and the ability of large doses to adversely affect blood pressure. If you’re at risk for heavy metal exposure or abnormally low blood pressure, you should be cautious when taking it. It’s also very important to get this substance from a trusted source. Unfiltered shilajit may contain certain dangerous fungi, and this is part of where the problems with heavy metals come in. It’s worth stating that this herbomineral is still in the introductory stages of scientific research — a lot of studies and discoveries are still in their infancy. Final Thoughts Shilajit comes from mountain crevices in the Himalayan and Tibet Mountains and resembles a tar-like substance, ranging in color from yellowish-brown to black (black being considered most nutritionally valuable). Shilajit has been used for over 3,000 years by those practicing Ayurvedic medicine. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the its use as a revitalizing agent. Preliminary research has found it to be effective in relieving fatigue, promoting the health of the brain, supporting the immune system, relieving pain, managing diabetes, protecting from certain cancers, preventing inflammation and viral infections, improving skeletal system health,...

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Culinary Herb Can Improve Memory

AHA Publisher — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:00:53 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – There’s an old legend that says if you smell rosemary on Christmas Eve, it will bring happiness in the New Year. But I try to use it all year long… not just for its incredible aroma and flavor, but because it has amazing health benefits. Especially when it comes to the brain. Studies prove that this culinary herb can improve memory,1 ease anxiety and depression2 – and most notably, protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia by preventing the death of brain cells.3 You see, rosemary is a rich source of luteolin. And this powerful antioxidant protects a special kind of cell in your brain called “glial cells” from free radical damage and inflammation. For decades, scientists thought these glial cells were just support for the neurons that did the real work of “thinking.” But now we are learning that they do much more. Most importantly, these brain cells stimulate and fine tune the actions of your neurons. This gives you a faster, more accurate brain. You get less fogginess and better concentration. For example, if you were missing a kind of glial cell called oligodendrocytes, messages would travel through your brain 30 timers slower! Other glial cells clear out toxic waste from your brain every night.4 While you sleep, neurons shrink by as much as 60%. And in a study published in Stem Cell Reports, researchers found that there’s a specific kind of glial cell called an astrocyte. This cell produces more beta amyloid – a biomarker of Alzheimer’s – in people with the disease.5 To put it simply, healthy glial cells could be the key to a healthier brain as you age. But rosemary does much more than help your brain health. It also: ✓ Increases your immune defense shield ✓ Improves circulation ✓ Reduces joint inflammation ✓ Eases digestion issues, including heartburn ✓ Fights bacterial infection ✓ Boosts alertness AND promotes sleep ✓ Protects skin cells from free radical damage ✓ Promotes hair growth I use rosemary to season my holiday turkey … but it’s not your only good source of luteolin. In addition to this herb, my top picks for foods rich in this flavonoid include celery, parsley, citrus fruits, green peppers, artichoke and basil. Aim to get at least one serving at each meal. It can be hard to get enough luteolin through food alone, but you can supplement. Luteolin is available as a powder, pill or chewable tablet. I recommend taking 8 mg to 10 mg daily. Or you can always enjoy rosemary the way my grandmother did. She’d go to her garden and pick a few sprigs to make a restorative tea… Fragrant Rosemary Tea The same herb that boosts memory and brain alertness can also improve sleep and reduce insomnia. It’s easy to make a quick before-bed tea using fresh rosemary. ✓ 1 cup boiled water ✓ 2 sprigs fresh rosemary ✓ 1 tablespoon organic honey ✓ Juice from 1 fresh lemon Boil water then pour it over the chicory root and cinnamon stick. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea and cinnamon stick. Pour tea into a blender with coconut oil and blend on high for 30 seconds. Then serve and enjoy! To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS 1. British Psychological Society. “Rosemary aroma can aid children’s working memory: Exposure to the aroma of rosemary essential oil can significantly enhance working memory in children.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 2 May 2017. 2. Iatrou G, et al. “Rosemary tea consumption results to anxiolytic- and anti-depressant-like behavior of adult male mice and inhibits all cerebral area and liver cholinesterase activity; phytochemical investigation and in silico studies.” Chem Biol Interact. 2015 Jul 25;237:47-57. 3. Habtemariam S. “The therapeutic potential of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) diterpenes for Alzheimer’s Disease.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016; 2016: 2680409. 4. Jeffrey J, et al. “A paravascular pathway facilitates CSF flow through the brain parenchyma and the clearance of interstitial solutes, including amyloid β.” Sci Transl Med. 2012;4(147):147ra11. 5. Oksanen M, et al. PSEN1 mutant iPSC-derived model reveals severe astrocyte pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease.” Stem Cell Reports. 2017 Dec 12;9(6):1885-1897. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.10.016. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Al Sears, MD click here.

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Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Hair, Digestion, Inflammation & More

AHA Publisher — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:00:03 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Fenugreek is considered one of the oldest known medicinal plants in human history. Fenugreek oil comes from the seeds of the plant and is used for a variety of health concerns, including digestive problems, inflammatory conditions and low libido. It’s well-known for its ability to enhance exercise performance, stimulate breast milk production and fight acne. With a unique warm and woody aroma, diffusing fenugreek at home or adding it to tea can be a great addition to your natural medicine cabinet. What Is Fenugreek Oil? Fenugreek is an annual herb that’s part of the pea family (Fabaceae). It’s also known as Greek hay (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and bird’s foot. The herb has light green leaves and small white flowers. It’s widely cultivated in northern Africa, Europe, West and South Asia, North America, Argentina, and Australia. Seeds from the plant are consumed for their therapeutic properties. They are used for their impressive essential amino acid content, featuring leucine and lysine. The herb’s essential oils are extracted from the seeds, usually with the supercritical CO2 extraction process. This is the preferred method of extraction because it’s considered nontoxic and leaves zero residual organic solvent. Benefits The benefits of fenugreek essential oil come from the herb’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and stimulating effects. Here’s a breakdown of studied and proven fenugreek oil benefits: 1. Aids Digestion Fenugreek oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve digestion. This is why fenugreek is often incorporated in dietary plans for ulcerative colitis treatments. Studies also report that fenugreek helps support healthy microbial balance and may work to improve gut health. 2. Enhances Physical Endurance and Libido Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that fenugreek extracts have a significant impact on both upper- and lower-body strength and body composition among resistance-trained men compared to a placebo. Fenugreek has also been shown to increase sexual arousal and testosterone levels among men. Research concludes that it has a positive effect on male libido, energy and stamina. 3. May Improve Diabetes There’s some evidence that using fenugreek oil internally may help improve diabetes symptoms. An animal study published in Lipids in Health and Disease found that a formulation of fenugreek essential oil and omega-3s was able to improve starch and glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. The combination also significantly decreased the glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol rates, while increasing HDL cholesterol, which helped the diabetic rats maintain homeostasis of blood lipid. 4. Enhances Breast Milk Supply Fenugreek is the most widely used herbal galactagogue to enhance a women’s breast milk supply. Studies indicate that the herb is able to stimulate the breast to supply an increasing amount of milk, or it may stimulate sweat production, which increases milk supply. It’s important to add that studies do note the potential side effects of using fenugreek for breast milk production, including excessive sweating, diarrhea and worsening of asthma symptoms. 5. Fights Acne and Promotes Skin Health Fenugreek oil works as an antioxidant, so it helps fight acne and is even used on the skin to support wound healing. The oil also has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe the skin and relieve breakouts or skin irritations. The anti-inflammatory effects of fenugreek oil also help improve skin conditions and infections, including eczema, wounds and dandruff. Research even shows that applying it topically can help reduce swelling and external inflammation. 6. Works as an Expectorant Fenugreek is known to work as an expectorant that helps relieve congestion by expelling phlegm. In fact, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb is known as a “phlegm mover” that breaks up stuck energies and has a cooling anti-inflammatory effect. One study found that fenugreek syrup and honey helped improve quality of life and lung function among participants with mild asthma. Diffusing the oil can help relieve a cough and ease that stuffy feeling you get when dealing with respiratory infections. 7. May Suppress Appetite A study published in Clinical Nutrition Research found that drinking fenugreek tea and fennel tea were both significantly effective in suppressing appetite among overweight women in South Korea. Researchers found that fenugreek tea decreased hunger, led to less food consumption and increased feelings of fullness compared to the placebo. Popular Uses Fenugreek oil can be used aromatically, topically and internally. It has a warm, woody aroma and blends well with sandalwood, chamomile and other soothing essential oils. Skin Soother: You can use fenugreek essential oil on the skin to soothe inflammatory issues. It makes for an excellent addition to a massage oil, too, as it can calm the skin and help ease pain and swelling. Digestive Aid: Add one to two drops of fenugreek to tea, water or recipes to help ease digestive issues like constipation. Enhance Exercise Performance: Add one to two drops of fenugreek to tea or warm water to help enhance exercise performance and stamina, or dilute five drops at home. Breast Milk Production: Add one to two drops of fenugreek oil to tea or warm water to stimulate breast milk production, after getting the OK from your health care professional. Hair Health and Shine: Combine one to two drops of fenugreek oil with a half teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture into your scalp to reduce dandruff and boost moisture. Rinse it out after about five minutes. Food Flavorer: Add a few drops of fenugreek to dishes that call for other warming herbs, like turmeric or ginger. Ease Tension: Diffuse five drops of fenugreek oil at home, or inhale it directly from the bottle. Unproven Remedies Although there is research, particularly studies done on animals, suggestingthat fenugreek seeds and extracts have anti-inflammatory effects, the extent of these benefits hasn’t been entirely proven in human studies. Some unproven fenugreek remedies include its ability to improve or fight health issues including: gout leg ulcers mouth ulcers sciatica boils bronchitis swelling in lymph nodes chronic cough hair loss low testosterone kidney ailments cancer Risks and Side Effects There are some precautions to be aware of before using fenugreek topically or internally. When ingesting the oil, it may cause side effects such as bloating, gas or diarrhea. Signs of a fenugreek allergy include swelling, coughing and wheezing. If you experience any of these adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately. It’s recommended to perform a small patch test before using fenugreek oil on larger areas of skin. If you experience skin irritations or redness after using it topically, discontinue use. Do not use fenugreek if you are on blood thinners or have a health condition that thins your blood. It may lead to excessive bleeding or bruising easily. Final Thoughts Fenugreek oil comes from the seeds of the therapeutic herb that’s been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. The oil can be diffused, ingested in tea or recipes, or applied topically. It works as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant and digestive aid. It may also help to improve physical endurance and stamina. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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