Some use herbs and supplements to help get through the cold and flu season. One commonly used supplement for boosting the immune system is astragalus. What you should know is that the astragalus is a herb that’s grown in northern China and used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions.

According to wikipedia the Astragalus is a large genus of 2,000 species of herbs, shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Astragalus, as a potent tonic for increasing energy levels and stimulating the immune system.

What you will need to know is that the genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere have some common names such as: milk-vetch, locoweed in western US, with some species and goat's-thorn such as gummifer, tragacanthus and pale-flowered vetches that are similar in appearance, with vetches being more vine-like. Despite this, the potential of using astragalus to treat some conditions hasn’t escaped the notice of researchers simply due to the report that the effects of astragalus on immune function may also be a possible cancer therapy.

Astragalus propinquus is also known as Astragalus Membranaceus and has a history of use as an herbal medicine,sold primarily as a powder made from the dried root of the astragalus plant. For some to get the effects of astragalus, the powder is made into a tea or added to other liquids such as soup.

In the news the biotechnology firm Geron Corporation and TA Therapeutics of Hong Kong have been working on deriving a telomerase activator from it with the possibility of an herbal extract called TAT2 (Cycloastregenol) to be used to help combat HIV, as well as infections associated with chronic diseases or aging. When it comes to animal studies it has been shown that the heteropolysaccharides found in astragalus may reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Despite the lack of large studies documenting its effectiveness against cancer, drinking astragalus tea is popular among breast cancer survivors.

As you are probably aware there is some evidence that it lowers blood sugar, blood pressure, and can increase the risk of bleeding which makes it risky for some groups of people so be aware that there is also the risk of allergic reactions. So when it comes to drinking tea or taking supplements for flu prevention is a lifestyle choice that will have long lasting health benefits.

Letha is a nationally certified acupuncturist and herbalist, who lives in New York, Vermont and Florida describes herbs to treat symptoms of colds and flu. For colds: rest, drink teas with ginger & lemon. She recommends for sinus congestion, cinnamon, scallion, and ginger tea. Yin/Yang Sisters instant beverages include, Breathe Free (sinus) and Flu Away for fever, headache and flu discomforts.

Also she mentions Sweeten teas with Isatis Root Beverage (cane sugar cubes containing a powerful antibiotic herb for mumps, fever, and flu) Many Chinese cold and flu pills contains honeysuckle flower, which kills strept, staph, and pneumonia germs.

For colds: Ganmaoling plls and for flu: Ganmaoching pills and Chuan Xin Lian pills for swollen neck glands and fever.

According to http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/herbs/astragalus-benefits-sideeffects.php (you may want to do further research before taking any type of herbal supplements)

• Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as the drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients.

• People should avoid using astragalus species such as "locoweed" that grow in the United States, as these other species may have different effects and side effects.

• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.