Dr. Andrew Weil Suggests Alternative Herbal Root as Possible Anti-Virus Preventive
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2163091/astragalus_vs_h1n1_swine_flu_virus.html?singlepage=true&cat=5 As the H1N1 (Swine) Flu virus continues to make the news and apparently is headed back for a second wave to the United States, people are attempting to prepare for the coming and ongoing pandemic. One way to do that, Dr. Andrew Weil said, would be to supplement one's diet with herbal and natural foods. As astragalus has shown antiviral properties, it can be used to help protect against the coming cold season in addition to the H1N1 (Swine) Flu virus. Some may already be familiar with astragalus, which has been used by the Chinese for millennia, but for those not familiar with the herb, astragalus, which is often used in conjunction with other herbs, can be used in tonics and topicals, taken in capsule form and injected. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, it is currently being used in China -- and other areas where alternative therapies are prevalent -- for the treatment of hepatitis, some forms of heart disease, and some cancers. Mixed with ginseng, many use astragalus for its fatigue-fighting properties and is also used for stress relief. Astragalus has few side effects. It is known to mix poorly and should not be taken with only a few prescription medications, such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone (Nasacort). For some, it acts as a diuretic. But the H1N1 virus may have already started its second wave as colleges across the United States begin to report massive outbreaks of the Swine Flu in their student bodies. The University Of Kansas reported over 300 people stricken with H1N1 (Swine) Flu virus just after classes began in August. And Washington State University has now recorded over 2,500 cases of the H1N1 (Swine) Flue virus in the past week. When asked about the various vaccines, Dr. Andrew Weil said that he was going to wait awhile to see what the results of the first inoculations would turn out to produce before he braved the new vaccines. He also said that people should be sparing in the usage of the Tamiflu vaccine because some viruses were already showing resistance to that particular vaccine. Astragalus can be found at just about every pharmacy and retailer that sells herbal supplements. Although the price varies, it generally can be found for under $8. For example, GNC stores carry a brand of atragalus root capsules (100 at 500 mg) for $7.39. When asked Dr. Andrew Weil said that he supported health care reform, but that the current pieces of legislation did not go far enough in working on preventive medicines and treatments. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to Mark Crispin Miller's "News From Underground" newsgroup. To unsubscribe, send a blank email to [email protected] OR go to http://groups.google.com/group/newsfromunderground and click on the "Unsubscribe or change membership" link in the yellow bar at the top of the page, then click the "Unsubscribe" button on the next page. For more News From Underground, visit http://markcrispinmiller.com -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
