Chronic fatigue syndrome has been my worst enemy for at last a year now. This health condition causes endless tiredness, forgetfulness, extreme body aches and pains, physical and mental weaknesses, an itchy dry throat, irritability, panic attacks and sometimes-even confusion. Typically chronic fatigue syndrome can occur without reason, but mine is caused by my autoimmune disease and chronic asthma. Other reasons why chronic fatigue syndrome can occur are drug abuse, chronic stress or illness, inflammation in the nervous system, hypothyroidism, mental illness, tumors and depression.
The good news is there are treatments for helping chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers, but one I favor most is astragalus. Astragalus is an old Chinese remedy also known as Huang Qi. Huang Qi is a name that means strength, which is funny because the herb itself is useful for providing the body with strength and energy naturally which is one of the reasons I use it daily for treating and relieving my chronic fatigue syndrome. However, it is important to know why astragalus works well for treating chronic fatigue and how to use it properly. I personally use the herb for making a healing tonic that can be drunk daily to boost the energy levels in the body safely and naturally.
What is astragalus and why does it help treat chronic fatigue?
Astragalus is an herb with small sweet smelling yellowing flowers and is native to China and Mongolia. The herb is harvested for its sweet roots because in them are potent antioxidants that act as adaptogens which help strengthen all the systems of the body such as the digestive, immune, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, skeletal and circulatory. Due to the herbs strengthening abilities, it makes this herb the perfect remedy for treating and relieving chronic fatigue syndrome naturally.
How do you make a healing astragalus tonic?
The way I make a healing astragalus tonic is by placing a fourth cup of dried astragalus roots into a pan with four cups of water. After, I bring the roots and water to a roaring boil on top of the stove for five minutes and than shut the burner off. Then I allow the roots to steep in the water to form a potent tonic for twelve hours, but if you do not have this much time, an hour will be fine. Just keep in mind the tonic will not be as potent. Once the tonic has steeped for a long period of time I pour some into a small teacup or mug and sip on it as it is. The tonic does have a very sweet licorice earthy taste to it, which I think, taste fine all on its own, but you can drink the tonic with a spoonful of honey and milk if you prefer.
Now, to get the most healing benefits from the astragalus tonic it is best to drink at least two to three cups daily with a meal I find. The reason I say with a meal is that the antioxidants from the tonic have a better time absorbing into the body and bloodstream better with foods and other nutrients. However, you do not have to drink the tonic with a meal. You can always drink it first thing in them morning and right before bed if you wish, or whichever way you prefer. I honestly find taking the tonic with food does provide me great relief from my chronic fatigue symptoms.
What other forms of astragalus can be used?
If drinking astragalus tonic is not your thing you can always take an astragalus supplement daily. One that I take sometimes when I don’t have time to make a tonic is Solgar Astragalus Root Extract SFP Natural Herbal Supplement because it is combined with two other herbs such as Black Elder and Goldenseal, which are herbs that also help strengthen the systems of the body naturally. However, you can take whatever kind of astragalus supplement you prefer. However, before taking an astragalus supplement it is best to talk to your doctor or herbalist first to make sure the supplement is safe and right for you to take since some can react with medications, other herbal remedies and some health conditions.
I can honestly say I have not had any kind of side effects or bad reactions using this herb and I take allergy medicine and asthma medication daily along with Echinacea and several other herbs and have not had a problem yet. I have only seen positive results from being on this herb daily and I do notice the difference when I do not take this herb. In fact, my chronic fatigue symptoms come completely back when I am off this supplement so I recommend if you do start taking it not to stop suddenly or you will feel some side effects.
Are there any precautions why using astragalus?
Overall, astragalus is a safe herb to take daily in moderation. However, pregnant and nursing mothers should not use the herb because side effects are unknown. In rare cases, some people have been known to have allergic reactions to this herb and the herb has interacted with some medication so it is best to talk with a doctor or herbalist before using this herb for treating and relieve chronic fatigue syndrome naturally.
