Yes, I know it’s sometimes hard to believe, but after suffering such debilitating colds, flu and viruses as many have in the past few months, we often wonder if we will ever regain normal health. It sometimes seems to take forever to recover and then to make things worse, often the flu or virus returns with a vengeance and once again we struggle to regain our energy levels and general feeling of well-being. Spring is almost here and many are still struggling to recover.

Often the worst symptoms have subsided, but we still have a lingering cough, our energy levels are still not back to normal and we just feel like you need a boost. This is when we need to bring in the ‘big guns’ – Astragalus! Yes, this is another of my favourite herbs. Why? Because I can just about guarantee whenever a customer uses this product, they return delighted and grateful for the results they have experienced. I find most people will experience quite a dramatic improvement in their feeling of wellbeing in a short period of time.

This herb is an immune regulator and works extremely well as a post-infection recovery tonic. Astragalus can assist in the rebuilding of stamina and endurance and by assisting our immune system, we are guarding against repetitive colds and flu symptoms. Basically, Astragalus should hasten our recovery from illness and assist in preventing us from suffering further illness, when our immune system may well be weak and leaving us vulnerable.

Other herbs which are often added to an Astragalus formula would be Reishi Mushroom. I have written previously about the amazing benefits of Reishi Mushroom as an immune enhancer as well as containing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Siberian Ginseng is also often used in conjunction with Astragalus, as this herb is an immune modulator plus assists with energy levels. Schisandra is another immune enhancer that helps with energy. Chinese Licorice, once again is a great herb which is an immune modulator with anti-viral properties.

It is important to note we should not take Astragalus whilst suffering from a fever.

I have written previously about Astragalus being beneficial for recovery of Chronic Fatigue, Ross River Fever, Glandular Fever and even Chemotherapy. Now you know why Astragalus is one of my ‘hero’ herbs.

If you have an ongoing cough of course taking the Chinese herbal cough formula I wrote about last week could be extremely helpful. Plus of course we now stock a new herbal range which is triple the strength!! A great bonus.

If you wish to learn more about the treatment of colds and flu or any other health issue, call in to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay, phone 44729737 or tune into Bev on 2EC on Wednesdays at 12.45pm.