Astra Forte - the deep immune tonic

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What health problems can Astra Forte help with?

Astra Forte is a deep immune rebuilding tonic, to assist in cases of chronic fatigue, Ross river fever, glandular fever, lack of vitality, HIV and AID's, repetitive cold and flu infections, debilitated immune function, debilitation from chemotherapy, post infection recovery, liver tonic for hepatitis, and bronchial cough.

It contains the herbs Astragalus, Reishi Mushroom and Privet Fruit, and is a immune system rebuilder and tonic.

A very helpful combination for repetitive cold and flu infections and post infection recovery.

Some history

In the last 10 years the herb Echinacea has become the herb of choice by those using natural therapies for any condition which challenges the immune system; from the common cold right through to serious immune deficiency conditions like AID's and cancer.

While Echinacea has a very useful role to play, its action is one of stimulation rather than rebuilding.

In cases of immune deficiencies, the deep "bone marrow" immune tonic formulas incorporating the herb Astragalus are used. A weakened immune system results in persistent colds and flu, exhaustion, food allergies or depression, which leaves the body vulnerable to infection. Astragalus increases the production of white blood cells and strengthens the body's immune response and vital force. It has an energy boosting action.

Astragalus significantly increases interferon production and secretion

Interferon binds to cell surfaces and stimulates the synthesis of proteins that prevent viral infection. Formulas incorporating astragalus are used in China in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients. Chinese investigators have shown they strengthen the individuals immunity to fight the disease as well as prevent bone marrow depressions and gastro-intestinal side effects associated with conventional therapy. These properties obviously have potential for assisting AIDS patients.

Astragalus formulas such as Astra Forte help rebuild a weakened immune system, so that stimulants like Echinacea will once again work, at times of infection when it is most needed.

Astra Forte also contains Reishi Mushroom and Privet Fruit

In traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus is never used alone. According to Chinese practitioners, it is always taken in a formula supported by other immune rebuilding herbs, such as Reishi mushroom.

The active constituents of Reishi have demonstrated anti-tumour and immuno-tonic effects. They increase both RNA and DNA synthesis in the bone marrow and enhance natural killer cell activity. The Japanese government have listed Reishi as an adjunct herb for cancer. Preliminary clinical reports and practitioner experience seems to indicate that its immuno-enhancing polysaccharides may make it useful for people who are HIV positive. Privet fruit is a herb that the Chinese have long used to nourish the liver and kidney.

Research shows that it has the effect of increasing white blood cell count in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The Chinese and many other practitioners believe that despite the advances in modern medicine and designer drugs, the only real healer is the body itself. However a body weakened by chronic disease often has lost its reserves of vital force or energy and thus loses its potential to effectively utilise the healing potential.

Have you failed to recover after illness?

If you fail to recover your strength and vitality after an illness such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia, you will know that you have depleted your immune power. Fatigue, increased susceptibility to infection, swollen glands, night sweats, sore throats, loss of appetite, muscle weakness and mental exhaustion are the main symptoms of a devitalised immune system and indicate a need for a tonic such as Astra Forte.

I'm healthy but looking for an immune tonic

In summary, Echinacea is very beneficial in the short term stimulation of a generally healthy, or slightly weakened, immune system, as a preventative or to help reduce the symptoms and severity of infections.

Whereas Astra Forte is indicated for debilitated immune function which results in persistent colds and flus, and failure to recover from illness.

As well as this, a once a year course of Astra Forte may help healthy people keep their vitality or Vital force in peak condition.

You can also use this as a post-infection recovery tonic.

Note: Astra Forte should not be used by people with auto immune disorders. NOT be taken by children under 2 years of age.