Dr. Andrew Weil Suggests Alternative Herbal Root as Possible Anti-Virus Preventive

Dr. Andrew Weil appeared on CNN's "Larry King Live" Thursday evening to talk about his new book, Why Your Health Matters, and said that people looking for a low cost immune boost, they should try the herb astragalus. 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.