Astragalus Jade Screen: The Best Formula
for Colds and Flu Prevention
(and the first line of natural defense against the threatened flu pandemic)
Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., founder of the American Herbalists Guild
I don't think one needs to find herbs that are specific for a specific strain
of flu -- I don't think herbs work that way. First determining the best course
for prevention is important and secondly treatment -- the second will always be
far more difficult in my opinion because unless one catches and treats external
diseases like colds and flu at the very beginning of onset with a formula such
as Planetary's Yin Chiao Plus), the most one can expect from non-heroic herbal
treatment is to lessen the impact, shorten the course, etc.
The most specific Chinese formula for protection from external diseases is
called Jade Screen available in Planetary formulas as Astragalus Jade Screen,
in liquid or tablets.The reference to "jade' means something that is valued and precious and in this
case, because it protects.
It consists of the following: Astragalus 10-15 grams, White Atractylodes 9-12
grams, Ledebouriella 9-12 grams. It is a near miraculous formula for preventing
and treating colds, flus and allergic rhinitis.
It is interesting to me that one of the herbs in the formula Ledebouriella also
known as Saposhnikovia divaricata in Chinese "Fang Feng" is in the same family
as Lomatia Dissectum which during the 1918 pandemic was widely recognized to be
effective against that flu in regions where it was locally harvested and picked.
I think its also related to osha (Ligusticum porteri). I don't favor using the
wild strains of either of these local species, but I believe the Chinese have
been able to cultivate favor using fang feng.
It is classified as acrid, sweet, slightly warm and more moist and balanced than
other herbs that are used for treating external cold wind (meaning airborne and
able to stimulate strong histaminic reactions). So it is a more balanced herb
for these kinds of conditions. Its known as the most moist of the wind herbs. It
can be used for all wind patterns, hot or cold (yeah!! This is the hardest aspect
of treating these external diseases!). It treats both the upper and lower body
as well as the exterior and interior. It's commonly used for headaches as well as
diarrhea. It is effective for general body aches and spasms as well as relieving
muscular tetany. It stops bleeding from the bowels which as I understand it,
bleeding is one of the signs of severe flu strains.
The Chinese name "fang feng" literally means "guard against wind," meaning
"external contagion" in this case.
So its resemblance to North American Osha (1) and other species known by Native
Americans and white settlers to be effective for the flu is of particular
interest (Ligusticum porteri and Lomatium dissectum). I just don't want people
to be desperately yanking existing environmental species when a cultivated Asian
species may be just as effective.
The combination with Astragalus which is a well known and powerful herb for the
prevention of colds and flus is of great interest.
According to Bensky (Materia Medica 3rd edition) an herbalist named Chen-Shi-Duo
observed:
"Surprisingly, Saposhnikoviae (fang feng) can be used when pathogenic wind is
not present (my interpretation is in other words before one catches the flu or
cold); if used with Astragalus it can shut out wind from entering the skin (my
understanding: which would include the nasal, eye and mouth cavities). HOWEVER
IT CANNOT BE USED ONCE THE WIND PATHOGEN (VIRUS) HAS ALREADY ENTERED. -- He goes
on to say "there is a deep significance when the ancients name something; by
pondering the name (in this case "Jade Screen" or "wind protector") one obtains
comprehension.
Astragalus is THE primary herb for tonifying the "wei qi" or exterior defense
system and according to Bensky "it is very powerful substance for strengthening
the qi and stabilizing the exterior. It tonifies the superficial or exterior
aspects of the Lungs and spleen." White Atractylodes tonifies Spleen qi and in
that way works synergistically with astragalus but it also stabilizes the
exterior, stops sweating especially due to qi deficiency.
Astragalus Jade Screen formula is the ideal formula for one to take daily to
prevent colds and flus, but is not useful when the cold and flu has begun.
Unfortunately it is difficult for most of us to motivate ourselves to take
something for prevention, but to paraphrase an ancient Chinese saying "to treat
disease after it has begun is akin to trying to build armaments after the war
has started."
I recommend taking 2 to 4 tablets once daily for prevention. If a pandemic is underway, repeat this two or three times during the day. In this case I favor the lower dose since Astragalus Jade Screen is warming and drying which may not be suitable for individuals with what is known as "yin deficiency." Jade screen works best if it is taken with fresh ginger tea.
Buy Astragalus Jade Screen in liquid or tablets, click here: http://planetherbs.com/formulas/search.asp (Choose category 'Immune Support')
1. Osha Root is known by many names, including Bear Root, Mountain Ginseng, Nipo, Indian Root, Empress of The Dark Forest, Bear Medicine, Wild Lovage, Porters Lovage, Mountain Carrot, Colorado Cough Root, and Chuchupati. It is native to the Rocky Mountains of North America, and can be found at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. Osha is a relative to Lovage, which is an herb found in Europe that is helpful in treating stomach and urinary problems. Osha Root was originally used by western Native Americans to treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. It was also used as a digestive tonic and as a toothache remedy. Osha Root is purported to be an immune builder, that is, it helps the body ward off viral infections. As word gets out about Osha's positive action on the immune system, it will undoubtedly become as popular as Echinacea, Astragalus, and other well-known herbal immune boosters. It has also been used to lower blood pressure, to stimulate menstruation, and in the improvement of blood circulation.