Astragalus
Shield of protection
Astragalus root has been studied extensively for its effect on the immune system. It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of common respiratory illnesses, inhibit tumor growth and bolster immune system activity in general.
It is frequently being used alongside chemotherapy to alleviate the side effects of the chemotherapy treatments.
This root can also be used for people with seasonal allergies. As an immunomodulator it helps to straighten up the immune system, lessening the frequency and severity of allergies.
There is a lot of research on astragalus fighting cancer published online for those interested to find out more.
It is of use for people who are completely run down. If they are getting frequent colds and flus, that is a sure sign this herb will be of benefit! It combines well with ashwaganda root for burn-out.
It is an adaptogenic herb, helping to handle stress. The best way to summarise Astragalus would be to say it is a tonic, meaning it nourishes and supports the body in its own self-healing process. This is no small thing in chronic illness where our ability to self-repair has fallen short of being able to get us well.
In Chinese medical terms, astragalus builds up the protective chi. Imagine that there is a protective shield around your body, just below the surface of the skin, that keep out cold and other external influences. It vitalizes the non-specific immune defenses and wards off infections. This is the protective chi, and astragalus is the premier herb in Chinese herbalism to strengthen it. -Paul Bergner
Calendula
Shines in places where the sun don´t shine
Calendula is indicated for damp/stagnation and heat from cold. A tissue may become depressed in function and the vital force want´s to activate and get it moving by initiating an inflammatory response. So there is heat from cold and damp.
Calendula is good for antibiotic trauma, leaky gut syndrome and food intolerances. It is also good for lymphatic swelling and great when there is a residual sluggish feeling after a flu, low energy and swollen lymphnodes. It moves the debris out of the system, dead white bloodcells and bacterial cells.
When there is a food intolerance triangle, one experiences mood energy symptoms, food intolerance and joint pain or skin issues. Beer-belly, gluten-belly.
Call for Calendula! It is a bitter tonic that works on the liver and helps with digestive imbalance.
Calendula is good for anxiety and depression especially when accompanied by these other symptoms.
Calendula is moving what has stagnated in our defense system , also on a psycho-spiritual level. Reclaiming ones boundaries and making full use of the energy we allready possess. It has to do with recognizing and using our wealth . Calendual can live everywhere. It teaches the magic of universal opportuinty. Prosperity and abundance is available to all of us no matter of the socio-economic situation.
The energy is connected to the solar archetype of Apollo. The light of the inner sun!
Goldenrod
Solidago comes from the Latin word solidus, which means: “whole” as in “to make one whole” or to bind or bring together.
Goldenrod supports the kidneys, is good for a cold stomach and low metabolism. It is a warming, bitter and pungent remedy that is stimulating and increases digestion.
Goldenrod can be helpful in allergies, especially cat allergy with red, watery, itchy eyes and itchy nose. It may also be helpful at the first stage of an urine infection.
For worn out people with tired and heavy feet. “Where is the nearest chair?” . Indicated for people who are too worn out to process life. Maria Treben relates how the kidneys help us to work out our emotions and if they become exhausted they slow down, the back and feet are tired and the urinary output is altered.
Goldenrod is a powerful internal cleaner and it is especially good to do a cure at the equinoxes, as the seasons change. Goldenrod connects you to your higher self (makes one whole). Initially emotions may be released as they are cleaned out from under metaphorical carpets but do not fear, a stronger connection to your higher self creates enthusiasm, abundance and a more cooperative feeling in the long run.
These initial feelings are the reliving of emotions and will pass as those emotions are released from the cleaning. This process can also affect one’s dreams initially.
Nettle
”How much men are like the nettle!
My friends, remember this, that there are no weeds, and no worthless men, there are only bad farmers.”
– Victor Hugo
Ruled by Mars and just like the red planet and the blood, it is full of iron. It builds and purifies the blood, it is alkalizing, full of nutrients, many other minerals and chlorophyl. It cools stinging and burning and act as an anti inflammatory.
Nettle is a great protector against inflammation but also on an energetic level in acting as a guardian of ones integrity. It is good to call on Nettle when one feels invaded or to release heat when one is angry or frustrated or when inflamed. Nettle keeps you cool.
Nettle works with complicated protein building-blocks to build some of the most complex molecules used by the body, by removing uric acid from the waste products of the system. Nettle provides a know-how. It is useful to take a cure of nettle as an internal spring cleaning.
In this way it may be helpful in preventing seasonal allergies.