Astragalus Pumpkin Seed Butter

Immune Boosting Cold and Flu Prophylactic

Sometime around late fall, when flu season starts to hit and I begin to get e-mails from my kid's teachers informing me of bronchitis and stomach virus germs floating around the classroom, I begin to think preventatively as colder days keep us indoors and in close contact. One of my favorite immune boosting herbs is astragalus.  It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as an herbal treatment designed to make the body's natural defenses stronger.  Studies have shown that astragalus root improves the function of white blood cells.  In fact, it is used in cancer patients after chemotherapy to strengthen their immune systems.  Astragalus root contains several compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides that are thought to be responsible for its medicinal effects. Therapeutically astragalus root works as a preventive agent, helping to fend off viruses and bacteria before they make you sick.  

I make this delicious astragalus pumpkin seed butter as an alternative nut butter spread in the winter months to give my family's immune system and added boost.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, roasted and salted
  • 3 tablespoons powdered astragalus root
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Combine all ingredients in high speed blender until smooth ( I use Vitamix).  (If too stiff, add another tablespoon of olive oil.) Transfer to mason jar and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Use in all ways you would use peanut  or nut butters - on apple slices, in smoothies, or in recipes

Precautions

Those with autoimmune diseases should consult with a health care professional before using immune boosting plants such as Astragalus

Astragalus References

  1. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047878
  2. http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/17/6/7232
  3. http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/2/1/57/htm#B11-cells-02-00057
  4. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-9726.2011.00700.x/full
  5. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1474-9726.2011.00700.x/abstract

Food is Medicine.