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| most had greatly reduced infections from contagious viruses. |
| Astragalus root can be brewed as a decoction (simmer 1 Tbsp. dried root in 2 cups water for 10 to 15 minutes, let stand 5 minutes, strain and serve; drink 1 or 2 cups daily), added to rice, soups or stews during cooking or sauteed in honey to create a medicinal syrup. Astragalus is an excellent herb to take during outbreaks of colds and flu, while training for athletic events and in times of stress or overwork. |
| No dangerous side effects have been reported, but some astragalus users have experienced mild diarrhea or abdominal bloating. Reducing the dosage eliminates these symptoms. A daily pint (2 cups) of astragalus tea, 2 to 4 astragalus capsules or a tablespoon of astragalus tincture has a beneficial tonic effect on the heart and circulatory system as well as every other system in the body. |
| Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus) |
| The bilberry, a shrubby perennial plant that grows in the northeast United States and Europe, is commonly known as the wild blueberry, dyeberry, huckleberry, hurtleberry, whinberry, whortleberry or wineberry. Bilberry has become popular in recent years because of its ability to repair and improve the capillaries. When impaired, these fragile blood vessels can be linked to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, stroke, heart attack or blindness caused by damage to the retina. Less dramatic but still serious are the links between weak capillaries and bruising, varicose veins, "spider" veins, susceptibility to cold temperatures, poor night vision and numbness in the legs and feet. |
| Bilberries contain anthocyanins, flavonoid com- |
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