Altragalus

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In a message dated 10/2/2009 7:27:30 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

jangiff writes:

 

>Thanks, Dara. Where can I find some of this info in print or online? I

>did a google search but didn't seem to get this kind of info. I'm not

>exactly a goole pro. I find this very interesting.

 

 

You're welcome Jan!

I didn't do a search - I gave you my own experience with it and what

I learned while studying Traditional . TCM has not been my

primary focus, but it's fascinating. Many of the herbs really are interesting.

 

I usually tend to use Western herbs, but some of those Chinese herbs are just

unique.

 

I know that it can be frustrating to Google an herb and find nothing other than

ads by vested interests.

But if you plow through those, you can find some independent information.

 

One classic, though not inexpensive, reference book on this and other herbs and

roots used in TCM is Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, by Bensky/Gamble.

This is a serious reference book and it presumes some understanding of TCM's

approach to the human body:

http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Herbal-Medicine-Materia-Medica/dp/0939616424/ref=s\

r_1_1?ie=UTF8 & s=books & qid=1254508963 & sr=8-1_

 

 

Another book on TCM which is more introductory is Ted Kaptchuck's The Web That

Has No Weaver.

http://www.amazon.com/Web-That-Has-Weaver Understanding/dp/0809228408/ref=s

r_1_1?ie=UTF8 & s=books & qid=1254510566 & sr=8-1_

 

Ted provides a basic understanding of the TCM system, including organ systems

unknown to the West, like the " Triple Burner " . I glanced around just now for my

copy but it seems to be MIA and I don't recall whether or not Astragalus is

discussed.

 

Nevertheless it's interesting and a less advanced read than the Bensky/Gamble

volume listed above.

 

Online, you can try checking in with Henriette's Herbal to see what she's

compiled: _http://www.henriettesherbal.com/_

 

Her site's gotten positively enormous but it is a good reference to

know about. Many classic herbal texts are accessible there.

 

The American Herbalist Guild (AHG)

_http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/_

is another place to check - members are serious and well trained

herbalists; advancement in professional level recognition is based upon peer

review, and the group is quite admirable in it's determination to keep standards

very high. Check out their book list for volumes you might find interesting.

 

I haven't read the TCM book listed there by Michael Tierra as yet,

though I will, and as such I am not certain that astragalus is mentioned, but

it's highly likely.

 

Good luck!

 

Dara