Up next in our “ROOT of all HEALTH" series is a root vegetable that I hold near and dear to my heart. Astragalus Root (As-trag-uh-lus) has been used in traditional eastern philosophy Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It is recognized in an elite class of herbs where a prerequisite before even being considered in this class would be to HELP EVER & HURT NEVER. Astragalus Root is called an adaptogen, meaning it promotes balance in the body's 5 systems and helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. My son Nash is a beautiful, smart, athletic little boy who is nearly 4 years old. He entered this life almost unlike any other child ever born on planet earth. Nash was bought into the world facing unbelievable odds and a tremendous journey ahead of him in order for survival. Nash was born with Cancer. Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rapid and aggressive tumor found in the musculoskeletal system was his diagnosis. A 20-30% survival was his prognosis. At 21 days old Nash underwent a significant chest wall reconstructive surgery and then began an intensive 42 week chemotherapy regimen. To help with side effects from chemo and to help keep his immune system strong in between treatments, Nash was given a liquid tincture of pure astragalus root cycled carefully and crafted for his safety and well-being. Outside of modern surgery and medicine, Nash was able to thrive through this harsh treatment rarely requiring any of the standard blood transfusions, immune boosting injections or nausea medications that are directly associated with chemotherapy side effects. He was known in the hospital as “the baby with perfect blood.” I firmly believe in the potential powers that the Astragalus Root possess. Astragalus Root is known to contain intense, rich polyphenol and antioxidant activity, which protect cells against damage from all toxins including free radicals, oxidative stress, environmental stress and chemical toxin exposure. Astragalus is used to protect the body, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver and kidneys from toxic effects of chemotherapy and other harmful toxins. Traditional uses for this root have focused mainly on its abilities to stimulate and strengthen the immune system, aiding in the battle of all the wide range of potential health related infections and illness that we face as humans. Recent research has shown that a special nutrient derived from astragalus can activate an enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase acts to maintain or lengthen telomeres, which are found in the cell nucleus and help extend the lifespan of your DNA. If you imagine DNA as a shoelace, telomeres are the plastic aglets at each end. It serves as a protector for your DNA because it keeps it from fraying or damaging. As you age, your telomeres shorten due to wear and tear, which gives your cells an expiration date, hence accelerating the aging process. However, telomerase helps to preserve telomeres by making them stronger and longer allowing our cells to extend their lifecycle keeping us younger for longer. The length of your telomeres is important: Researchers have discovered correlations between telomere length and susceptibility to certain aging-related diseases, like cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and strokes), diabetes, and cancer. These unique qualities possessed by this powerful herb make it one of the most anti-aging substances found in the world. This world class whole herb root along with its phyto-chemical antioxidant-rich extractives are effectively dosed in our tasty instant tea blend we call CinnaGreen Spice + Energy.Astragalus whole herb and Astragalus extract are used in this formula because both contain significant potential health qualities for the body. This potent tea blend formula iscaffeine free and also contains 27 of the world's most nutritious herbs, spices, greens, and medicinal mushrooms. Be sure to check out our world class smoothies and instant tea blend at www.RockinWellness.com Roots are good for you!!!Seth LukerCo-Founder and PresidentRockin’ Wellness Inc.