Herbal
Allies to Strengthen Your Immune System
By Susun Weed
Echinacea Echinacea
root is the all-American immune system strengthener. It triggers
production of white blood cells, interferon, leukocytes, T-cells
and B-lymphocytes, as well as directly inhibiting the growth of
most bacteria and viruses. Peter Holmes, author of Energetics
of Western Herbs, cites it as being effective against anthrax.
Echinacea tincture is my first
choice for countering infection. (Capsules and pills of echinacea,
if used for lengthy periods, may be counterproductive.) A dose
of the tincture is one drop for every pound of body weight. I
take this several times a week as a preventive and several times
daily when there is active infection.
Usnea Usnea, a
common lichen, is especially rich in a powerful antibacterial
bitter called usnic acid (also usinic acid). I use the tincture
of Usnea barbata (a dose is 1-2 dropperfuls), but other lichens
show similar immune-enhancing and tonifying properties. There
are no side effects reported from use of even large amounts of
usnea tincture.
Poke root Poke
root tincture (Phytolacca americana) kicks the immune system into
gear incredibly quickly. I’ve seen chronic infection of
many years’ standing resolve after only one dose and acute
infections subside in a matter of hours. Poke’s effect seems
to be focused on the lymphatic and glandular tissues of the throat
and chest, making it the perfect counter to inhaled anthrax, which
attacks the lymph nodes around the lungs. Poke is a specific against
pneumonia and a protector of the lungs. It contains an antibacterial
alkaloid and a special antiviral protein. It magnifies the effects
of echinacea, and they work wonderfully well together.
Poke root is powerful medicine
-- in fact, a potential poison -- and the dose is very small.
One drop of poke tincture may be taken daily for no more than
three months as a counter to possible infection. Alkaloids in
poke root tincture can accumulate in the kidneys, making extended
use risky. Caution: You can feel spacey and out
of your body when taking poke, especially at higher doses. The
first few times, take it after dinner and stay home so you can
judge your reaction.
Siberian ginseng
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus) is widely considered the single
most effective immune tonic and adaptogen in the herbal realm.
Safe and inexpensive, it helps the immune system respond quickly
to infection and mitigates the effects of stress. Astragalus root
is also an excellent ally for building powerful immunity. Both,
or either, may be taken daily for extended periods with no ill
effects. I throw several pieces of these roots in every pot of
soup I cook.
Ginseng root (Panax
quinquefolius or Panax ginseng) is another exceptional ally for
the immune system, especially when there is physical or emotional
stress. In any form (tincture, tea, extract) it
nourishes production of interferon, phagocytes, antibodies and
killer T-cells. So long as you need ginseng, there’s no
overdose; however, if you take it when you don’t need it,
it may produce an unpleasant, jittery, speedy sensation.
Garlic Garlic
has been used to prevent infection for thousands of years, and
it still works! No need to upset your stomach (and loved ones)
by eating it raw; cooked garlic retains its antibacterial powers,
so long as you eat enough of it. During plague times, healers
in some areas wore a "bird's beak," a stiff cone was
made of paper or bark that was stuffed with garlic and spices
(cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) and tied on over the nose to help prevent
contagion. That's a little cumbersome for modern times, but inhaling
the aroma of a cup of spicy tea (there are many blends available,
or make your own) could help you avoid catching contagious disease.
Medicinal mushrooms Medicinal
mushrooms are not only immune system tonics, they possess antibacterial
properties which make them ideal for preventing anthrax infection,
according to expert Paul Stametes. A tincture or strong infusion
of any shelf fungus with pores can be used, he says. If you prefer
to buy your mushrooms rather than hunt for them, look for reishii
(Ganoderma lucidum) or shiitake (Lentinus edodes). Both are adaptogenic,
revitalizing, regenerative and able to directly suppress infection.
Side effects, even from large doses, are rare.
The power of positive thought
But herbs and medicinal foods alone are not enough. What we think
and what we consume are also important parts of building strong
immunity. Candace Pert, visiting professor of neuroscience at
Rutgers University, has proven that every cell of the body participates
in the immune system through an integrated network of chemical,
electrical and hormonal signals. The immune system is a network,
she says, which resonates with the vibrations that surround it.
It is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted by thoughts
as by drugs.
Long-standing, low-level depression,
smoldering anger that is never expressed, bitterness and vengeance
projected into the future are all known to depress immune functioning.
Prayer, affirmations, positive thinking -- no matter what you
call it, talking lovingly to yourself builds powerful immunity.
One of the fiercest old women I know, healer Margo Geiger, taught
me to not only think good thoughts but also to unthink immune
system stressing phrases like "This is killing me,"
or "I’m dying to . . .". "Let’s live
for it!" she’d say.
Specialized cells that eliminate
bacterial and viral infections are made as needed by the immune
system. Richly supply your immune system with nutrients, and it
easily counters infection, building healthy white blood cells
to kill anthrax and other germs. Starve your immune system and
it will falter, leaving your lymph nodes and other tissues open
to infection and destruction.
Nourishing the immune system
My favorite foods for nourishing the immune system include beets,
carrots, garlic, medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds and dark leafy
greens (including nettle infusion). For rapid results, try miso
soup with seaweed and wild mushrooms. Try Immune A Go Go Soup
from my book Breast Cancer? Breast Health!.
Carotenes strengthen and activate
all parts of the immune system, especially the thymus (the "master
gland of immunity"). A half-cup of dandelion greens, two
cups of nettle infusion, a small baked sweet potato or two large
cooked carrots or beets is a "dose," but ten times that
much can be consumed safely. Repeated doses provide a cumulative
effect starting about a week after you begin.
Selenium is a trace mineral with
special abilities for building a healthy immune system. Best sources
are organic garlic, medicinal mushrooms and astragalus. Zinc helps
build energetic white blood cells (which eliminate bacterial infections).
Best sources are echinacea, nettles and seaweed.
The B-vitamin complex, especially
B6 (pyridoxine), is critical to immune system health. Best sources
are potato skins, broccoli, prunes and lentils.
Virtually all drugs depress the
immune system. This includes caffeine and nicotine, alcohol, prescribed
drugs, "recreational" drugs, and vitamin/mineral supplements.
For a healthy immune system, eat nourishing food and forgo the
pills.
What else can you do?
Both light and dark are necessary for a strong immune system.
For optimum immune system strength, sleep in a totally dark room
at night and spend at least 15 minutes a day outside without glasses
or contacts. Full spectrum sunlight is needed to trigger the production
of important immune system components.
Exercise is an excellent way to
tonify the immune system. A number of clinical trials have shown
regular exercise to be strongly linked to heightened immunity.
The emphasis is on regular. It is better to walk one mile four
times a week for a month than to jog 16 miles once a month.
Strengthen your immune system with
a good diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, emotional
well-being and a few of the recommended herbal allies of your
choice. Always remember to use herbs and herbal preparations simply
and safely.
Avoid immune compromising substances
such as coffee, tobacco and medications. With a strengthened immune
system, you will not only enjoy better health but you will be
less likely to be susceptible to infection and possible death
from bacterial and viral invasions.
Faith in your body's ability to
protect itself will continue to bolster and reinforce the immune
system as your mental well-being improves. Enjoy the upward spiral
of health as you follow the path of the Wise Woman Way.
© Susun Weed. For permission
to reprint this article,
.
Susun Weed has been
living the simple life for more than 30 years as an herbalist,
goat keeper, author, homesteader and feminist. See Susun's complete
Wise
Women Herbal Series books. Visit www.susunweed.com
and www.ashtreepublishing.com.
