Strengthen Your Immune
System
Antibacterial herbs
such as echinacea, usnea, or poke root, not only kill
infection, but also help us keep our immune systems strong.
These herbs have an extensive history of countering
resistant bacteria and strengthening the body's natural
defenses. Medicinal mushrooms, garlic, and ginseng help you
during the winter season - and our thoughts affect our
health too!
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
counter-productive.) A dose of the tincture is one drop for
every pound of body weight. I take this several times a
week as a preventative; several times daily when there is
active infection.
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
tincture (Phytolacca
americana) kicks
the immune system into gear incredibly fast. I’ve seen
chronic infection of many years’ standing resolve after
only one dose, and acute infection 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 (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; if you take
it when you don’t need it however, it may produce an
unpleasant, jittery, speedy sensation.
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, 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 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.
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 which
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.
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.
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.
In
Summary: Strengthen you 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/or 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.
Legal
Disclaimer: This
content is not intended to replace conventional medical
treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are
not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use
should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other
qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula
for you. All material contained herein is
provided for general information purposes only and should
not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a
reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of
medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second
opinion.