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ARTICLES Herbal Protocols for the Immune System The importance of proper immune system function has long been recognized by natural health practitioners. In recent years, as herbs and other natural remedies have become increasingly more popular, the general public is becoming more aware of the relationship between compromised immune function and many of the health problems from which they suffer. As a result, "immune boosting" herbs like purple coneflower (Echinacea spp.) are being used by a significant proportion of the population. There is currently a wealth of information available about various herbs that are known to influence the immune system. Unfortunately, what is not readily available, is accurate information about how these herbs are best used. This information is very important if you want to maximize the effectiveness and consistency of the results that you obtain when using herbs of this nature. There are two general categories of herbs that influence the functioning of the immune system. Immune stimulants, like echinacea, are herbs that primarily stimulate a short-term increase in the activity of various components of the immune system, especially immune cells. These herbs are best used to treat acute infectious conditions. They may also be used as tonics, however, their action is short-lived and not very deep. Immune tonics, like the various species of Panax ginseng, are herbs that affect the immune system on a much deeper level. Although the mechanisms of action of this category of herbs are not well understood, it is believed that they influence immune function largely via their influence on the central nervous system and the endocrine system. Immune tonics produce a more gradual, but much longer lasting improvement in immune function. Some herbs, like Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and Chinese milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus), fall into both of these categories. These herbs, however, are usually used as immune tonics. When treating acute infections (colds, flu, sore throats, etc.), it is best to use immune stimulants. It is very important that you begin as soon as you are aware that you are getting sick. For the best results, you should begin taking your herbs a day or two before the symptoms fully manifest. The most common mistake that people make is to waiting until they have pronounced symptoms for a couple of days before they go out and get some herbs. Begin by taking the herb(s) very frequently, every 1½-2 hours, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Decrease the frequency of the dose as your symptoms improve. Do not reduce the frequency of the dose to less than 3-4 times per day until 2-3 days after all symptoms have dissipated. Immune stimulants are far more effective when they are combined with herbs that support the primary organs or organ systems that are affected by the condition. For instance, if you are using an herb like echinacea to treat a lung infection, you will get better results if you combine it with lower respiratory herbs such as thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris), mullein flowers (Verbascum thapsus) and coltsfoot leaves and/or flowers (Tussilago farfara) to support the respiratory system as well. Whenever possible, it is also useful to include herbs that act on both the immune system, and the affected organ system(s). In the above case, an excellent example of an herb that will accomplish this objective is elecampane root (Inula helenium). If your immune system is depleted and you are suffering from frequent acute infectious conditions, immune stimulants can be used to strengthen this system and prevent the recurrence of these types of conditions. This can be accomplished by pulsing these herbs. This involves taking the herbs three to four times per day for short periods (usually one to two weeks) followed by a break of at least the same length of time. The number of times you should pulse and the length of the break depend on how compromised your immune system is. A typical pulsing schedule that can be followed during the cold and flu season involves taking immune stimulants one week per month. This process results in a relatively quick improvement in immune functioning, but may not last very long, depending on the circumstances. Another way to accomplish this is by using immune tonics. These herbs should be taken three to four times per day for much longer periods of time (one to three months). Here, the immune system will respond more slowly, but the overall affect will be much deeper and will last for a considerably longer period of time. If you use an immune tonic that is also an immune stimulant, the affect will occur more quickly, but it will still last longer. The use of deep immune tonics is the method of choice for chronic immune problems. As with all health problems, it is important to keep in mind that the underlying causes of immune-related conditions are primarily related to dietary and lifestyle factors. Stress, poor diet, use of pharmaceutical and social drugs including stimulants such as caffeine, exposure to environmental toxins such as pollutants, agricultural chemicals and food additives, and other factors, are some of the major causes of immune dysfunction. Although herbs can and should play an important role in the healing process, in the long term, do not expect anything more than superficial results if you are not willing to make some important changes in your life. Never forget that the symptoms that we suffer from are part of the language that our body uses to communicate to us that something is wrong. It always pays to listen. If we don't, we can expect to eventually develop more serious conditions that are much more difficult to treat. The following are some of the better known immune herbs: Purple coneflower (Echinacea spp.) There are three commonly used species: common purple coneflower (E. purpurea), narrow-leaved purple coneflower (E. angustifolia) and pale purple coneflower (E. pallida). All are believed to have similar properties. All parts of the plant have immune stimulating properties. The best preparations are low-alcohol (25-30%) tinctures made from the fresh plant. Ideally they should contain at least two thirds root material and include more than one species. This is one of the easiest to use and most versatile herbs in this category. It can be used for all manner of infectious conditions. Elecampane Root (Inula helenium) This herb is closely related to and has similar immune stimulation properties to echinacea. The two herbs are very synergistic. Elecampane, however, has a wider variety of therapeutic properties. It is one of the best herbs for the lungs and the digestive system. It is particularly useful for infectious conditions affecting these organs, as well as an excellent general immune stimulant. Boneset Herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum) This is another immune stimulant from the composite family. It is particularly useful for infectious conditions of the upper respiratory tract, the digestive tract, the urinary tract, and any condition that is characterized by fever, especially if it is accompanied by aching muscles. This is one of the best herbs for the treatment of flu and upper respiratory tract conditions such as head colds and sinus infections. Cat's Claw Bark (Uncaria spp.) The surface immune stimulating properties of this herb are a bit stronger than echinacea. It is not recommended for long-term use or by particularly sensitive subsets of the population such as infants, toddlers and individuals who have a dysfunctional liver. Nevertheless, cat's claw is a very useful immune stimulant for the short-term treatment of acute infectious conditions. Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) This herb is both an immune tonic and an immune stimulant. Like most herbs with both properties, it is best used as an immune tonic. Siberian ginseng is one of the most versatile and effective immune tonics. It is best used over a period of two to four months. This herb is particularly useful for the long-term (not symptomatic) treatment of chronic immune conditions such as allergies. Asian and North American Ginseng Root (Panax spp.) The true ginsengs are also deep immune tonics. These herbs are very effective, however, they are not as versatile as Eleutherococus. They should also be used over a period of several months. Chinese Milkvetch Root (Astragalus membranaceus) Another native of Asia that has become popular in North America, this herb is also both an immune tonic and an immune stimulant. It is a very versatile herb and is unusual in that it works equally as well as both an immune stimulant and an immune tonic. This herb has a somewhat stronger influence on immune function than the Panax and Eleutherococcus species. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma spp.) Reishi is one of the most potent immune tonics available. It is also an immune stimulant. In addition to the traditional reishi (G. lucidum), there are two other Ganoderma species that have similar properties. They are artist's conk (G. applanatum) and hemlock varnish shelf (G. tsugae). These herbs are very effective for the treatment of general immune-related conditions. They also show promise for the treatment of extremely degenerative conditions such as cancer and AIDS. This article was originally published in Common Ground Magazine, December 1997. Back to List of Articles |
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