Boosting Immunity with Herbs

Boosting Immunity with Herbs
For over 4000 years, the Chinese have used certain herbs to prevent common diseases. The ancient Chinese knew nothing of bacteria or viruses, yet some of these herbs were said to "strengthen the exterior" of the "shield." Modern scientific research is confirming that they were right. Thousands of years later and 60 years after the discovery of penicillin, the study of herbs that affect the immune system is one of the hottest topics in pharmacological research. Can herbs really strengthen our resistance and help us lead healthier lives? Both the wisdom of centuries of observation and the scrutiny of the scientific laboratory support the view that they can.

Astragalus: Chinese astragalus root

Astragalus membranaceus is widely used throughout the Orient as a tonic food and medicinal plant. It is sold as dried slices of root, 6-12 inches long. The roots are frequently boiled along with other herb ingredients -- and frequently some chicken broth -- to produce a tonic/medicinal soup. Research has shown that this root and its extracts are powerful stimulators of the immune system.

Astragalus has been used for thousands of years in China. First mentioned in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, an ancient Chinese medicinal text, astragalus is said to "tonify the Spleen, Blood and Qi," and is used for "wasting and thirsting syndrome." Some specific Chinese uses hint at a stimulant effect on the immune system. For example, the root is used as a tonic for the lungs, for frequent colds, or for shortness of breath. The Chinese also use it internally for chronic ulcerations and for persistent external infections.

Astragalus stimulates virtually every phase of immune system activity. It increases the number of "stem cells" in the marrow and lymph tissue, and it stimulates their development into active immune cells that are released into the body. Research documenting this has also demonstrated that astragalus could promote or trigger immune cells from the resting state into heightened activity.

Another study on an astragalus-based Chinese remedy demonstrated "the tendency to stimulate immune response" without suppressive effects. Long-term use (35 days) heightened the activity of spleen cells. The remedy also decreased negative side effects of steroid therapy on the immune system. The author recommended using it in combination with steroid therapy "to alleviate the adverse effects" of the steroid.

Perhaps the best evidence to date for the powerful immunostimulant effects of astragalus come from the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston. There scientists tested damaged immune system cells from cancer patients, comparing them against cells from the blood of non-cancerous human subjects. Astragalus extracts were able to completely restore the function of cancer patients' immune cells. In some cases, the compromised cells were stimulated to greater activity than those from non-cancerous human subjects. The study concluded that "a complete immune restoration can be achieved by using a fractionated extract of astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb found to possess immune restorative activity in vitro."

Astragalus has also been found to stimulate the production of interferon and increase its effects in fighting disease. The combined effect of interferon and astragalus root "resulted not only in decreased common cold incidence but also in shortening the course of illness." The average course of illness of the patients in the combined treatment group was 2.6 days, as compared to 4.6 days in the control group.

In the same study, the astragalus root was found to increase the life span of human cells in culture. The authors report no toxicity to human cells. "On the contrary, cell counts indicated that the vital cells in cultures treated with this drug for three weeks were markedly more numerous than those without treatment." The treated cells also became resistant to a common virus, and astragalus promoted regeneration of cells in the bronchi of virus-infected mice. Most consumers probably use astragalus to prevent and treat colds and other minor diseases.

As if this weren't impressive enough, another study probed the activity of macrophages, one of the major cells responsible for consuming invading microbes. The activity of the macrophages was significantly enhanced within six hours of treatment, and the enhancement persisted for at least 72 hours. The extract also significantly inhibited the growth of tumor cells in mice, especially when combined with the extract Ligustrum lucidum (privet). The authors remark that astragalus extract "may thus restore immunocompetence; potentially beneficial for cancer patients as well as AIDS patients."

Echinacea

Echinacea is a very popular American wildflower and garden plant -- the purple coneflower. It is also one of America's most popular herbal products, used to prevent and treat the common cold, influenza, and infections. Echinacea is the best known and one of the most researched of immunostimulants.

Echinacea was among the most popular herbs used by Native American Indians. At least 14 Indian nations used echinacea for coughs, colds, sore throats, infections, toothaches, inflammations, tonsillitis, and snake bites, among other uses. It was used by the Dakota as a veterinary medicine for their horses.

By the early 20th century, echinacea had become the best-selling medicinal tincture in America, used for a variety of internal and external conditions. But by 1910 it had been dismissed as worthless by the AMA. Not until the 1930s did it fall into disuse in this country. Europeans, especially Germans, began growing and using echinacea, and to this day they have produced the best scientific documentation of its value.

The extract's popularity in the US grew rapidly during the 1980s, and the plant is now again among America's best-selling herb extracts. The most common anecdotal reports about the use of echinacea are from people who begin taking the extract at the first sign of a cold. Often to their surprise, they find the cold has disappeared, usually within 24 hours, and sometimes after taking the extract only once. Anecdotal evidence carries little weight in scientific circles, but plant drug researchers have conducted over 350 scientific studies about echinacea, including the following:

The most consistently proven effect of echinacea is in stimulating phagocytosis, or the consumption of invading organisms by white blood cells and lymphocytes. To prove this, scientists incubate human white blood cells, yeast cells, and echinacea extract. They examine the blood cells microscopically and count the number of yeast cells gobbled up by the blood cells. Extracts of echinacea can increase phagocytosis by 20-40 percent.

Another test called "the carbon clearance" test measures the speed with which injected carbon particles are removed from the bloodstream of a mouse. The quicker the mouse can remove the injected foreign particles, the more its immune system has been stimulated. In this test, too, echinacea extracts excel, confirming the fact that this remarkable plant increases the activity of immune system cells so they can more quickly eliminate invading organisms and foreign particles.

As with astragalus, echinacea causes an increase in the number of immune cells, further enhancing the overall activity of the immune system. Echinacea stimulates the production of interferon as well as other important products of the immune system, including "tumor necrosis factor," which is important to the body's response against cancer.

Echinacea also inhibits an enzyme (hyaluronidase) which is secreted by bacteria, and helps it gain access to healthy cells. Research in the early 1950s showed that echinacea could completely counteract the effect of this enzyme, and this could help prevent infection when the herb is used to treat wounds.

While echinacea is usually used internally for the treatment of viruses and bacteria, it is now being used more for the treatment of external wounds. It also kills yeast and slows or stops the growth of bacteria and helps to stimulate the growth of new tissue. It also combats inflammation, further supporting its use in the treatment of wounds.

Research in 1957 showed that an extract of echinacea caused a 22 percent reduction of inflammation among arthritis sufferers. Although it is only about half as effective as steroids, steroids have serious side effects. Steroids also strongly suppress the immune system, making them a poor choice for any treatment in which infection is likely. Echinacea, on the other hand, is non-toxic and adds immune-stimulating properties to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Most people use echinacea for warding off colds and influenza. Extracts, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are the most commonly used form, and the usual dose is one dropperful (15-25 drops). This is taken at the first sign of a cold and is repeated two or three times a day. European clinics do not use continuous doses of echinacea, but rather alternate three days on and three days off. This is because some testing shows that the immune system in healthy subjects can only be stimulated briefly before returning to its normal state. After several days without stimulation, immunostimulants can again be effective.

Echinacea has an excellent safety record. After hundreds of years of use, no toxicity or side-effects have been reported except rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The purple coneflower is a truly American contribution to world health care through herbs. This safe and effective immune stimulant was discovered and first used by the Native Americans and is now a major medicinal plant used throughout Europe and the US.



ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE:
Herbs for Pets
It's natural that those of us who routinely use herbs for self care would want to use herbs for our pets as well. We must remember, though, that what works for humans does not necessarily transfer to pets, and in some cases what is helpful to humans can be harmful to pets. For example, Nelly Grossjean, in her book Veterinary Aromatherapy (The C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd., Saffron Walden, England), advises that cats' skin and fur is too sensitive to ever be massaged with essential oils. Instead, she largely recommends using essential oils for cats via a diffuser. She recommends applying only a drop or two of essential oils topically, usually in a diluted form. An animal's keener sense of smell should also be taken into account. Dogs especially can be overwhelmed by strong scents. What we find pleasant may make them miserable.

Also, certain herbs may be entirely inappropriate for pets. It is generally known that cats cannot tolerate aspirin; it is toxic to them. For the same reason, white willow (Salix alba) which contains salicin, the base compound of aspirin, should not be used to treat cats.
On the other hand, lavender (Lavendula officinalis syn. angustifolia) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oils cross over as a key components of an herbal first aid kit for both humans and animals. A single drop of lavender essential oil is all that is recommended for treating cysts and abrasions which have been thoroughly cleaned. An abscess may be brought to a head with a drop of tea tree oil. Then, after it has drained, a drop of lavender will help speed healing. Lavender can also be used to treat burns on pets after flushing the area with cold water. For bothersome ear problems, Valerie Ann Worwood advises diluting a drop each of lavender, tea tree and chamomile (Athemis noblis) essential oils in a base of one teaspoon warm olive oil. Massage the mixture into and around the ear.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) treats digestive troubles in dogs as it does in humans, soothing an upset stomach. It is always important to ascertain that the problem is not a symptom of more serious distress such as accidental poisoning or swallowing a foreign object. Cats are generally not fond of strong mints -- though they love catnip and catmint (Nepeta spp.) which are mint relations. Mint leaves and lavender seeds can be strewn over bedding for either cats or dogs, however, to discourage fleas.

For further flea discouragement, Aura Cacia recommends adding two drops each of tea tree and lavender essential oils and one drop of cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil to two gallons of water for a pet bath. Tea tree, lavender, and cedarwood oils all repel insects. Lavender and cedarwood also are effective for neutralizing pet odors--but only on full-grown pets. Never use essential oils on puppies, kittens, or pregnant pets. Even on adult animals, they caution, you should only use small amounts of well-diluted oils.

For eliminating pet odors that linger in the house, Aura Cacia suggests using a pet freshening spray to treat pet bedding and sleeping areas. Combine two drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), five drops juniper (Juniperus communis) and ten drops lavender essential oils with eight ounces of water. For a general room freshener combine eight drops of cedarwood and four drops of tea tree essential oils with one ounce of water in a spray mist bottle. Shake well before spraying. Both sprays are most effective if made in small batches and used within a relatively short period of time to ensure freshness and potency.

Burt's Bees carries a Furry Friends line of natural pet products, including a ready-to-use deodorizing spray with cedarleaf and lavender oils. The same essential oils are used in their beeswax deodorizing candle, which provides an easy way to clear the air of lingering pet scents. Other items in the line offer natural alternatives to chemically-laced pet products. Burt's Bones contain garlic to help keep a dog's intestinal tract free of parasites. The company's breath freshener takes the bite out of doggy breath with a combination of chlorophyll, peppermint oil and vegetable glycerin. The rosemary, rue, comfrey and citronella in their Oat Straw Pet Soap ensure a healthy coat, reduce itching and scratching, and deter pests. Hot Spot Ointment soothes problem areas and promotes healing with lavander oil, vitamin E, and extracts of calendula and comfrey root.

If pests persist, try Speck's Flea Away, a blend of pennyroyal, bergamot, scented geranium, lavender, comfrey and other botanical extracts created by Kirklands' Wood. Located in White Plains, Georgia, in an effort to employ women displaced by NAFTA, the company has worked with the University of Georgia in creating its line of herbal pet products.

And then, go on to spiritual well-being. Aroma Pet offers aid in dealing with both physical and emotional challenges in a pet's life. From Bergamot Blues: Feel Good Remedy to Ravensara Rub: Immune System Revival Remedy, each treatment is available in a supportive cluster of products -- as a mist, a topical, a synergy, and a flower essence. The Pet Mist can be used in the environment and on the coat. Pet Topical can be used directly on troublesome areas. Pet Synergy is a concentrated blend of essential oils, which may be used in a diffuser or for cleaning elements within the pet's environment. Pet Flower Essence may be added to drinking water or used directly on the pet.

While pets can be treated with individual homeopathic remedies matched to their condition, Frontier Natural Products Co-op has added blends to their homeopathic line that address concerns specific to four-legged creatures -- excess barking; coat, nails, and hoof; excess saliva; fleas and ticks. Other pet formulas cover more universal afflictions -- anxiety; arthritis; hypersexuality in both males and females; indigestion and gas; motion sickness, and skin problems. Each of the twelve pet formulas comes in a liquid form for easier administration and faster absorption into the body.

Turning to herbs rather than synthetic drugs and chemicals for pet care benefits not only your pets, but yourself, your family, your home environment, and the environment at large. For most people, part of the reason for owning a pet is to make a connection beyond the bounds of human experience. Natural pet care respects the earth and our pets, deepening that connection.

Resources

Aroma Pet, 800-677-2368

Aura Cacia

Burt's Bees, Inc., 800-849-7112

Frontier Co-op

Kirklands' Wood, 706-486-4630
by Meg McGowan
Conscious Choice, July 1999

thanks

might have a go at making the air freshener spray

I must stress that I am in no way against natural remedies. However, I would like to see the correct acedemic apparatus of supportive laboratory/scientific references for for many of these claims. I am particularly wary of such things as cancer-curing or cancer-remission claims for certain substances. These often occasion false hope and consequent deep sorrow and guilt.

Again, I support natural remedies but could we please have references to statisical results and scientific studies rather than anecdotal reports?

I am not writing a book... but there is many studys done... and much documented that can be found by clicking links at bottom of my post... and going to links provided on both sites...
there is so much documentation that you could study for years and not be bored... especally go to my Links and TOP doctors page at wildchildmagazine.com
there is evidence of the healing power of the proper use of herbs, vitamin c and other natural therapies...
ther also is much evidence that drugs mostly cover up illness and slowly kill you... we can look at our older generation and see pharmacudicals killing them like flies!!! so we have to find a better more natural way... good luck

good stuff topdog!!