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Strengthen Your Immune System! Herbal allies to help you avoid catching the flu!
By: Susun
S. Weed
Winter is when we are most likely to catch a cold or the
flu. With Susun Weed's help, you can prepare yourself with herbs and
home remedies to avoid infection and to build a strong immune system.
Ms. Weed prefers safe antibacterial herbs such as echinacea, usnea, or
poke root, which 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. She also recommends medicinal mushrooms, garlic, and ginseng
to help you during the winter season. And, she reminds us that 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 counterproductive.) 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
is 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 spacy 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 Susun Weed's
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
western 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 clinical
herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific
formula for you. All material on this website/email is provided for
general information purposes only and should not be considered medical
advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when
you have a question pertaining to your health and healthcare.
Susun Weed is a contributor to the Routledge International Encyclopedia
of Women's Studies and the author of four highly acclaimed herbal
medicine handbooks. She has been at the forefront of the herbal
renaissance for 35 years.
Bio:
Susun Weed, green witch and wise woman, is an
extraordinary teacher with a joyous spirit, a powerful presence, and
an encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and health. She is the voice of the
Wise Woman Way, where common weeds, simple ceremony, and compassionate
listening support and nourish health/wholeness/holiness. She has
opened hearts to the magic and medicine of the green nations for three
decades. Ms. Weed's four herbal medicine books focus on women's health
topics including: menopause, childbearing, and breast health. Visit
her site www.susunweed.com for
information on her workshops, apprenticeships, correspondence courses
and more! Browse the publishing site www.ashtreepublishing.com
to learn more about her alternative health books. Venture into the NEW
Menopause site www.menopause-metamorphosis.com
to learn all about the Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way.
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