You already know that herbs are nature's most versatile healers. They provide treatment for problems as diverse as arthritis pain, digestive upset, skin eruptions, respiratory infections and earaches. It's hard to name even one condition that cannot be relieved, to some extent, with the appropriate herbal remedy. However, herbs provide more than just relief. They can also help prevent disease. Of the herbs which impact directly on the immune system, none is more potent than Echinacea angustifolia.
Your immune system faces a multitude of assaults every day. Poor nutrition, inadequate exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption and the use of pharmaceuticals all chip away at its defenses. Resistance also appears to be lower at certain times ~ the week prior to menstruation, periods of travel and holidays. Some of these factors (like smoking and drinking) can be avoided, others (like business trips and family get togethers) cannot. That's where echinacea comes in. It affords your body the extra measure of protection it needs from time to time.
Echinacea As Preventive
Echinacea angustifolia (the superior form of this herb) grows across the prairie regions west of Ohio. Native Americans used it externally to heal wounds and internally to treat or prevent septic conditions. Also known as Purple Coneflower and Black Sampson, it is a natural antibiotic that also functions as an anti toxin, a substance that neutralizes harmful agents released by bacteria. Although it has been used successfully for hundreds of years, medical science has only recently documented its efficacy. Investigations conducted in Europe have found the herb to be largely non toxic, even when taken for prolonged periods. It was also shown to bolster and protect the immune system in several different ways.
Resins and glycosides found in echinacea inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and strengthen connective tissues. The herb also inhibits the action of hyaluronidase, an enzyme which increase cells' receptivity to disease. An American study demonstrated that the essential oil of echinacea can inhibit tumor growth in some cases of Walker carcinosarcoma and lymphatic leukemia.
This remarkable botanical can be taken in tea, capsule or extract form, depending on your preference. When using it to build up your immune system and prevent disease, you may wish to try one of the following:
Take 20~40 drops of extract 1~3 times daily in water or juice.
OR
1 cup of the tea (1 level teaspoon of the cut root) 1~3 times daily.
Simmer, covered, on a low flame for 5~15 minutes.
Take your tea or extract for two weeks, then stop for one week. If further treatment is required, you may resume your program. As mentioned before, the herb does not appear to be toxic. However, excessive use may oversensitize the immune system. Experiments conducted in Germany showed that larger doses may actually be less effective than smaller ones.
Echinacea For Specific Problems
Echinacea provides effective treatment for bacterial infections (such as staph and strep), sore throats and tonsilitis, dental abcesses, boils and swollen glands. It also helps reduce the aggravating symptoms of seasonal allergy. For problems such as these, you may wish to take the herb as follows:
Swollen Glands and/or Earache:
Take 30~60 drops of the extract 4~6 times daily until swelling is reduced.
Seasonal Allergy:
Take 40 drops 2~3 times daily throughout the allergy season. Do Not skip every third week as suggested when the herb is taken regularly to strengthen the immune system.
Wounds:
For boils, carbuncles, or infected wounds, drink a decoction of echinacea 4~6 times daily.
COMPANION HERB
Along with echinacea, three other herbs deserve major recognition as immune system tonics. They are Siberian ginseng, Taheebo (pau d'arco) and Shizandra.
Siberian Ginseng
(Eleutherococus senticosus)
Siberian ginseng is not ony the most effective, but the least expensive form of ginseng. Used daily, it can build up the immune system and help reduce stress induced fatigue. This herb acts directly on the adrenocortical system ~ particularly the adrenal glands, where the effects of stress can do so much damage. This action renders Eleutherococus an excellent choice for people who tend to abuse stimulants like caffeine. The herb also contains natural steroids, which can help increase muscle mass in those who work out regularly. Combined with other herbs, such as garlic, Siberian ginseng is often used to control blood pressure. In addition, it's a great source of blook oxygen for those who do not breathe deeply enough. (Do you yawn frequently? It may be a sign that your body needs more oxygen.)
As an immune system tonic, you can try taking Siberian ginseng in either of the following ways:
1~3 capsules of the powered herb 2~3 times daily
OR
1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the extract 1~3 times daily
If you plan to take ginseng regularly, skip five days at the end of each month.
NEVER TAKE GINSENG WITH VITAMIN C., as they tend to lessen each other's effects. Separate them by three hours.
Taheebo
(Pau d'arco)
Traditional herbalists worldwide agree that taheebo strengthens and balances the immune system. however, the most interesting news about the herb comes from South America where it is being used with startling results for a variety of immune system disorders. These reports credit taheebo therapy with a high rate of cancer remission, but this claim has yet to be verified scientifically. Fortunately, all the publicity has increased the number of studies being conducted.
The herb is used very successfully to fight yeast infections, especially those associated with long courses of therapy with pharmaceutical antibiotics. These antibiotics can cause yeast to colonize in the stomach, intestine and/or vagina. Taken at least four times daily, taheebo may inhibit the growth of the candida (yeast) fungus and kill the colonies that are invading the system.
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