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by CJ Puotinen
Trying to prevent an infection? Fighting
off a cold or the flu? Or maybe you're doing everything
you can to avoid a serious illness like cancer. Whatever
your health goal, reaching it will depend on a strong,
balanced immune system. Fortunately, you can strengthen
and even repair a compromised immune system. Getting
plenty of exercise and improving your diet help your
body resist disease, making these strategies worth your
investment of time and effort. In addition, nutritional
supplements and medicinal herbs do much to repair and
improve immunity. Here are the top herbs and supplements
that make a difference to your immune system.
10 Supportive Supplements
1. Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera) has been used for thousands of years in the
Ayurvedic medical tradition as a tonic and anti-inflammatory
herb. Relaxing and strengthening, ashwagandha repairs
the body after periods of illness, overwork, mental
or nervous exhaustion, and malnutrition. This tonic
herb is also said to have a special affinity for the
male reproductive system, helping to prevent premature
ejaculation and enhance sexual stamina.
Animal studies conducted in India show
that ashwagandha increases white blood cell and platelet
counts. And because this herb makes cancer cells more
sensitive to radiation, it supports conventional cancer
therapy. Ashwagandha has also been shown to be active
against Staphylococcus aureus, Sal-monella, and other
common bacteria.
2. Astragalus
(A. membranaceus) is native to China, where it has been
used for millennia. It stimulates the body's "natural
killer," or NK, cell activity, and research shows that
taking this herb orally for two weeks enhances interferon
from white blood cells. In addition to treating colds
and upper respiratory infections, astragalus has antitumor
and heart-protective properties, while protecting the
liver from a variety of toxins. Traditionally used as
a food ingredient in rice, soups, and teas, astragalus
is now sold in capsules and extracts. This tonic herb
is active against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella,
and other infection-causing bacteria.
3. Echinacea
(E. purpurea, E. angustifolia) has long been used as
an infection fighter. Clinical trials conducted in Germany
and other countries show that echinacea shortens the
duration and severity of colds, flu, and other infections,
if it's taken when symptoms first appear. However, this
herb is not recommended for anyone with an autoimmune
disease, or who is trying to conceive or considering
organ transplant. Capsules, extracts, and other preparations
made from echinacea increase the number and strengthen
the activity of immune system cells including macrophages
and leukocytes. This herb is also effective in reducing
inflammation, since a teaspoon of E. purpurea juice
is comparable to 100 mg of cortisone.
4. Eleuthero
(Eleutherococcus senticosus), formerly known as Siberian
ginseng, is one of the best-known adaptogens, helping
to normalize body functions. Many holistic healthcare
practitioners recommend eleuthero for patients with
chronic illnesses and autoimmune disorders. Like all
tonic herbs, eleuthero works gradually. Its benefits
are often felt within one or two months, and it continues
to bring improvement when taken for longer periods.
Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner reports that its most
significant results manifest after six months of use,
especially in those who have pale, unhealthy skin; a
lack of energy; and depression.
5. Garlic
(Allium sativum) has so many benefits that it's considered
the world's most medicinal food. In addition to promoting
cardiovascular health, garlic helps protect against
cancer, fight infection, and resist colds, flu, and
other illnesses. Taking as little as 600 mg of garlic
can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. However, supplemental
garlic is not recommended for anyone taking warfarin
(Coumadin). Garlic is also used to treat parasites,
vaginal yeast infections, and earaches. For ear infections,
steep one part minced garlic in five parts olive oil,
or look for topical garlic oil at your favorite health
food store.
6. Schisandra
(S. chinensis) offers strong antioxidant protection
and improves liver function so effectively that it's
a treatment for hepatitis and other liver conditions.
Besides enhancing the body's resistance to disease and
stress, this adaptogen also works to stimulate the nervous
system. Its benefits include improved reflexes and stamina
and increased alertness and mental function. No wonder
schisandra is recommended for chronic fatigue syndrome
and related illnesses.
7. Medicinal
mushrooms offer a variety of benefits for the immune
system:
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) supports both overall
immunity and specific resistance that protects against
bronchitis, cancer, high blood pressure, liver damage,
and yeast infections.
• Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) adds more than flavor
to Asian dishes: It also boosts immunity by stimulating
NK cells, which circulate in the blood and lymph systems.
Active against harmful viruses and bacteria, shiitake
even helps the body resist cancer and heart disease.
• AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) is a
fermented superfood produced from edible mushrooms,
including shiitake. This supplement enhances immune
system surveillance in lymphokine-activated killer (LAK)
and NK cells, increases the number of T-cells, and inhibits
immunosuppressive cytokines. Clinical practitioners
and researchers have suggested that AHCC may help reduce
blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and protect
patients with hepatitis C against viral infections.
• Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor, Trametes versicolor)
acts as an immune-cell stimulant and has been used to
prevent and treat infections and cancer.
8. Vitamin
C may be the most famous immune system support because
it protects the body from free radicals, speeds wound
healing, and stimulates the immune system to resist
infection. Unlike other animals, humans long ago lost
the ability to manufacture our own vitamin C, so we
must obtain it through food or supplements. And as a
water-soluble vitamin, it cannot be stored in the body,
so it's best taken in divided doses rather than all
at once.
Indispensable to the body's process of
making adrenal hormones and lymphocytes, vitamin C also
acts directly on viruses and bacteria. Many healthcare
practitioners recommend at least one gram (1,000 mg)
daily of vitamin C, preferably in natural supplements
that are made from food sources. Phyllis Balch, CNC,
and James Balch, MD, suggest 5 to 20 grams daily in
divided doses for those with weak immune systems. Because
large doses of vitamin C can cause loose stools, most
experts recommend starting with small doses and gradually
increasing the amount as the body adjusts.
9. Colostrum,
a fluid secreted by mammals just after giving birth,
contains protein as well as growth and immune factors
that help prevent infection, speed the healing of injuries,
and increase stamina. Colostrum from dairy cattle, the
collection of which does not interfere with the nursing
of calves, has become a popular supplement for immune
system support. Some of the highest quality colostrum
is imported from New Zealand, where cattle are raised
organically on open pasture.
10. Methylsulfonylmethane,
or MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found
in fresh, raw foods but not in cooked or processed foods.
MSM helps the body detoxify and recover from injuries;
it can help boost immune function and reduce inflammation
and allergy symptoms. To improve immunity, start with
low doses and increase to 1,000 mg each morning and
evening. For best results, combine MSM with vitamin
C.
Stay Well
This winter, take advantage of Mother Nature's immune-enhancing
arsenal to improve your health and prevent the illnesses
that often accompany a change of season. In addition
to a high-quality multivitamin and mineral formula,
taking one or more well-chosen herbs or nutritional
supplements every day can be effective health insurance.
SELECTED SOURCES
Ashwagandha Root; Reishi Mushroom (2000); Astragalus;
Schisandra Berry (1999), edited by Roy Upton, herbalist
($19.95, American Herbal Pharmacopeia) n "Coriolus versicolor:
a Medicinal Mushroom with Promising Immunotherapeutic
Values" by K. K. Chu et al., J Clin Pharmacol, 9/02
n Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating
Drug-Resistant Bacteria by Stephen Harrod Buhner ($12.95,
Storey Books, 1999) n "Influences of AHCC, a Combination
Mushroom Extract, on Immune Function and Hepatitis C"
by Joel S. Edman, DSc, and Fred Pescatore, MD, Am Acad
of Anti-Aging Med, 7/22/00 n Medicinal Mushrooms by
Georges M. Halpern, MD, PhD, and Andrew H. Miller ($14.95,
M. Evans, 2002) n Prescription for Herbal Healing by
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC ($23.95, Penguin Group/Avery,
2002) n Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis
A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD ($23.95, Penguin
Group/Avery, 2000)
Taste
for Lifeå (ISSN 1521-2904) is published monthly by CCI,
86 Elm Street, Peterborough NH 03458-1009, 603-924-7271
(fax 603-924-7013); ©2003 Connell Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved. Subscription rates: $29.95. This
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