Herbs for Immune System Health. Richard Mandelbaum RH (AHG) richardmandelbaum.com arborvitaeny.com

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1 Herbs for Immune System Health Richard Mandelbaum RH (AHG) richardmandelbaum.com arborvitaeny.com The Conventional Military Paradigm The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders. These are primarily microbes tiny organisms such as bacteria, parasites, and fungi that can cause infections. -National Institutes of Health 1

2 Anatomy/Physiology The Immune System is not one system per se, but rather interacts closely with the nervous, endocrine, and lymphatic systems, as well as the GI tract (gut) and microbiome in general - but also extending to less obvious glands such as salivary and sweat glands. Major components of Immune System White blood cells, macrophages bone marrow thymus lymph appendix tonsils spleen skin G.I. tract (HCl and flora) and liver mucus membranes 2

3 Re-establishing Immune System Homeostasis Self versus Other: An Out-Dated Paradigm? 3

4 Establishing the Context The notion that all of these things would be harmful to us, of course, is just a terrible human fallacy, number one. And number two, the idea that if you could again, flip that switch, suddenly all the viruses on the planet disappear. The effects, the ripple effects would be so incredibly profound on all of the microorganisms, in the ocean systems, in coral, in sort of soil communities, would be so dramatic there's every reason to suspect that we would die and probably die out as a species very quickly if we did that. -Nathan Wolfe, author, The Viral Storm NPR, October 11, 2012 The Human Microbiome 4

5 The Macrobiome Germ versus Terrain Theory Terrain = Strong Underlying Immune Function 5

6 Contributing Factors to an Imbalanced Immune System Dysbiosis / Hyper-permeability / other GI imbalances (incl. antibiotic use esp. in early life) Impaired hepatic function Poor nutrition Pollutants Chronic Stress Sleep deprivation Social isolation Lack of adequate physical activity Chronic pain or other illness Lack of natural exposure ( hygiene theory ) and alienation from our natural world biodiversity deficiency Nutrients and foods specific to Immune Function Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamin D Antioxidants in general (in addition to the specific ones here) Carotenoids Bioflavonoids Selenium Omega 3 fatty acids Sulfur compounds (Brassicas, Alliums) Zinc Probiotic foods Bitters Honey 6

7 Immunization and Vaccines The Wei Qi Our Protective Qi Housed in the Lungs, Opening to the Skin Our sense of Self Emotional patterns of sympathy, grief and sadness Winter tends to be cold and dry, diminishing Lung Yin and Wei Qi 7

8 Herbal approaches Immuno-modulators Immune tonics (builders) Immune stimulants Antimicrobials: anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal Diaphoretics (sudorifics) Plus: Adaptogens Lymphatics Bitters (hepatics) and digestive tonics Nervines Expectorants / Antitussives For a Weakened Resistance: Tonics and Modulators Adaptogens: licorice, reishi, ginseng, Eleuthero, Cordyceps, Schisandra, Rhodiola* Immune tonics: Astragalus, chaga* Immuno-modulators: licorice, reishi, maitake, shiitake, chaga*, turkey tail, Cordyceps Respiratory tonics: elecampane, tai zi shen, Schisandra, thyme, marshmallow, mullein, Cordyceps, turkey tail, chaga*, reishi * Avoid using when possible for ecological concerns 8

9 Addressing Acute infections Holistic approaches mean to support the body s immune response rather than to fight it. Address the individual pattern address the person not the illness. Immune boosters/stimulants Antibacterial and antiviral herbs as indicated Expectorants / antitussives Diaphoretics and sudorifics Plus: nervines, anodynes, lymphatics, digestive tonics Herbal Approaches to Immune System Imbalances: Re-establishing Immune System Homeostasis Chronic vs. Acute Immuno-modulators Immune stimulants Adaptogens (infections) Nervines Antivirals Antimicrobials Diaphoretics Deficiency* vs. Excess* Immuno-modulators Immuno-modulators Adaptogens and nervines Adaptogens Immune stimulants Anti-inflammatories Immune tonics (builders) 9

10 Herbal Approaches to Immune System Imbalances: Re-establishing Immune System Homeostasis A good herbalist works with an individual not a condition, taking into account in addition to a biomedical diagnosis or explanation: Constitution Energetics or tissue states Comprehensive state of health Traditional diagnostics Energetics 10

11 Major Herbs for the Immune system Adaptogens: Ginseng, Licorice, Codonopsis, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Cordyceps, Holy Basil, Schisandra, Rhodiola* Immunomodulators normalizers: Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkeytail, Licorice Immune tonics/builders: Astragalus, Chaga* Immune stimulants: Echinacea, Boneset, Spilanthes, Elder, Osha, Thuja Antimicrobials: Antifungals / Antibacterials Black walnut, Garlic, Usnea, Barberry, Elecampane, Goldenseal, Tea tree, Neem, Propolis, Wild Indigo, Umckaloabo Antivirals Licorice, Honeysuckle, Elder, Lemon balm, Isatis (woad), St Johnswort, Thuja, Hyssop, Basil Diaphoretics: Yarrow, Boneset, Elder flower Medicine Chest for winter colds/flu/bronchitis etc. Tonic / immune nourishing herbs if needed Echinacea Boneset Elder Ginger Osha* Honeysuckle Elecampane Thyme Sage Barberry / goldenseal* / Coptis Garlic Honey and propolis Licorice Umckaloabo 11

12 Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus Sweet, slightly warm Part used: root General immune system tonic, Qi tonic in (esp. wei qi and Spleen qi), hepatoprotective, antiviral, mild cardiotonic, hypotensive, diuretic Generally avoided during acute inflammation or fever Used for: Immune deficiencies: Low resistance, proclivity to colds, flus, bronchitis, etc.; Tonifies Spleen (fatigue with low appetite); strengthens digestion Weakness of lungs, shortness of breath Reduces excessive sweating Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra, G.uralensis Mildly warming and moistening Part used: root Adaptogen, Lung Yin and general Yin and Qi tonic, anti-viral, demulcent, anti-inflammatory Indicated for: Acute and chronic viral infections Irritation and dryness of the mucus membranes: cough, bronchitis, laryngitis, etc. Adrenal deficiency, chronic stress Mild to moderate depression, melancholy Chronic inflammatory conditions Spleen qi and Upright Qi tonic; Yin tonic Licorice should be avoided by people with hypertension or edema / fluid retention 12

13 Reishi Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma spp. Bitter, warm Immunomodulator, adaptogen, nervine, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor Lifts the Spirit, Calms the Mind Used for: Cancer Immune deficiency, low resistance HIV / AIDS Immune excess conditions: allergies, autoimmune disease Stress, insomnia, nervousness Adrenal exhaustion Hepatitis, cirrhosis Disturbed Shen forgetfulness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia Shiitake Lentinus edodes or Lentinula edodes Mildly sweet, neutral Immunomodulator, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anticancer, nutritive, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory Used for: Prevention and treatment of cancer Chronic infection: HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis (A,B, C), etc. Low resistance; immune deficiency Environmental allergies; hay fever Autoimmune disease Liver damage and/or disease Cardiovascular benefits: Normalizes lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides); may reduce platelet aggregation 13

14 Echinacea Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea spp. Pungent, bitter, cooling and drying Part used: root, flower, seed Immune system stimulant, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, anti-microbial, sialagogue, alterative: dyscratic, lymphatic, hepatic Used for: Preventing and treating acute infection: enhancement of non-specific resistance : (Weiss) colds, flus, sinus infections, bronchitis, septicemia UTIs; cystitis and candidiasis Facilitating wound healing: external wounds, ulcers, boils Mouth wash for infections, toothache Poisonous bites and stings: insects, spiders, etc. Honeysuckle; jin yin hua Lonicera japonica Cold, dry Part used: dried flower bud (and stem) One of the strongest scientifically documented anti-viral herbs Used topically and internally Aids the Wei Qi in fighting acute infection Expels toxic heat: lesions, abscesses, sores Disperses damp heat Often combined with Forsythia, Coptis, Isatis, Platycodon 14

15 Elder Sambucus canadensis, S. nigra Gently cooling and moistening Part used: flower, fruit Immunostimulant, anti-viral, expectorant, diaphoretic (flower), anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory Used for: Cold, flu Flower is more diaphoretic and immuno-stimulant Inflammation and irritation of the upper respiratory tract: cough, bronchitis, hay fever, sinus infection and sinusitis Has demonstrated antiviral activity against cold, flu, viral bronchitis, herpes simplex, hepatitis A wonderful remedy for adults and children; a common childhood remedy often combined with lemon balm, yarrow, peppermint, catnip Garlic Allium sativum Pungent, warming and drying Antimicrobial, antioxidant, expectorant, immunostimulant, diaphoretic The whole drug has to be taken as it is, as a biological product of nature - Rudolf Weiss Used to support immune response in cases of: Bronchitis Tuberculosis Cold and flu Pertussis, pneumonia, sinus infections Chronic infection including Lyme GI infections Plus: Cardiovascular indications 15

16 Thyme Thymus spp. Pungent, drying and warming Part used: leaf, flower Expectorant, antitussive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, astringent Respiratory indications: Acute or chronic cough, especially spasmodic coughs Asthma Emphysema Bronchitis, pertussis, pneumonia Sore throat; laryngitis Cold, flu GI indications: Dyspepsia, bloating, cramping, flatulence Gastritis Dysentery, giardia, other GI infection Ginger Zingiber officinale Hot and dry Part used: rhizome Carminative, anti-emetic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, diaphoretic, antioxidant, expectorant, anti-tussive Acute illness: colds, flu, bronchitis Opens the Exterior Warms lungs and transforms phlegm Dispels cold and dampness Fresh (shen jiang) used more for acute/external conditions, particularly respiratory ailments, cold and flu Dried (gan jiang) for more constitutional/internal conditions, particularly deficient cold conditions, arthritis, chronic GI complaints For colds and flu ginger can be used as a topical poultice with honey 16

17 Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis Bitter, cold and dry Part used: rhizome Antimicrobial, especially antibacterial and antifungal, bitter tonic, cholagogue, stomachic (GI tonic), immunostimulant Inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes Infection, especially with signs of heat and inflammation Sinus infections Staph, Strep, fungal infections, GI parasites, E.coli, giardia, dysentery Stimulates macrophage production to aid in fighting infection GI indications the Eclectic physician Finley Ellingwood writes in its influence upon the gastro-intestinal tract it is tonic, restorative, and soothing in its action. It promotes the appetite, increases the secretion of the gastric and intestinal juices and conduces to a restoration of the normal condition. At risk; use cultivated herb only and consider using barberry or other substitutes Propolis / Honey Warming and moistening Both propolis and honey have been demonstrated to have potent antiviral and antibacterial activity, and as a solid vulnerary, validating traditional uses in acute upper respiratory Infection, cold, flu, sore throat, as well as topical use for cuts, burns, and wounds 17

18 Allergy Allergies of all kinds (food, drug, environmental, etc.) have been increasing dramatically since the early 1980s (doubled oner past 20 years). Approximately one in five Americans suffer from allergies of one kind or another. 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies / hay fever. Seasonal Allergies Allergens, pollen, mold, dust mites, etc. trigger antibody production Upon exposure, Mast cells lining the mucous membranes initiate inflammatory response in mucosal lining (including histamine) Cross-reactivity can then develop 18

19 Importance of Distinguishing Allergic Rhinitis from Colds and Flu Allergic rhinitis: Clear thin watery mucus discharge Congestion, wheezing Rarely fever or muscle ache Can be sudden onset of symptoms, lasting as long as exposure continues. Cold: Thick, yellow/green mucus discharge Sneezing Fever, weakness, fatigue Incubation period of 1-3 days, generally seasonal; lasting 5-7 days. Hyperimmune response leading to chronic inflammation Allergens, in this case mainly pollen, trigger antibody production Upon exposure, Mast cells lining the mucous membranes initiate inflammatory response in mucosal lining (including histamine) Cross-reactivity can then develop 19

20 Contributing Factors to Seasonal Allergies Micro- and macrobiome imbalance Hyper-permeability / dysbiosis / GI imbalances Inflammatory diet Food triggers Poor nutrition Pollutants Impaired hepatic function; hepatic congestion Stress Intestinal permeability Adrenal insufficiency Genetic disposition Herbal Approaches to Allergies Immuno-modulators Anti-inflammatories Decongestants Plus: Nervines Adaptogens and adrenal tonics Hepatics 20

21 Key Herbs for Seasonal Allergies Reishi Licorice Turmeric Eyebright: anti-allergic, antihistamine, antiinflammatory, decongestant, expectorant, astringent Key Herbs for Seasonal Allergies and Hay Fever Nettle: antihistamine, antiinflammatory, nutritive, alterative, astringent to MM Butterbur (PA free) Antiallergic, antihistamine, expectorant, antitussive, antispasmodic, analgesic 21

22 Additional helpful herbs for seasonal allergies Licorice Goldenseal or Coptis Hyssop Dandelion root, gentian, artichoke leaf Astragalus Other medicinal mushrooms: shiitake, maitake Huang qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) Bupleurum Elderberry Green tea Herbal steam inhalations or nasal irrigation (neti) Specific remedies for asthma: Khella Schisandra Ginkgo Other Immune Imbalances (for another day) 22

23 Autoimmune Disease Some of the more common recognized autoimmune diseases Alopecia areata Diabetes (type 1) Graves disease Guillain-Barré syndrome Multiple Sclerosis Pernicious anemia Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis Scleroderma Sjögren s syndrome SystemicLupus Erythematosus Hashimoto s thyroiditis Vitiligo 23

24 Cancer and Herbal Remedies thank you 24

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