Herbs for the Immune System

Transcription

1 Chapter 10

2 Herbs for the Immune System To talk about the immune system we must also mention the lymphatic system as they go hand in hand. The immune system in our body is made up of molecules, cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body and destroy invaders that get in. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system in that it transports the WBC to and from the lymph nodes in the bones and transport the antigen cells (dendrites-neurons that send out impulses to other cells in the body) to the lymph nodes in the body to stimulate an immune response. It is also considered part of the circulatory system with its branching connections of lymphatic vessels that carries the cells in the clear liquid lymph towards the heart.

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4 The main organs for the immune system are the lymphatic organs of bone marrow (WBC, leukocytes are made in the bone marrow and RBC are produced in the heads of the long bones) and the thymus. The next lymphatic tissues are the spleen, tonsils, lymphatic vessels, lymphatic nodes, adenoids, skin and liver. Leukocytes: phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, dendrite cells) mast cells, eosenophils, basophils and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes (WBC: a specialized type of leukocytes from the bone marrow. There are 3 types of lymphocytes: T cell (thymus cells) fight abnormal cells like cancer, virus pollen, bacteria and viruses. If a body does not have enough T cells the body will have a low immunity or it can also have abnormal over activity in the immune system where the body attacks and does damage to its tissues so that there is a slowing down in the ability to fight invaders and disease and the body will succumb to autoimmune disease. B cells (bursa-derived cells, from the bone marrow) and NK cells (natural killer cells). The leukocytes protect the body from disease and foreign invaders as they move through the body in the bloodstream. They are the first cells to get to the inflammation. Macrophaes live in the tissues and are scavengers that clean the body of old cells and other material in the system. Influences that affect the immune system are the environment, stress, allergies, vaccinations, over use of antibiotics and steroids. So as mentioned before prevention is very important in taking care of our body and keeping our immune defenses up. Stress affects most everyone today causing an over loading of the adrenal glands and causing fatigue which can lead to the breakdown of the immune system and to autoimmune diseases. So it is very important to take time to REST, RELAX, LAUGH, BREATHE and enjoy yourself. To combat the invaders to the immune system we will use adaptogens, immunomodulators, alteratives, stimulants and tonics. Some of these were mentioned in chapter 8. Stimulant herbs: Peppermint, ginger, cayenne, Echinacea, dandelion, elecampane, ginseng, astragalus, garlic. Tonics: Herbs that have a general effect on the whole body and on specific individualized systems. They help to stimulate and energize the body. Tonic herbs: Dandelion, sassaparilla, angelica, blackberry, horehound, licorice, pau d arco (bitter), spirulina, suma, watercress.

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6 Echinacea Family: Compositae Latin name: Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, E. purpurea Common name: Cone flower, snakeroot, Sampson root Parts used: Roots and leaves Growing/harvesting: They can be started from seed in early spring, or from nursery stock. Plant seeds or plant in full sun in soil that is well drained. It is best not to harvest the roots yourself but use commercially harvested roots. You can harvest the leaves for use in tinctures. Properties/uses: Pungent, cool, dry and bitter. It is best used at the onset of cold, flu or virus for optimum results in large doses, also can use goldenseal or orgeon g rape root with it. The Plains Indians of North America used Echinacea as a pain killer. It boosts the immune system, eliminates bacteria, fights viral infections, upper respiratory infections and urinary infections. It can be used in tincture or decoction form as a mouthwash/rinse for pyorrhea. Is a leading herb of immuno-stimulants. Actions: Antibiotic, immune-stimulant, lymphatic tonic, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antiinflammatory. Vitamins/minerals: Vitamin C, essential oils, niacin, chromium, iron, manganese, selenium, silicon and zinc. Precautions/contraindications: When used in high amounts can cause dizziness and nausea. Check with you physician before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have had an organ transplant and are on immunosuppressants do not use. Iif you have an autoimmune disease or a chronic infection like tuberculosis do not use and do not use if you have ragweed allergies or allergies to daisy family.

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8 Golden Seal Family: Ranunculaceae Latin name: Hydrastis canadensis Common name: Seal all, golden thread, Indian dye, yellowroot. Parts used: Rhizome and roots. Growing/harvesting: It can be difficult to grow, it is usually harvested in the wild. Properties/uses: Bitter, dry, astringent and cold. It increases the blood supply to the spleen and strengthens the immune system. Do not eat the plant or berries fresh. It has been used for yellow dye. The American Indians used it for all inflammatory conditions. It has been used for an eyewash. It is best to take at the onset of colds, flu, upper respiratory conditions to stop symptoms from developing. It has a tonic effect on the whole body. Jethro Kloss said one of the most wonderful remedies in the entire herb kingdom. You can take some golden seal powdered root and myrrh or slippery elm powder and mix together in equal amounts with some water to make a paste to apple on any wound, it will help with healing. Actions: Alterative,anti-bacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic, astispasmodic, aperitive, astringent, bitter, nervine, immune-stimulant, hepatic, stomachic and tonic. Vitamins/minerals: Vitamin A, B complex, C, calcium, iron, manganese. Precautions/contraindications: Do not use if you are pregnant, it is a uterine stimulant. Do not use if you have high blood pressure, as it is a hypertensive herb.

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10 Angelica Family: Umbelliferae Latin name: Angelica archangelica Common name: Wild archangel, masterwort, Alexanders, root of the Holy Ghost, wild parsnip and wild celery. Parts used: Roots, leaves and seeds. Growing/harvesting: Very easy to grow, do not cover with dirt after planting the seeds it needs the light to help it germinate. You can harvest the roots the first year of growth in the fall, and the stalk the second year, and the seeds when they are ready. Store dried leaves for infusions. Properties/uses: Sweet, warm, pungent, bitter, relaxes the throat and helps with colic. Have a cup after eating a meal to help with digestion. You can make a dark green when using iron mordant. The leaves can be added to salads and soups also you can add the dried leaves and seeds to potpourri to make you house fragrant. You can candy the stalk and eat it. The ground root and seeds can be added to cookies. The stems and roots can be eaten raw. The Indians used it to help with respiratory conditions and as a tonic to help strengthen the body after an illness and today it is still used for bronchitis, colds, congestion, fever and nervous headaches. In 1655 the year of the plague, it is said a monk had a dream and met an angel who told him that angelica would cure the plague. So angelica water became an ingredient added to the recipe which included nutmeg, treacle and angelica water to be mixed together and heated, those with the plague were to drink it 2 times a day. Its name came from Medieval Latin meaning angelic herb. The essential oil distilled from the plant is used in perfumes and flavorings. Actions: Stimulant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, carminative, uterine stimulant. Vitamins/minerals: Vitamin B 12, zinc, thiamin, potassium, sucrose, glucose, fructose, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and trace minerals. Precautions/contraindications: Do not use this herb if you are pregnant, it is a uterine stimulant. Do not use if you are diabetic, it has high sugar content.

11 Roots, Rhizomes and Others As they grow under the ground they get to soak in nutrients and water through tiny hairs on them and send it up to the branches and leaves by the stalk. Potatoes are tubers where food for the plant is stored with carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and other nutrients. An onion is not a root but actually a bud. Rhizomes grow horizontally. Taproots can extend deep into the earth like dandelion roots.