Health Quest

Back to List of Patient Handouts Print Friendly Version

Immune (Herbal) Support

Description

The following herbs are known for their reputed roles in supporting the immune system. This formula is geared to supporting the body during times of high stress or exposure to pathogens, which may weaken the immune defenses.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Colds - Flu - Fever - Infection - Malaise due to lowered immune defenses

Clinical Applications/Research

Astragalus

The Chinese herbal (huang qi), or astragalus, has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for viral infections. It is valued as a tonic for building resistance to disease. Parts commonly used include the root (which may be made into a tincture, fluid extract or powder). Astragalus is very high in trace minerals and micronutrients.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a natural herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent, and in many scientific studies for its ability to enhance the immune system. It is known to stimulate macrophages and antibodies. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study indicated that a daily dose of 450mg of echinacea significantly relieved the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the immunostimulating influence of an echinacea preparation on the course and severity of colds and flu-like symptoms in patients having a greater-than-normal susceptibility to infections (Tyler VE, Foster S: Herbs and phytomedicinal products, in Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, ed 11. Washington, American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996, pp 695-713). At a dose of 2 to 4mL a day, patients with diminished immune response (expressed by a low T4/T8 cell ratio) were found to benefit significantly from preventive treatment with the echinacea preparation (Tyler, ibid).

White Atractylodes

White Atractylodes has been reported to be helpful in restoring immune function in cancer patients (Kee Chang Huang, The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. NY: CRC Press, 1999). Atractylodes, in Chinese herbal medicine, tonifies the spleen and augments Chi, strengthens the spleen and stabilizes the exterior energy.

Siler

Siler has been shown to inhibit several strains of influenza virus. Siler has demonstrated in vitro inhibitory effects against Shigella spp, Pseudomonas aeruginos and Staphyloccus aureus (Keep 189-90, Bensky, p 33). In Traditional Chinese medicine, Siler is used in the treatment of the common cold. It is also used to expel wind and wind-dampness manifesting as fever, chills, and body ache from externally-contracted wind-cold.

Isatis Root

Isatis exhibits broad-range anti-bacterial effects against Shigella, Salmonella and hemolytic Streptococcus. Isatis has been shown to increase spleen weight and the numbers of peripheral white blood cells in lab animals (Xu YM and Lu PC, Experimental studies on immunostimulatory effects of the Isatis indigotica polysaccharide. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1991 Jun;11(6):357-9, 325-6). Traditional Chinese medicinial indications include dissipating heat, alleviating fire toxicity and cooling the blood.

Ginger Root

Ginger, shogaol, and zingerone strongly inhibit Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and Tricophyton violaceum. Aqueous extracts at 2.5%, 5%, and 25% concentration have been effective against Trichomonas vaginalis (Chang HM and But PPH: Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, Vol.1, World Scientific, Philadelphia, PA, 1986, pp366-9).

Licorice Root

In China, licorice is called, "the great detoxifier," and is thought to drive poisons from the body (Ody, P. The Complete Medicinal Herbal 1993. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London). Licorice is valued as a base ingredient in herbal remedies, because of its ability to help focus the purpose and direction of other herbs, as well as attenuate the harsh properties of other herbs (Landis R. Herbal Defense. 1997. Warner Books. NY, NY). Adrenal insufficiency is treated well with licorice because some of the constituents of licorice resemble the adrenal corticoid hormones. Licorice enhances immune activity, is good for digestion, is a lung tonic and energizer, reduces spasms, decreases inflammation, and has a laxative effect (ibid).

Contraindications/Toxicology

Do not take in pregnancy. Echinacea contains sugars in its cell membrane which the body can build resistance against. Some believe that the immune system should not be constantly stimulated, and recommend not taking echinacea continuously (i.e. eight weeks on, one week off). Licorice should be used with caution in hypertension patients.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

Back to List of Patient Handouts Print Friendly Version