HERBS TO STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM by Harry Chrissakis Herbalist, M.H. Natural Healing
HERBALIST AND HERBS
The majority of the herbs I’m going to discuss are
from the Chinese pharmacopeia. In the world of tonics
the Chinese dominate. For tonics they use
roots, barks, seeds and mushrooms primarily. All of
them affect the immune system in multiple beneficial
ways.
Our immune system has three basic mechanisms:
1) It must recognize a problem
2) It must remove it
3) It must remember what it did and how
Often, under long term stress and/or illness this system
begins to break down and the communication
between these mechanisms becomes dysfunctional.
These herbs will help strengthen the response, communication
and endurance of the immune system.
Most are considered adaptogenic (meaning they get the
body to adapt to stress better). Many of them have
been in human use for hundreds if not thousands of
years. They have been extensively researched in both
the East and West. I’ve been using these herbs for
years in my practice and I can guarantee their efficacy.
Now lets watch a short introductory video:
I consider these herbs immunomodulators not immunostimulants.
The first strengthens and balances, the
latter pushes a response. Generally these herbs are not
used during acute phases (in colds, flu or fevers, infections)
They are to be used regularly to keep the body out of
trouble by sharpening it so we don’t get sick. They
can be taken as tea, capsules or tincture; individually
or in formulas.
GANDADERMA ( REISHI MUSHROOM )
This unusual looking fungus (large and surreal) comes
black or red. The list of positive effects could cover
half this page. It is best to buy direct from a Chinese
herb shop. Quality varies as usual. The more you
spend the better the product. As a tonic herb this one
has a long history for strengthening the heart and
lungs.
ASTRAGALUS
A root that has well documented effects on enhancing
immune function. In Chinese medicine this herb
is used to strengthen the lungs — often the first area
attacked by colds and flu. It is not to be used during
a cold. It should be used before, to strengthen resistance
or after, to tone up and recover.
AMERICAN GINSENG
Oddly enough this ginseng was so highly prized by
the Chinese that over harvesting in the late 1800’s
decimated our indigenous wild crops. Most is now
grown in Wisconsin. Quality varies according to age.
Roots should be at least 5 years old. This is a true ginseng
with all its tonic qualities minus a few drawbacks.
The Asian ginseng tends to run hot and racy. For westerners
this is generally not useful. American ginseng is
slightly cooling and very nourishing to the system.
SIBERIAN GINSENG
To begin with this is not a true ginseng. Ginsengs are
small tap root plants. This one is big, bushy and
thorny growing in cold regions. It is an excellent
tonic. I use lots of this stuff in my formulas.
The Chinese have studied health and longevity extensively.
The class of plants I’ve gone through are
highly prized within their pharmacopeia. They can be
used for long periods with 3-5 day breaks every six
weeks.
Long term, low dose use of tonics and supplementation
is an elegant way of strengthening our
bodies. Although I’ve focussed on the immune system,
these herbs, used correctly, have a positive effect
on all systems.
Harry Chrissakis Herbalist, M.H., Natural Healing.
www.Herbalist and Herbs.com
contact@herbalist-herbs.com
530-933-8244