When antibiotics first appeared on the medical scene it was thought that immune system disorders would be a thing of the past. These disorders which now include M.E., A.I.D.S., and a whole battalion of new health problems are greatly on the increase and often fatal.
Reduced immune function now appears to be caused by many new factors including: indiscriminate use of antibiotics, cortisol steroids, vaccines, contraceptive pills, chemotherapy, X-Rays and environmental pollutants (the average city dweller now takes in 2 kilos of such pollutants each year).
DIET: is an important factor in maintaining balanced immune function. A diet rich in anti-oxidants (such as Vitamin C., A, E, Zinc and Selenium etc.) with the avoidance of excessive use of refined sugars, dairy products, yeast, fruits, vinegar, red meat, saturated fats, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
STRESS: creates adrenal weakness and resulting fatigue. Stress is largely caused by excess stimulation and can be treated by rest, relaxation, meditation, gentle exercise (including yoga, Tai Chi etc.) and sedative, Adaptogenic or nervine tonic herbs (such as passiflora, chamomile, valerian etc.). There are a great deal of eastern adaptogens, which are particularly effective in reducing the effects of stress; these include: Gotu Kola (hydrocotyl asiatica) Zyziphus (Chinese red date seeds) Schizandra (S.Chinensis) and Siberian Ginseng. Siberian Ginseng: not only reduces stress but enhances the immune system.
Jiaogulan: (gynostemma pentaphylum) known medically since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) now being regarded as an anti-ageing tonic, an immune stimulant and a valuable herb in the fight against cancer and cardiovascular disease. A recent survey among Chinese pharmacists to identify the fifty most important tonics and health products included three types of jiaogulan tea.
Chiretta: During the great flu epidemic of Bengal (1919) a tincture of the tonic herb Indian Chiretta (andrographis paniculata) was found to be very effective in arresting the progress of the disease: it has been confirmed recently that this herb has antibiotic and anti-typhoid properties, it is used in The Philippines to treat cholera and dysentery and has been used for centuries in China to treat fever and painful swellings.
Usnea: a parasitic herb which combines the characteristics of both algae and lichen, usnea is now regarded as being a much more potent antibiotic than penicillin.
Other Immune System Herbs Include:
Echinacea: A herb with strong antibiotic properties, which stimulate natural killer cells and initiate the production of interferon (a cell protein useful in treating tumors etc.).
Garlic: contains certain compounds, which bind to heavy metals, rendering them harmless.
Licorice: anti-viral, immune stimulating strengthens adrenal glands.
Shitake: an edible mushroom used in Japanese hospitals to treat stomach cancer.
Reishi: one of the most effective medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of immune disorders.