Our Immune System.

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Below was sent to me by a very special friend. It will also, be uploaded to our files. Blessings. Joy

Subject: Human Immune System

"Each tree, each shrub, and herb, down even to the grasses and mosses, agreed to furnish a remedy for some one of the diseases (of humankind) and each said, "I shall appear to help man whenever he calls upon me in his need." The Teachings of the Cherokee NationHello!Greetings, dear friends! We are living in times in which it is important to be open to all forms of healing. New health issues are on the rise that modern medicine has few answers for, and we must explore the use of alternatives to the best of our ability. The attached document contains information about five herbs that are proven to enhance the human immune system, our best line of defense against the antibiotic-resistant strains of viruses and bacteria we are now dealing with. I send this to each of you in hopes it gives direction and hope, and that you take whatever actions you feel necessary to fortify yourselves and your families. Also, I would add a note of encouragement to seek out an herbal practitioner to guide you if you have a medical need. If you need guidance in this area, contact me and I'll do my best to connect you to someone in your own area. We have a myriad of excellent resources available to us. I wish you wellness and peace.Blessings!Rev Glenna Rae Dietrich

The First Line of Defense: Strengthening the Immune System

(from Herbal Antibiotics by Harrod Buhner)

Generally, no matter how virulent the disease – and this includes fearsome diseases like that caused by the Ebola virus – many people remain healthy in spite of being exposed. In fact, medical studies have consistently shown the presence of virulent bacteria in many people’s systems though they themselves never become ill. Unfortunately, few studies have been conducted on why these people do not get ill; most of the focus has been on ‘fighting’ the disease. But those people who do not get ill all have something in common that their ill neighbors do not: their immune systems successfully deep an infection from taking over their bodies. Our immune systems are, in fact, our first line of defense. The job of the immune system is to protect us from disease and, if disease occurs, to cure it. A healthy immune system, then, is the most important thing we can possess to help us remain healthy.

Supporting the Elements of the Immune System

Some of the specific components of our immune system are the thymus, spleen, lymph system, lymph nodes, tonsils, liver, appendix (basically a large lymph node), and bone marrow. The thymus coordinates immune activity. The spleen processes worn-out red blood cells and platelets and provides a location to engulf and destroy invading bacteria. The liver cleans toxins from the blood and produces most of the body’s lymph, the liquid that flows in the lymph system, basically the body’s sewer system. This system runs parallel to the blood vessels; it stores, filters, and circulates waste, especially dead bacteria and the massive numbers of white blood cells produced during active infections. Lymph nodes are large intersections of lymph channels, and they store or warehouse the waste products being processed through the lymph system. When the lymph nodes are processing a lot of waste they tend to swell, clog up, and become painful to the touch, and processing of waste slows down. Keeping the nodes clear helps the body process infections much quicker. The lymph nodes (as does the thymus gland) also produce unique white blood cells called lymphocytes that are potent elements of our immune system.

The bone marrow and to some extent the thymus manufacture other types of white blood cells to fight infections. Two of the most important are phagocytes and neutrophils. Phagocytes exist in three forms: monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes. As macrophages they rove the body looking foreign bodies, engulf invading bacteria, and help clean up residues of white blood cells and bacteria during and after infections. They also alert the neutrophils, which attack and destroy bacteria and viruses, to the presence of disease organisms.

All the differing parts of this whole immune complex can be supported and kept healthy. By doing so we help prevent inroads in our systems from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Revitalizing Strategies

Over the past three decades there has been a great deal of exploration of just what is involved in creating and maintaining overall health and vitality. This includes things that can be done to restore and revitalize a suppressed or damaged immunes system or keep an already healthy immune system functioning well. Roughly, these measures fall into three categories: herbs, foods and vitamins, and lifestyle choices.

Herbs for the Immune System

Several herbs stand out when it comes to strengthening, rehabilitating, or enhancing the immune system. All of them can be used over the long term; few have any side effects. Though some of them are active against specific disease organisms, their strength lies in enhancing various aspects of the immune system, offering protective activity against toxins or disease for specific organs in the body, anti-tumor activity, and/or tonifying and restoring a debilitated body or immune system. Many of these herbs are also considered anti-stressors. They seem to protect the body from the effects of stress – stress, it has been shown, will actually impair immune effectiveness over time.

Five Herbs for the Immune System

Ashwaganda

Astragalus

Boneset

Red Root

Siberian Ginseng

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Family: Solanaceae

Part used: The root is used in Western practice; all parts of the plant are used in the rest of the world.

Collection: The plant is little grown (or known) in this country but common in India, Sudan, Pakistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Rwanda. The root is usually harvested in the fall; the leaves, at any time; the seeds, in season.

Actions: Root: immune tonic, stress-protective, antibacterial, diuretic, antipyretic, astringent, nerve sedative alternative. Leaves and stem: antipyretic, febrifuge, bitter, diuretic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, astringent, nerve sedative. Seeds: hypnotic, diuretic, coagulant. Fruit (of related species): immune tonic, antibacterial, alternative.

Active against: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella.

About Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has a reputation as a strong and sure immune tonic and stress protector, rivaling ginseng in the few clinical trials conducted. It has a millennia-long tradition of use in Northern Africa, India, and portions of Asia. One of its strengths is its sure and reliable action as a nerve sedative. For people who are highly stressed, the herb gently lowers stress levels in the body, protects the body from stress-related disease, and bring the immune system up to optimum levels of activity. As with most immune tonics (as opposed to immune stimulants such as Echinacea), the herb works best over time. Like Siberian ginseng, it will take 6 weeks to 6 months to get a good sense of whether the herb will work for you.

Two other Withania species are used in much the same manner: W. obtusifolia and W. coagulans. W obtusifolia has a long history of use in the Sudan, and W coagulans (especially the fruit) has long been used in Pakistan and India. W coagulans is so termed because it has a powerful coagulating agent and is used in place of rennet by Indians to make cheese. Similar in its effects to ginseng, Ashwagandha is much cheaper.

Preparation and Dosage

Ashwagandha is available almost exclusively through larger health food stores, or online. Prepare powdered root as single or double-ought capsules; taken 1 to 6 per day.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Used in India as an abortifcient. Not suggested for use during pregnancy. The root and leaves are considered narcotic, as are many members of the Solanaceae family; the seeds are considered a hypnotic narcotic. Caution is suggested in ingesting large doses. However, the record of folk use indicates the narcotic effects of the herb are not nearly as strong as those of its cousin henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) and are slightly stronger than those of its relative dulcamara (Solanum dulcamara). The plant is fairly high in nicotine, so those trying to quit smoking may find that this herb makes that task more difficult.

Alternatives to Ashwangandha

Siberian ginseng, astragalus, ginseng, (for those over 40), and two other Withania species; W. coagulans and W. obtusifolia.

Astragalus (Astragalu membranaceus)

Family: Leguminosae.

Part used: The plant is a perennial with a long fibrous root stock. The root is used for medicine.

Collection: The plant grows in Asia and is primarily harvested in China, having been used in Chinese medicine for millennia. The root is thinly sliced and dried, and it most closely resembles a yellow tongue depressor.

Actions: Immune enhancer, stimulant, and restorative; antiviral; adaptogen; tonic; diuretic; enhances function in lungs, spleen, and digestion.

Active against: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Proteus mirabilis.

About Astragalus

Astragalus has been found to be exceptionally effective for the immune system. Clinical studies have shown that astragalus both protects the human heart from sackie b2 virus and helps repair damage in previously infected people. Other studies have shown that astragalus enhances the body’s own natural killer cell activity. As an anti-tumor agent, astragalus prevented cancer metastasis in 80 percent of mice tested. Still other studies have shown that astragalus stimulates T-cell activity and restores immune function in cancer patients with impaired immune function. The action of astragalus is comprehensive. Robyn Landis and K.P. Khalsa not that “astragalus stimulates phagocytosis (invader-engulfing activity), increasing the total number of cells and the aggressiveness of their activity. Increased macrophage activity has been measured as lasting up to seventy-two hours. It increases the number of stem cells (the ‘generic’ cells that can become any type needed) in the marrow and lymph tissue, stimulates their maturation into active immune cells, increases spleen activity, increases release of antibodies, and boosts the production of hormonal messenger molecules that signal for virus destruction.” And as Rob McCaleb noted in HerbalGram 21 (summer 1988) researchers at the University of Texas Medical Center found that astragalus was able to completely restore the function of cancer patients’ compromised immune cells. Finally, research has also shown that astragalus protects the liver from a variety of liver toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride and the anticancer compound stilbenemide. The liver is an important organ in the body’s immune support system.

A good way to use astragalus for medicine is to make it into a soup stock or to cook rice in a strong astragalus infusion or tea. Astragalus is quite tasty and has been used this way throughout the world for many thousands of years. The sliced root should be removed after cooking and discarded, as it is too fibrous to eat.

Preparation and Dosage

Astragalus may be taken as tea, in capsules, as tincture, or in food.

Tea: 2 to 3 ounces (50 to 75 grams) of herb to a pot of tea; drink throughout the day.

Capsules: Grind herb to powder and encapsulate; take 3 capsules 3 times a day as immune tonic.

Tincture: 1:5 with 60 percent alcohol, 30 to 60 drops up to 4 times per day.

Food: Two of the best ways to use astragalus as food are as a broth base for soups and as a rice (recipes follow).

Astragalus Broth

3 cups water or vegetable broth

½ cup vegetable soup broth

6 slices dried astragalus root

3 T dried garlic powder or 10 cloves peeled fresh garlic

Place all ingredients in pot and simmer for two to three hours, covered.

To use: If you feel you are getting sick make and consume the entire recipe. As a preventative take a cup or two during the week. If you use fresh garlic, eat it after the broth is done or as the broth is consumed.

Immune-Enhancing Rice

8 slices dried astragalus root

4 cups water

2 cups brown rice

Add astragalus to water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2 hours, covered. Remove from heat and let stand overnight. Remove astragalus, add water to bring back up to 4 cups, add rice, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until done, approximately 1 hour. Use this rice as you would any rice, as a base for meals throughout the week.

Purchasing Astragalus

Astragalus can be quite expensive when purchased from herbal suppliers or health food stores. The same product can be purchased from most Chinese or Asian markets, sometimes for as little as one-tenth the price charged by herbal marketers.

Side Effects and Contraindications

No toxicity has ever been shown from the ingestion of astragalus. And the Chinese report consistent use for millennia in the treatment of colds and flu and suppressed immune function. This is certainly one of the top herbs to use to restore a depressed or damaged immune system.

Alternatives to Astragalus

Ashwandha, Siberian ginseng, shiitake mushroom.

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Family: Compostae.

Part used: Above-ground plant.

Collection: If allowed to dry, the flowering plant will usually go to seed. It should be collected when it is in flower (August or September) if being tinctured fresh. Otherwise it should be picked just before flowering, hung upside down in a shaded place, and allowed to thoroughly air-dry.

Actions: Immunostimulant (increases phagocytosis to four times that of Echinacea), diaphoretic, febrifuge, mucous membrane tonic, smooth muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, mild emetic, peripheral circulatory stimulant, gastric bitter.

Active against: Although many of the Eupatoriums have been found active against Staphlycoccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, boneset has not. Traditionally used for dengue fever, malaria, pneumonia, colds, and flu, it has not, to my knowledge, been tested against malaria or dengue fever organisms. Empirically, its strength seems to be for pain relief and as an immunostimulant, a tonic for the mucous membrane systems and a febrifuge.

Things to Know about Boneset

Boneset is unpleasantly bitter to most people. It can cause vomiting if large doses are taken hot, so care is indicated unless that is your desire.

It is inexpensive and a reliable alternative and better for most of the things for which Echinacea is wrongly prescribed. The homeopathic tincture (6x) has been found in human trials to be exceptionally effective in treatment of colds and flus. During the nineteenth century, few farmhouses did not have bundles of boneset hung from the rafters for use at the first onset of chills and fever.

About Boneset

To lay the matter straight: There is endless discussion and pontification about how boneset got its name. One school has it that the common name for dengue fever, breakbone fever, was the genesis. Another says that flus and cold were historically called “breakbone fever” in the early colonies and thus gave boneset its name. Still another school insists that the traditional use of boneset by indigenous peoples for healing broken bones (they really did) gave it its name. They are all somewhat correct.

In actuality, boneset has two ancient common names: boneset and ague weed. Ague is an old term for any disease marked by intermittent, fever, chills, and pain in the joints and bones. Boneset has a marked ability to allay those conditions, especially bone pain – it settles pain in the bones. Pain in the bones accompanying any ague-like condition is in fact the specific indication for the use of boneset. Dengue fever, a virus transmitted by a mosquito (one of the “new” old epidemics now making inroads from Mexico into the southern United States), is in fact attended by intense pain in the joints and bones, head, eyes, and muscles. Additionally, there are chills and fever, sore throat, catarrh, and cutaneous eruption. The name boneset attained popularity about 1800 from a particularly virulent flu that swept the East Coast and was attended by intense bone pain. The herbalist Wood found a specific reference from the early nineteenth-century physician C.J. Hemple, who noted that Eupatorium perfoliatum” so signally relieved the disease . . . that it was familiarly called bone-set.” Part of the reason why the name boneset might have been adopted in that region at that time is that the Native Americans who used boneset for broken bones were northeastern Indians, and the severe, painful, bone flus that swept the country in 1800 also were confined to the northeast.

The plant, indigenous to North America, was extensively used by native peoples for hundreds if not thousands of years specifically for intermittent fevers and chills, with pain in the bones, weakness, and debility. Interestingly, all Eupatorium species are used alike throughout the world. Other species, though also used for colds and flus, tend to be primarily used for urinary tract and uric acid problems (like Joe Pye weed, gravel root). Interesting also is the traditional use of boneset (and many of the Eupatorium species) for snakebite as an antivenin throughout the world. Echinacea is also used in this manner, and like Echinacea, boneset stimulates phagocytosis: the number and aggressiveness of white blood cells in the blood.

Clinical trials have shown that boneset stimulates phagocytosis better than Echinacea, is analgesic (at least as effective as aspirin), and reduces cold and flu symptoms. In mice it has shown strong immunostimulant activity and cytotoxic action against cancer cells.

Increasing numbers of practicing herbalists report that boneset is a reliable and effective immunostimulant, especially in infections that just won’t go away. So, if you are sick with a feverish disease with aching bones, get almost well, then relapse over and over again, feel weak and debilitated, and have a sense of mental unreality, boneset is indicated. It seems to be much better than Echinacea for upper respiratory infections that have progressed to full-blown disease.

Preparation and Dosage

Boneset may be taken as a tea or tincture.

Tea: Cold: 1 ounce of herb in 1 quart boiling water, let steep overnight, strain and drink throughout the day. The cold infusion is for the mucous membrane system and is a liver tonic. Hot: 1 teaspoon herb in 8 ounces hot water, steep 15 minutes. Take 4 to 6 ounces up to 4 times per day. Note: Boneset is only a diaphoretic when hot and should be consumed hot for active infections, chills, and fevers.

Tincture: Use fresh herb in flower 1:2 with 95 percent alcohol, use 20 to 40 drops up to 3 times per day in hot water. Dry herb: 1:5 with 60 percent alcohol, use 30 to 50 drops in hot water up to 3 times a day. In acute viral or bacterial upper respiratory infections, use 10 drops of tincture in hot water every half hour up to 6 times per day. In chronic conditions when the acute stage has passed but there is continued chronic fatigue and relapse, use 10 drops of tincture in hot water 4 times per day.

Side Effects and Contraindications

The hot infusion in quantity can cause vomiting; otherwise, there are no side effects. It has been reported that the fresh plant contains trematol, which causes “milk-sickness” in cows and in people who drink infected milk. My research show that trematol is confined to Eupatorium rugosum, white snakeroot, and does not occur in boneset. A significant number of clinicians feel that as a tincture, fresh boneset is best, and that the dried herb should be used for tea.

Alternatives to Boneset

Echinacea, licorice.

Red Root (Ceanothus spp)

Family: Rhamnaceae

Part used: The root.

Collection: In the fall or early spring, whenever the root has been subjected to a good frost. The inner bark of the root is a bright red, and this color extends through the white woody root as a pink tinge after a freeze. The root is extremely tough when it dries. It should be cut into small 1- or 2- inch pieces with plant snips while still fresh.

Actions: First and foremost a lymph system stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and tonic. It is also astringent, a mucous membrane tonic, alterative, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and blood coagulant.

Active against: I have been unable to find any studies testing Ceanothus against specific disease organisms. However, the historical record shows a long history of use for stubborn or fetid ulceration of the skin and mucous membranes, strep throat, general throat and upper respiratory infections, malaria, and diphtheria. Like oak (which has been found effective against numerous disease organisms), it is strongly astringent. There is every indication that Ceanothus will prove specific against particular disease organism in spite of the dearth of scientific study.

About Red Root

Red root is an important herb in that it helps facilitate clearing of dead cellular tissue from the lymph system. When the immune system responds to acute conditions or the onset of disease, as white blood cells kill invading bacteria they are taken to the lymph system for disposal. When the lymph system can clear out dead cellular material rapidly, the healing process is increased, sometimes dramatically. The herb shows especially strong action whenever any portion of the lymph system is swollen, infected, or inflamed. This includes lymph nodes, tonsils (entire back of throat), spleen, and appendix. There is some evidence that the activity of red root in the lymph nodes also enhances the lymph nodes production of lymphocytes, specifically the formation of T-cells.

I have found that the action of Echinacea increases dramatically when it is combined with red root or with red root and licorice. Historically, red root has also been considered specific for liver inflammation and congestion, and it may be of benefit in those conditions.

Preparation and Dosages

Red root is used as tincture, tea, strong decoction, gargle or capsules.

Tincture: Dry root, 1:5 with 50 percent alcohol, 30 to 90 drops up to 4 times per day.

Tea: 1 teaspoon powdered root in 8 ounces water, simmer 15 minutes, strain. Drink up to 6 cups per day.

Strong decoction: 1 ounce herb in 16 ounces water, simmer slowly 30 minutes covered. One tablespoon 3 or 4 times per day.

Gargle: In tonsillitis or throat inflammations, gargle with strong tea 4 to 6 times per day.

Capsules: 10 to 30 double-ought capsules per day.

Side Effects and Contraindications

No side effects have ever been noted. However, suggests caution by people using blood coagulants and advises against the use of large doses in pregnancy, because of its astringent action.

Alternatives to Red Root

Any red root species. One species, Ceanothus thrysiflorus (California lilac), has historically been successful in the treatment of malignant diphtheria. Other alternatives: cleavers, which is much milder ( a food herb), poke root, which is much stronger (a drug herb) and should be used with care.

Identifying Red Root in the Wild

Red root can be a low-lying shrub or a tallish bush. The only thing that is reliably similar between species are the unique tiny, triangular seed pods. When ripe they are the same color as the tincture: a brilliant burgundy red. It is pervasive in its range. All species can be used interchangeably. It is a potent and useful member of any herbal repertory and one of my “if I could choose only ten herbs” list.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Family: Araliaceae

Part used: the root.

Collection: The plant is indigenous to northeast Asia but is now being grown commercially in a few places in the United States. It is usually commercially purchased, the root already cut and sifted to industry standards.

Actions: Adaptogen, antistressor, immune tonic, immunpotentiating (phagocytosis), immunoadjuvant (B lymphocytes), increases non-specific resistance in human beings against numerous pathogens.

Active against: I have no specific activity for Siberian ginseng; however, it has been shown to increase nonspecific resistance in human beings against numerous pathogens.

About Siberian Ginseng

This herb, though used in China for several thousand years, was brought to prominence by intensive Russian research in the latter half of the twentieth century. Several clinical trials have shown significant increase in immune-enhancing activity. This includes a significant increase in immunocompetent cells, specifically T lymphocytes (helper/inducer, cytotoxic, and natural killer cells). Tests of the herb have repeatedly shown that it increases the ability of human beings to withstand adverse conditions, increases mental alertness, and improves performance. People taking the herb regularly report fewer illnesses than those not taking it.

Siberian ginseng is, in general, completely non-toxic, and the Russians have reported people using exceptionally large doses for up to 20 years with no adverse reactions. Both Asian and American ginseng, on the other hand, have several limitations on their use. Siberian ginseng, in my experience, produces cumulative results; the longer you use it, the better it works. It tends to kick in after 6 weeks or so, and the most significant results can be seen after 6 months of use. This is especially true in people with pale unhealthy skin, lassitude, and depression

Siberian ginseng is specifically indicated for people with immunodepression, fatigue and a lack of vitality and perhaps those who get sick a lot. Unlike Echinacea, it is not an immune stimulant; rather, it is an immune enhancer and helps restore optimum functioning in the immune systems. As it is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, it is also useful in depression, a condition that often accompanies a severely depleted immune system.

Preparation and Dosage

Siberian ginseng is used as tea, as tincture, or in capsules.

Tea: Cold infusion, 3 to 6 ounces up to 3 times per day.

Tincture: Dry herb 1:5 with 60 percent alcohol, 20 to 60 drops up to 3 times per day.

Capsules: 2 double-ought capsules 3 times per day.

Side Effects and Contraindications

For almost all people: none. May temporarily increase blood pressure in some people, blood pressure tends to drop to normal within a few weeks. Caution should be exercised by people with very high blood pressure, especially if ginseng is combined with other hypertensives such as licorice. With extreme overuse: tension and insomnia.

Alternatives to Siberian Ginseng

Ashwagandha, astragalus, shiitake; for men over 40, Asian or American ginseng.

Caution for Those Under Forty

Siberian ginseng is the ginseng to be used by anyone under 40 years of age. In general, neither American nor Asian ginseng should be used by young people, especially men under 40. Those ginsengs possess strong estrogenic effects, and consistent use can interfere with sexual development. However, they are definitely indicated for anyone over 40. they have shown reliable anti-fatigue, anti-tumor, radioprotective, antiviral, and antioxidant activity. Those taking the herbs have consistently shown increased response to visual stimuli and increased alertness, power of concentration, and grasp of abstract concepts. Basically, these two ginsengs are herbs for those experiencing the side effects of aging. However, they are both very expensive. Siberian ginseng is an effective alternative unless there is accompanying sexual and/or mental debility, or for those with cancer and accompanying immune depression.

Foods and Vitamins for the Immune System

Though we have already discussed the importance of garlic, ginger, and onions as herbal antibiotics, studies have shown that their regular use in the daily diet helps maintain the overall health of the body. Because garlic and ginger, and to a lesser extent onions, are active against all the major antibiotic-resistant bacteria and also enhance the healthy functioning of numerous systems in our bodies, it makes sense to include them in our food. Additionally, several vitamins have been found to be exceptionally important in immune health. The most important is vitamin C.

Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C provides a protective function against free radicals, reduces wound healing time, supports strong connective tissue and coronary arteries, and seems to stimulate the immune system to remain strong and healthy. Human beings – all the higher primates actually – are almost the only animals that cannot synthesize vitamin C in their bodies. This may partly explain the high numbers of plants rich in vitamin C (especially the evergreens) that were a regular part of the diet of indigenous peoples. Additionally, native peoples often used pine bark in conjunction with the fresh evergreen tips as medicine. Pine bark is higher than any other substance except grape seeds in proanthocyanidin, a powerful antioxidant and potentiator of vitamin C. Proanthocyanidin causes small amounts of vitamin C to produce the same effects in the body as significantly larger amounts.

Vitamin C is most effective when 1000 to 2000 milligrams are taken two to three times daily. It needs to be taken at least twice daily to keep it present in the body at necessary levels. At larger dosages it will cause flatulence and diarrhea, though the amount that produces this effect varies for each person. To find your dose level of vitamin C, take it in increasing amounts until the stools become soft, then reduce the amount slightly until they become firm. An effervescent form of the vitamin is one of the most pleasant forms for use. Weil suggests the use of three additional vitamins: beta carotene with lycopene included (25,000 IU), vitamin E (400 IU under age 40, 800 IU over), and selenium (200 micrograms).

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes)

Part used: The mushroom.

Collection: Mushrooms are a fruit, like apples. When they appear, before they begin to dry out, it’s the time to gather them. They are more commonly bought than found and have been a primary remedy in China for centuries.

Actions: Immunostimulant, antiviral, anti-tumor.

Active against: Viral encephalitis.

About Shiitake

Shiitake mobilizes the immune system against viruses, bacteria, cancer, and parasites. One of its major constituents, lentinan, has been shown to stimulate immunocompetent cells (T cell production and aggressiveness, natural killer cells, and macrophages), to be directly active against viral encephalitis, and to have potent anti-tumor activity, preventing metastasis of cancer to the lungs. In general, shiitake increases the activity and aggressiveness of the human immune system against abnormal cells and organisms defined as “not us.”

Preparation and Dosage

Shiitake mushrooms are generally used in capsules or as food.

Capsules: The capsules are usually commercially produced. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. However, if you encapsulate your own, as a preventative use 2 double-ought capsules 2 times per day. In acute conditions, take up to 25 capsules per day.

Food: Eat as much and as often as desired.

Side Effects and Contraindications

None

Alternatives to Shiitake

Reishi, maitake, cordyceps.

Immune Soup

8 cups water

1 T olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 bulb garlic (at least 10 cloves), minced

One 1 ½ - inch piece of fresh gingerroot, grated

1 ½ cups vegetable soup stock

5 pieces sliced dried astragalus root

2 cups fresh, sliced shiitake mushrooms (or 1 cup dried)

1 large reishi mushroom

Cayenne powder, if desired

Bring water to boil in a large pot. Heat olive oil, sauté garlic, onions, and ginger until soft and aromatic. Add contents of skillet to water. Add vegetable stock, shiitake, astragalus, and reishi. Simmer, covered, for two hours. Remove from heat, allow to sit for two more hours. Remove astragalus and reishi mushroom. Reheat. Add salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne powder if desired (just enough so that it just brings out a light sweat).

Lifestyle Choices

Though lifestyle choices are beyond the scope of this book, several of them significantly enhance immune functioning. They are sweat bathing or saunas at least once per month and more often when ill, moderate exercise, touching and massage (there is a direct correlation between being touched and immune health; additionally, massage stimulates lymph system functioning), positive thinking and diet (reducing commercial factory-farmed meats, increasing organic meats and foods, and eating plants that have known effects on overall health).