Herbs for Immune System

Astragalus has been used by traditional Chinese practitioners as a herbal tonic for strengthening the body. Derived from the root of the perennial Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus is native to Northern China. Huang Qi, as it is traditionally called, is believed to be a superior tonic for replenishing vital energy and strengthening the Wei Chi or 'defensive energy' of the body.

In the United States, astragalus has been the subject of much study in recent years. Studies at the University of Houston have shown that astragalus may help improve immunity function in cancer patients by increasing T-cell counts.

Research shows Astragalus root stimulates the immune system in many ways. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears to help trigger immune ceils from a "resting" state into heightened activity. One study showed Astragalus root helps promote and maintain respiratory health. It also enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. Astragalus can help activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. (Alternative Medicine Review, Feb 2003).

The Andrographis genus of plants are a small, shrub-like herb which are commonly found in central Asia. Only a few of the 28 species of Andrographis have been shown to have medicinal value. The most popular of these is Andrographis paniculata (A.paniculata). This particularly bitter tasting herb is also known throughout the Asian world as ‘Bhui-nem’, because it has a similar appearance and taste to Neem (Azadirachta indica).

A.paniculata is a popular over the counter alternative treatment for the common cold. Clinical studies have confirmed that the herb can aid in terms of sleeplessness, nasal drainage and sore throat. Studies have also shown that A. paniculata enhances the body’s ability to resist infection by stimulating the production of antibodies and macrophages - large white blood cells that scavenge foreign matter. Tiredness, shivering and muscular ache have also been reduced with the use of A.panicula. (Kapil, A., I.B. Koul, S.K. Banerjee, and B.D. Gupta. Antihepatotoxic effects of major diterpenoid constituents of Andrographis paniculata. Biochemical

Pharmacology 1993;46(1):182-85)

Regular consumption of ginseng has many well documented benefits, including increased energy, stress resistance and enhanced libido. It’s use an aid to recovery from illness and injury and to counter fatigue is also well established. However, to date ginseng’s beneficial effect on the immune system has not been widely studied. Yet, some evidence of it’s efficacy as an immunity booster does exist

In 1999 animal study, ginseng appeared to stimulate the function of certain immune cells to help clear bacterial infection. In another human study, those receiving daily ginseng supplements prior to flu vaccination were less likely to contract the flu than those in the control group, who were administered

(Song ZJ. Ginseng treatment improved the ability of phagocytes in blood and lungs to capture and kill bacteria. Presented at the 99^th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology; June 1, 1999; Chicago).

(Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardised Gingseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1996;22(2):65–72).

The black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) is well established for its antioxidant and healing properties. In recent years it has also been found to significantly assist sufferers of flu and cold symptoms to get better. Researchers believe that the black elderberry enhances the immune system by stimulating cytokine production. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease.