Found at Botanical.com or at www.susunweed.com
There is some great immune info btw
Jane
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Worried About Anthrax? Herbs Can Help
Anthrax. Smallpox. Plague. Diseases that can kill. Diseases that are now in
the hands of terrorists. What if these diseases were released in your
hometown, or the place where you work? What could you do if vaccines and
treatments were in short supply or unavailable? Is there anything you can do
now to prepare yourself and improve your chances of survival?
Herbalist Susun Weed recognizes the possibility of biological warfare and
she is ready to cope with it. With her help, you too can be prepared with
herbs and home remedies that you can use now to help avoid infection and to
build a strong immune system. You can feel safer in these troubling times by
learning about herbs that are effective against antibiotic-resistant
bacteria, and that can be used in conjunction with, or in place of (should
there be a lack), modern antibiotics.
Anthrax bacteria (Bacillus anthracis) enter the body through breaks in the
skin or through the nose and lungs. Early symptoms (which may take up to a
week to occur) include reddish-black sores on the skin or in the lymph nodes
around the lungs. Hemorrhagic fever and death follows. Treated early,
anthrax succumbs to antibiotics and most people (75-80 percent) recover
completely. Even without treatment, according to some sources, more than
half of those infected survive. (Genetically-engineered varieties may kill
up to 90 percent of untreated victims.) The inhaled variety is more lethal
because the early symptoms of infection are easily ignored, delaying
treatment past the point of most effect, and because pneumonia infections
frequently complicate the recovery. Anthrax is not contagious; that is, it
is not passed from person to person.
The antibiotic Cipro is the treatment of choice for those definitely exposed
to anthrax, but neither it nor any other antibiotic can prevent infection.
It is dangerous to take antibiotics "just in case" for then they may not
work when actually needed. Instead, try these home remedies.
Salt is lethal to bacteria. The simplest home remedy for those worried about
exposure to anthrax is to rinse your nose with salt (any kind will do) mixed
into water. Taste your mixture to be certain it is very salty. Getting this
up your nose can be accomplished by putting your nose into the salt solution
and snorting it in, or you may wish to buy a "neti pot," a device from India
used to rinse the nasal passages. Afterwards, blow your nose and spit out
any residue that runs into the mouth.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been scientifically shown to kill all gram
positive and gram negative bacteria. A small spray bottle of the tincture of
the flowering tops can be used to spray the inside of the nose, killing any
bacteria lurking there. Spraying tincture >in your nose does sting a little
and makes the eyes water, but don't dilute it, the alcohol is antibacterial
too.
Garlic has been used to prevent infection for thousands of years; and it
still works! No need to upset your stomach (and loved ones) by eating it
raw; cooked garlic retains its antibacterial powers, so long as you eat
enough of it. During plague times, healers in some areas wore a "bird's
beak:" a stiff cone was made of paper or bark, stuffed with garlic and
spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), and tied on over the nose to help
prevent contagion. That's a little cumbersome for modern times, but inhaling
the aroma of a cup of spicy tea (there are many blends available, or make
your own) could help forestall anthrax.
Medicinal mushrooms are not only immune system tonics, they possess
antibacterial properties which make them ideal for preventing anthrax
infection, according to expert Paul Stametes. A tincture or strong infusion
of any shelf fungus with pores can be used, he says. If you prefer to buy
your mushrooms, rather than hunt for them, look for reishii (Ganoderma
lucidum) or shiitake (Lentinus edodes). Both are adaptogenic,
revitalizing, regenerative, and able to directly suppress infection. Side
effects, even from large doses, are rare.
Essential oils are antibacterial, and some sources suggest rubbing them
inside the nose or spraying the air with these extremely concentrated oils
to counter anthrax infections. I don't. Essential oils are likely to cause a
variety of side effects (such as damage to the mucus surfaces of the nose
and lungs, and stress to the lymphatic system) that could, paradoxically,
make infection more likely and more virulent.
Cayenne and golden seal are antibacterial, but too strong to be used as
preventatives. Snuffing hot pepper up your nose would kill anthrax, but at
the risk of irritating your nose and respiratory passages, damaging their
protective mucus surfaces, and stressing your immune system. I rarely use
golden seal, not only because it can cause severe side effects, but also
because it is approaching extinction in the wild.
I prefer safer antibacterial herbs such as echinacea, usnea, or poke root,
which not only kill infection, but also help us keep our immune systems
strong. That, of course, is the desired result from immunization: to
strengthen the immune system and alert it to the possibility of anthrax
infection. Anthrax vaccines currently available for animals are not suitable
for humans, and one prepared for people is in short supply (and only 93
percent effective). To achieve full immunity, one must have immunization
shots every two weeks for six weeks, then again at 6, 12, and 18 months.
Given that, herbs seem a superb alternative: They have an extensive history
of countering resistant bacteria and strengthening the body's natural
defenses. Echinacea root is the all-American immune system strengthener. It
triggers production of white blood cells, interferon, leukocytes, T-cells,
and B-lymphocytes, as well as directly inhibiting the growth of most
bacteria and viruses. Peter Holmes, author of Energetics of Western Herbs,
cites it as being effective against anthrax. Echinacea tincture is my
first choice for countering infection. (Capsules and pills of echinacea, if
used for lengthy periods, may be counterproductive.) A dose of the tincture
is one drop for every pound of body weight. I take this several times a week
as a preventative, several times daily when there is active infection. If I
were exposed to anthrax, I would take a dose every hour for at least ten
days.
Usnea, a common lichen, is especially rich in a powerful antibacterial
bitter called usnic acid (also usinic acid). I use the tincture of Usnea
barbata (a dose is 1-2 dropperfuls), but other lichens show similar
immune-enhancing and tonifying properties. There are no side effects
reported from use of even large amounts of usnea tincture.
Poke root tincture (Phytolacca americana) kicks the immune system into
gear incredibly fast. I've seen chronic infection of many years' standing
resolve after only one dose, and acute infection subside in a matter of
hours. Poke's effect seems to be focused on the lymphatic and glandular
tissues of the throat and chest, making it the perfect counter to inhaled
anthrax, which attacks the lymph nodes around the lungs. Poke is a specific
against pneumonia and a protector of the lungs. It contains an
antibacterial alkaloid and a special antiviral protein. It is magnifies the
effects of echinacea and they work wonderfully well together.
Poke root is powerful medicine, in fact, a potential poison, and the dose is
very small. One drop of poke tincture may be taken daily for no more than
three months as a counter to possible infection. Those with a positive
diagnosis could use a single drop as
frequently as six times a day. Alkaloids in poke root tincture can
accumulate in the kidneys, making extended use risky, though some people
have taken doses of 15 drops a day for a year or more without apparent harm.
Caution: You can feel spacy and out of your body when taking poke,
especially at higher doses. The first few times, take it after dinner and
stay home so you can judge your reaction.
To be assured of a supply of poke tincture, you may need to make it
yourself, as it is rarely found for sale. Poke is a common garden and
roadside weed of northeastern North America, tall (5-7 feet) with
conspicuous dark purple berries and magenta-hued stalks. Dig roots after
hard frost, when tops are dead and yellowed, and tincture, fresh, for
six weeks in 100 proof vodka Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus) is widely
considered the single most effective immune tonic and adaptogen in the
herbal realm. Safe and inexpensive, it helps the immune system respond
quickly to infection and mitigates the effects of stress. Astragalus root is
also an excellent ally for building powerful immunity. Both, or either, may
be taken daily for extended periods with no ill effects. I throw several
pieces of these roots in every pot of soup I cook. Tincture is less
effective as a tonic; and I avoid capsules completely.
Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius or Panax ginseng) is another exceptional
ally for the immune system, especially when there is physical or emotional
stress. In any form (tincture, tea, extract) it nourishes production of
interferon, phagocytes, antibodies, and killer T-cells. So long as you need
ginseng, there's no overdose; if you take it when you don't need it however,
it may produce an unpleasant, jittery, speedy sensation.
But herbs alone are not enough. What we think, and what we consume, are also
important parts of building strong immunity. Candace Pert, visiting
professor of neuroscience at Rutgers University, has proven that every cell
of the body participates in the immune system through an integrated network
of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals. The immune system is a
network, she says, which resonates with the vibrations that surround it. It
is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted by thoughts as by
drugs.
Long-standing low-level depression, smoldering anger that is never
expressed, bitterness and vengeance projected into the future are all known
to depress immune functioning. Prayer, affirmations, positive thinking -- no
matter what you call it, talking lovingly to yourself builds powerful
immunity. One of the fiercest old women I know, healer Margo Geiger, taught
me to not only think good thoughts but also to unthink immune
system stressing phrases like: "This is killing me," or "I'm dying to . . ."
("Let's live for it!" she'd say.)
Specialized cells which eliminate bacterial and viral infections are made as
needed by the immune system. Richly supply your immune system with
nutrients, and it easily counters infection, building healthy white blood
cells to kill anthrax and other germs. Starve your immune system and it will
falter, leaving your lymph nodes and other tissues open to infection and
destruction.
My favorite foods for nourishing the immune system include beets, carrots,
garlic, medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, and dark leafy greens (including
nettle infusion). For rapid results, try miso soup with seaweed and wild
mushrooms. "Immune A Go Go Soup" [page 309 breast book]
Carotenes strengthen and activate all parts of the immune system, especially
the thymus (the "master gland of immunity"). A half-cup of dandelion greens,
two cups of nettle infusion, a small baked sweet potato, or two large cooked
carrots or beets is a "dose;" but ten times that much can be consumed
safely. Repeated doses provide a cumulative effect starting about a week
after you begin.
Selenium is a trace mineral with special abilities for building a healthy
immune system. Best sources are organic garlic, medicinal mushrooms, and
astragalus. Zinc helps build energetic white blood cells (which eliminate
bacterial infections). Best sources are echinacea, nettles, and seaweed.
The B-vitamin complex, especially B6 (pyridoxine), is critical to immune
system health. Best sources are potato skins, broccoli, prunes, and
lentils.
Virtually all drugs depress the immune system. This includes caffeine and
nicotine, alcohol, prescribed drugs, "recreational" drugs, and
vitamin/mineral supplements. For a healthy immune system, eat nourishing
food and forgo the pills.
Both light and dark are necessary for a strong immune system. For optimum
immune system strength, sleep in a totally dark room at night, and spend at
least 15 minutes a day outside without glasses or contacts. Full spectrum
sunlight is needed to trigger the production of important immune system
components.
Exercise is an excellent way to tonify the immune system. A number of
clinical trials have shown regular exercise to be strongly linked to
heightened immunity. The emphasis is on regular. It is better to walk one
mile four times a week for a month than to jog 16 miles once a month.
This article will appear online at: www.susunweed.com with links to more
info!
Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional
western medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or
symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by clinical
herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula
for you. All articles by Susun Weed are provided for general information
purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.
Always check with your personal physician when you have a question
pertaining to your health and healthcare.
