Can herbs help stimulate your immune system? Herbalists have long said so, and now in many cases scientific research is validating the herbal tradition.
For instance, Dr. L Sheng and colleagues, authors of a report in a 2010 journal "Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology," confirm that cordyceps sinensis, a medicinal mushroom, does strengthen cells in your immune system. (1) In a 2010 article in "Pharmaceutical Biology," the authors reported that trichosanthin, extracted from tianhua, a traditional Chinese medicine, helped to prevent growth of lung cancer cells. (2)
Authors of an article published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2010 report that bupleurum root increases the ability of macrophages -- immune cells -- to destroy disease-causing organisms. (3) There are many more medicinal herbs that can stimulate your immune system, and much scientific research to validate the herbs.
However, there are some concerns you should consider before taking medicinal herbs, including quality control and standardized doses in the production of herb supplements, interactions with other medications and allergies. Herbal supplements come in widely different strengths and are prepared in different ways by different companies. Standardized doses help you to choose an effective dose without overdosing.
Interactions with prescribed or over-the-counter medications as well as with other herbs can cause serious health problems. For instance, capsicum can increase the absorption of certain asthma medications, sedatives and antidepressants, as well as ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure and heart or kidney failure. Don quai and Co-Q-10 can increase your risk of bleeding if you take blood thinning medications. Echinacea combined with certain common medications can cause liver damage.(4)
Research herbs before taking them. Find out the correct way to take the herb ( for example, tea, extract, powdered herb, internally, externally) and the correct dose. Learn whether there are any dangerous interactions with other medications or other herbs. Treat herbal supplements as you would prescribed medications. If you are pregnant or nursing or have a serious or chronic illness, talk to your doctor about which herbs might help you and how you should take them.
About Me
- Lisa L. Ross, HHP
- I have actively practiced as a Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and massage therapist since 1993 with special interest and training in the Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) technique. My experience is with lymphedema disease, edema in general, pre- and post-surgery massage, cosmetic surgery edema and more. My search for a low or non impact movement modality led me to become a certified trainer in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® I have found it to be a helpful movement modality to stimulate the Lymphatic system and other stagnation out of the body. The Gyrotonic method is the base for movement sessions used at the office. Palliative care is another direction of great interest, as many of my clients are in disease states. My mission is to provide compassionate care and resources for my clients.
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