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Dear Doctor,
As cold and flu season approach, I would like some advice on herbal
medicines for immune support.
G.G., Glendive
Rarely are immune
supporting herbs taken continuously over the long-term as a
preventative. More often they are
used most effectively when we are feeling tired, worn down, and on the
verge of getting sick.
Echinacea is a
well-known and trusted herb for immune support. Even mainstream pharmacies sell this herb
as an immune booster. Echinacea
is most effective when taken at the first sign of illness. However, if the illness feels as if it
has taken hold, a combination of equal parts Echinacea, Ceanothus americanus
(Red Root), and Glycrrhiza glabra (Licorice) is often helpful. Red Root is particularly useful for
swollen conditions involving the lymph nodes and throat, while Licorice is
useful for bronchial problems.
Licorice is also used as an adaptogen—an
herb that can serve many functions in the body, depending upon need. In this herbal blend, it helps balance
the effects of the other two herbs.
Licorice should not be used if a person has high blood pressure.
Another useful herb is Eupatorium
perfoliatum (Boneset). While some do not consider its properties
to be primarily immune supporting, it is perhaps, one of the single best
remedies for relieving aches and pains and helping the body deal with fever
and congestion. As an aside, fevers
are as valuable to healing as gloves on a cold day and can be managed
safely to aid in fighting colds and flus.
Astragalus
membranaceus is another herb that is most
useful after an illness to help regain a healthy immune system. It can also be used as an herbal
preventative to provide extra energy in rebuilding strength.
Withania
somnifera (Ashwaghanda)
is also helpful during cold and flu season.
Like Astragalus, it is a tonic herb
with a long history of use in ancient Ayurvedic
(east Indian) medicine where it is known as “Indian Ginseng”. Historically, it has been used to
increase vitality and help the body adapt to stressors and resist disease.
There are many wonderful
herbs that can be blended to individual needs and preferences. While herbal medicines tend to have much
fewer side effects than prescription medications, it is always helpful to
check with your health care practitioner regarding herbal interactions with
medications and individual conditions and sensitivities.
Yellowstone Naturopathic
Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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