"Flu Shot? Let Plants Protect You?"

by Anne Salazar Dunbar, Master Herbalist  www.thenaturalife.com

With all the current hysteria over flu shots, I stand in wonder over our complete dependency on the medical community for something as common as the flu. Everyone is all stirred up and frightened that somehow if they don’t get this shot they will be completely vulnerable to any and all infection. What happened to our self-reliance and our own ability to stand in our power and solidify our own strengths? Of course, if someone is excessively vulnerable to immune disorders, then perhaps the shot is the answer. But for everyone else there are many other options.

Another issue that continues to be brought up is work-time lost if we become ill. What about honoring our body’s need to heal and rest? Do we need to be productive every moment of every day?

Is it really so awful to take time off to regenerate and follow the natural rhythm of our seasons? When do we get time to just be?

Plants have been our protectors, teachers, and healers for time immemorial. If we just take the time to honor them and learn from them, we can stay strong and allow our bodies to do their work- staying healthy and capable of recovery when necessary. This is not a fad or a trend; plants have been used very successfully for as long as humans have been on this planet. Where do you think modern medicine originated?

That being understood let me share some plants that have been proven to be effective in protecting us from external invasion and to assist us in fighting infection once it has set in. When the season changes and the temperatures drop and there is more damp in the air, we must adjust our behavior to these changes. This may include adding some protective tonic herbs to our diets as well as change some of our eating habits from cool foods (for summer heat) to warming foods (for winter cold). This is about creating homeostasis or balance. This is our job, to keep ourselves in balance.

Tonic Herbs

Herbs that are tonifying are herbs that we can take over a long period of time that protect and build our bodies. When we are talking about protection from external infection such as flues and colds, we have some very strong protective allies in our arsenal.

One of the best is Astragalus. Astragalus is a root, which has very strong immuno-protecting properties. Taken over time, it will protect the body from invasion of all kinds (even those on an energetic level). It can be taken in tincture form and can also be used as an addition to any soups, stews, or rice dishes. I keep a jar of the sliced root above my stove and throw it in there on a regular basis during the colder season. Astragalus root stimulates the immune system in several different ways. It promotes the development and activity of lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells, as well as the production of immune chemicals such as interferon (which has anti-viral and anti-tumor activity) and interleukins (which activate T-lymphocytes). Astragalus is safe and non-toxic. You can take the tincture for at least 30 days.

For 5,000 years the Asian peoples have revered Ginseng as a longevity tonic. There are many species used, but Asian Ginseng is the most commonly known. Native Americans made use of a similar ginseng called American Ginseng. Ginseng root may help vigorous old age because it enhances immune function. Immune research on Asian Ginseng shows that this herb speeds the development and activity of white blood cells, stimulates natural killer cells activity, and raises the body’s production of interferons and interleukins.

These ginsengs are generally safe if taken within recommended guidelines. They are not recommended in combination with blood thinners and they can be over-stimulating for some people.

One of my favorite tonics is Siberian Ginseng, which is technically not a ginseng but was popularized by Russian researchers who showed that it acts as an adaptogen. Siberian Ginseng is gentler than the Chinese or American and can be taken for six to eight weeks with a one or two week break in-between. It is known to increase antibody production and the number and activity of immune cells.

Many herbs can be considered food- medicinal food. And that certainly includes the wonderful medicinal mushrooms- shitake, maitake, and reishi. You can have your gourmet food and your immune building herbs all in the same sitting! Shitake augments the production of chemicals that activate T-lymphocytes, has anti-tumor activity and increases resistance to infection with some bacteria, viruses and parasites. The fresh mushroom is delicious sautéed and you can eat two to four a day. And both the maitake and reishi are known to be powerful immune supporters.

Blue Green Algae also fits into this food as medicine category. Studies have shown this special plant to be extremely effective in increasing killer cell activity as well as supporting other immune functions. Unlike a lot of medicinal/tonic plants, this super food can be eaten on a daily basis without restriction. It can easily become part of your daily diet. BGA can be taken in capsule or powdered form.

During the winter months, roots proliferate and it is no coincidence that they contain high amounts of nutrients, which bolster and support the immune system. Burdock, for one, is an excellent addition to soup and will go a long way in preventing infection.

And don’t forget your garlic! Garlic is well documented for its immune supporting qualities (as well as many other known benefits).

Medicinal Herbs

If you find yourself becoming sick then it is time to get out the big guns. When immunity is an issue, many people turn to Echinacea. Research supports the use of Echinacea for the treatment but not the prevention of colds and flues. You can start taking Echinacea at the first sniffle. I prefer the tincture form as its effects are immediate and that’s what you need when you are going in for immediate prevention. It is best to use this herb for 7- 10 days, as longer treatment is not effective.

There are many herbs for specific challenges. If you need help with those challenges, consider working with an herbalist. The main thrust of this article is to assist you in making choices that could help prevent or stave off infection. Very few herbs have any type of side effects because balance is built right into the plant. So why not work with Mother Nature to build, fortify, and protect your health?

Be and Stay Healthy!!