GHS Natural Health Blog

This year more than ever, we’re all keen to avoid catching colds and flu, Herbs & Health bring you the latest remedies.

You’re probably already taking care of your health by making sure to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, tossing a couple of cloves of garlic in your stir-fries, and making sure you get enough sleep. If you’re not already, it’s also a good idea to take herbal medicines that naturally promote immunity and help your body fight viruses and other infectious organisms.

While you’re at it, think about herbs to support your nervous system too. Why the nervous system? Psychological stress and the way your body reacts to it are intimately related to your immunity.

In particular, your stress levels influence your likelihood of becoming sick when you’re exposed to viruses that cause colds and flu, and if you do get sick, they also contribute to the severity of your symptoms. This is illustrated by a clinical study in which researchers measured the stress levels of 394 people before exposing them to one of five respiratory viruses. Afterwards, tests showed that the likelihood of contracting the virus (as shown by antibody reactions in the bloodstream) increased according to how stressed the participants were; people who had low stress levels had a 74 per cent chance of being infected by the virus, while those who with high stress levels became infected 90 per cent of the time.

Bearing in mind that we don’t come down with a cold every time we encounter a virus, it’s perhaps even more important that in this study, once they were infected, people with high stress levels were also significantly more likely to develop cold symptoms than those with low stress levels. These results support those from another study, which found that people with higher levels of stress experience more severe flu symptoms (including increased mucus production) than people with less stress. During times of acute (short-term) stress, the immune system – like the body’s other defences against danger – tends to be activated, ready to swing into action.

Chronic stress (continuing for longer than a month) has the reverse effect, dampening the activity of key components of the immune system. It’s logical therefore that the types of stress that have the greatest impact on your resistance are those that persist over long periods (such as family difficulties, caring for a sick family member, ongoing work problems, or unemployment). And unfortunately, the longer the stressful situation continues, the more likely you are to get sick.

Herbs to support immunity

Herbalists and naturopaths traditionally take a holistic approach to building resistance to infection, combining herbs with three different actions: adaptogens, immune tonics and antimicrobials.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to physical and/or emotional stress and return to a normal state of balance. Their use in strengthening immunity is validated by data showing that an individual’s resistance to respiratory infections like colds and flu is correlated with their levels of the stress hormone cortisol, one of the key markers of the body’s stress levels (and responsible for many of the physical symptoms we associate with ongoing stress).

Rhodiola: The herb Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) has only become available in Australia relatively recently, but has an extensive tradition of use in Europe. In clinical trials, it has been shown to relieve a range of stressrelated problems, including fatigue, anxiety, low mood and poor attention span. It has also been shown to reduce cortisol release in patients who are suffering stress burnout, so may be a particularly useful choice if you’re going through a stressful time and are keen to support your immune system while also boosting your energy levels and improving your ability to cope.

Withania: Like Rhodiola, the herb Withania is considered an adaptogen and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body cope with stress. In animal studies, that stress-coping effect has also been shown to improve immune function, increasing the numbers of certain immune cells, and promoting the activity of others. More recently, Indian researchers measured the changes in key immune cells before and after healthy participants consumed two doses of Withania a day for four days, and demonstrated increased activation of the immune system. Research also suggests that, like Rhodiola, Withania may help to reduce plasma cortisol levels, and therefore may help to offset many of the negative effects of chronic stress, perhaps including reduced resistance to infection.

Immune tonics

Around the world, different herbs have traditionally been used to support the body’s defences and build resistance to infection. Many are taken at low doses as preventive remedies, and then increased to higher doses if infections take hold. In general, these herbs tend to be most effective when treatment is started as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms.

Andrographis: Native to Asia, Andrographis has been traditionally used to rid the body of heat, as in fevers and to dispel toxins from the body. Laboratory studies indicating that the herb stimulates immune function via a number of different mechanisms are supported by clinical studies that show it can provide relief from many of the typical symptoms of colds, such as sore throats, runny nose, sinus pain, fatigue, fever, mucus production and headaches. When taken at the first sign of symptoms, it has also been shown to aid faster recovery from colds.

Echinacea: The North American herb Echinacea stimulates the immune system via a number of different mechanisms, many of which have been well documented. For example, it has been shown to promote phagocytosis (the process by which immune cells engulf and destroy invading organisms), and is also known to boost the numbers of key types of immune cells and stimulate the activity of others. Numerous studies also indicate that Echinacea is an effective treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, and as with Andrographis, the effects appear to be most pronounced when taken as quickly as possible after the symptoms appear.

Olive leaf: Echinacea and Andrographis are often taken in combination with olive leaf, an antioxidant-rich remedy that (amongst other uses) has traditionally been used to stimulate immunity and treat infections.

Cat’s Claw and Astragalus: Other herbs prescribed to boost immune function include the Amazonian vine Cat’s Claw, and the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus. The traditional reputation of both these herbs is supported by laboratory studies confirming their immunomodulating activity.

Antimicrobials

Herbs that fight infection provide valuable support to immune and nervous system supporting remedies, and may help you over-come infection more quickly if you get sick.

Golden Seal: Golden Seal is traditionally indicated as a tonic for the mucous membranes (including those of the throat, nose and sinuses). Today, many herbalists consider it to be the most important of all antimicrobial remedies because the herb (and isolated alkaloids from it, especially berberine) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites, leading to its use in a wide range of infective conditions. In laboratory studies, Golden Seal also exhibits a number of immune-modulating activities.

Pau D’Arco: Fungal infections such as Candida are notoriously difficult to overcome, especially as the organisms involved have a tendency to develop resistance to the pharmaceutical drugs used to treat them. When treating fungal conditions with herbs, it pays to use a remedy that’s specifically indicated for the purpose. Probably the best choice is Pau D’Arco, a herbal medicine from South America, where it has traditionally been used to treat both bacterial and fungal infections (as well as for other health disorders) and has also demonstrated antifungal activity in laboratory studies. Pau D’Arco is available in both the traditional tea (decoction) form, and as an easy-to-swallow capsule.

Case Study

Susan had been suffering from recurrent thrush on a monthly basis when she first consulted a natural health practitioner. Further investigation revealed that she had been taking the oral contraceptive pill for years and averaged four courses a year of antibiotics for minor infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. She worked full time and was always on the go. Her diet was adequate but could be improved, particularly as she was rather partial to a regular glass or two of wine to relieve her stress.

Susan decided to discontinue the oral contraceptive pill and was prescribed a course of herbs to rebalance her hormone levels. Once her cycle was regular, it was time to address the issue of frequent thrush episodes. A fi nger prick blood test confirmed the presence of candida albicans. Her natural health practitioner began to treat this with the herb Pau D’Arco at 3,000 mg per day, and placed Susan on an anti-candida diet eliminating all foods containing yeast and sugar for a period of two weeks and gradually reintroducing some of these foods. Susan focused on a maintenance diet of foods which have minimal or low sugar content such as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and pastas. She also included probiotic supplements daily to help rebalance the micro-organisms in her gut.

As the candida symptoms improved Susan was treated with immune boosting herbs such as garlic and golden seal to boost her immune system and reduce the chances of her developing sinusitis or tonsillitis in the future. This eliminated the need to take antibiotics which made her body susceptible to candida in the first place.

Susan continues to follow the maintenance diet and drinks only the occasional glass of wine and says she feels much healthier and best of all has not experienced any thrush or sinusitis since.

Tips for controlling the spread of infection

1. Wash hands regularly – even when they aren’t visibly dirty – with soap and water or with an alcohol-based product that does not require water.

Always wash your hands:

• after you’ve been to the toilet
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• after being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu
• before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• before preparing food and eating

2. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

When you cough or sneeze you should:

• turn away from other people
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
• use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief (which can store the virus)
• put used tissues into the nearest bin

Ginseng is a native to China and has been used as a medicine for over 7000 years. Its properties are extensive and have shown to have positive effects on the following:

Blood quality conditions, brain and nervous systems, cardiovascular, male and female hormonal systems, gastrointestinal, glandular, the immune system, inflammatory conditions, menopause and sexual potency.

Ginseng is packed full of vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A,B-1, B-2, B-12, C,E, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin and Panthothenic acid, and Minerals Calcium, Iron, Phosphate, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper and Choline.

This video explains how you can grow this miraculous herb at home.

A third of the population believe that they suffer from allergies, and even though some of these people may be mistaken, everyone agrees that eczema, asthma, hay fever, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. are now more and more common. So, what has happened?

It is often unclear why a person has a tendency to be allergic or intolerant to a range of substances. Medical practitioners talk about atopic individuals – atopic means out of place. To the unknowing this sounds like a medical diagnosis, but in fact all it means is: You have a tendency to have allergies; you may have several different symptoms caused by your allergic reactions; this often runs in families; we don’t know why. Describing someone as an atopic individual is not saying anything the person does not already know about themself!

Genetic Predisposition

Allergy problems undoubtedly do run in families, so there may be a genetic component, although the exact mechanism is not clearly understood. Some small genetic mutation can cause the immune system to be triggered more easily, so that family members sharing this mutation will all have a tendency to allergic reactions, although not necessarily to the same substances, but this does not explain the rise in the incidence of allergies in recent years.

Severe Virus Infections

A severe virus infection can lead to damage to the immune system, so that the individual is more likely to develop allergies in the future. Again, although this may explain why someone has allergies, the incidence of virus infections is not on the increase.

So we have to look elsewhere to explain the rise, and there are several completely different possibilities.

Parasites

One allergy theory now being proposed is that the lack of the proper enemies (liver fluke, tapeworms, etc.) has led to an idle immune system finding inappropriate work in allergic reactions. There are many antibodies produced in the body to protect it against invasion by harmful organisms. IgE antibodies deal effectively and quickly with the extreme danger of infection by large parasites, such as tapeworms. Parasites’ effect on health can be devastating, so over the years individuals with efficient IgE mechanisms have lived to reproduce and pass on their genes at a greater rate than people with a less efficient IgE mechanism.

The IgE antibodies are also involved in allergic and hypersensitivity reactions, so people with these inherited efficient IgE mechanisms are more likely to suffer allergy problems than people who have inherited a less efficient system.

This super-charged immune system was a plus for an asthma sufferer’s distant ancestors inhabiting a world with many life-threatening parasites, but now leads to a trigger-happy immune system firing off inappropriately.

Other practitioners (notably Hulda Clark in Cure For All Diseases) take the opposite view, and see many allergy symptoms as being a reaction to an infestation of parasites.

Excessive Cleanliness

The obsession with the danger of ‘germs’ is thought to have led to an increase in allergies. Much of this obsession with cleanliness seems to be driven by the media and advertising. Headlines about ‘killer bugs’, and advertisements that claim a product kills even more germs have led many people to buy more and more products to wipe out these dangerous enemies.

A view now gaining ground among many researchers and some doctors is that a certain level of dirt is good for us, particularly during infancy and early childhood when the immune system is maturing.

T-helper cells in the immune system recognize foreign antigens and then secrete substances to activate other cells to fight the invader. In pregnancy the T-helper cells that attack invaders directly without producing antibodies (Th1 cells) are less active, as these could lead the mother’s system to reject the fetus.

This means that the T-helper cells that are responsible for antibody reactions (Th2 cells) are more prominent. These are the ones that are involved in allergic reactions. The new baby’s immune system has the same emphasis as the mother’s had during pregnancy. It is believed that the exposure of the very young to some level of dirt is beneficial in that it helps to rebalance the immune system to emphasize the T-helper cells that are not involved in the allergy process.

In an excellent article (’New Scientist’ July 18th 1998) Garry Hamilton talks about ‘the gentler side of germs’. If the young are not exposed to ‘dirt’, the immune system does not go through this rebalancing process, and a tendency to allergy can result. Linda Gamblin in ‘The Allergy Bible’ cites several medical research projects, which support the idea of allowing children to be exposed to dirt and minor infections to help protect against allergies.

Vaccination

Our children are now being vaccinated against a bigger and bigger range of diseases. While some of these are serious, many are mild illnesses that were once considered part of a normal childhood. Many alternative practitioners consider that these childhood illnesses help to prime the immune system so that it is better able to cope with a whole range of illnesses later in life.

This view is not accepted by most of the medical profession, and indeed it would be difficult to prove. However, there is some evidence that vaccination alters the ratio of T-helper cells and T-suppresser cells. This would be likely to have an effect on the vaccinated child’s susceptibility to allergy reactions. It is also known that most vaccines stimulate the branch of the immune system that is concerned with the more extreme immune reactions to invaders such as parasites (New Scientist July 18th 1998).

Ubiquitous Presence Of Some Foods

Before the advent of freezers and airfreight most people ate local foods in season. Now most fruit and vegetables are available all year round, so that our systems are exposed to the same foods continually without respite.

There has been a dramatic increase in people experiencing soya allergy, since soya has become a common ingredient in many processed foods. In Europe and North America rice allergy is relatively uncommon, whereas in Asia where it is consumed more frequently it is much more common.

Technological Developments

Developments that make modern life more comfortable have also led to an increase in allergies. With the advent of air conditioning, central heating and wall-to-wall carpeting, house dust mites and moulds such as alternaria have an ideal environment in which to thrive. Modern offices with sealed windows mean that everyone is exposed to the perfumes worn by other people. The increasing use of plastics, formaldehyde, benzene etc. have led to all of us being exposed to an amazing variety of chemicals.

Contamination By Environmental Pollutants

The chemicals in diesel fumes are known to damage the outer membranes of pollens. This means that when the pollen is breathed in, the pollen proteins are immediately in much closer contact with the delicate membranes in the mouth, nose and lungs than they would be if the pollen had not been damaged in this way.

It has now also been suggested that the immune system is reacting to some harmless substances because they have been contaminated by environmental pollution: the immune system does not recognize the food, for example, if it has molecules from tire rubber attached to it. These molecules sometimes appear similar to enzymes produced by parasites and so the immune system attacks the ‘parasite’.

Although more and more evidence is accumulating for a role for environmental pollutants, this does not explain why New Zealand, which is relatively unpolluted, has one of the highest incidences of asthma in the world.

Electro-Magnetic Pollution

An increase in electro-magnetic pollution has run parallel with the increase in allergies. The scientific jury is still out on the danger of mobile phones, power lines, etc., but many people are becoming more concerned about our constant exposure. People who are sensitive to computers, etc. often also show many symptoms typical of allergic individuals. In some cases correcting this sensitivity to electro-magnetic sources, results in all or most of the adverse reactions disappearing. (I recommend health kinesiology for this.)

Stress

The pace of life is quickening all the time: modern technology gives us more possibilities and many of us want to experience as many of these as we can. A survey found that half of the 950 young people in their 20’s interviewed said that they would feel a failure if they did not own a home by 26, were not married by 27 and not both rich and parents by 29. Many of the interviewees said they were prepared to sacrifice a healthy diet and way of life to achieve this. These expectations and pressures are not conducive to long-term health and can also lead to stress and allergies. Pre-packaged, processed foods eaten in front of the television, too much alcohol, too little fresh air and exercise all take their toll.

Sometimes particular traumatic events can explain a particular allergy. One of my clients was allergic to wool and tea. She told me that when she was a small child she had pulled a cup of hot tea on to herself. At the time she was wearing a wool sweater, and the tea soaked into the sweater and burnt her very badly.

Diet

It is now well known that bottle-fed babies are more likely to be prone to allergy problems than breast-fed ones. Sudden or early weaning can contribute to the problem too.

Sadly the modern diet may be abundant in calories, but there is more and more evidence that it is low in some important nutrients. People are eating more pre-processed foods, which may be nutritionally compromised.

Soil is becoming depleted of some minerals, because they have long been taken up by plants grown in the soil. If the mineral is not in the soil, it cannot be in the plant, and so it is not available in the foods we eat either.

It is unlikely that there is one simple answer as to why people are allergic, intolerant or sensitive in general or to particular substances. Research is still being carried out in this fascinating area. Fortunately with the tools that are available it is not necessary to know why someone has allergy problems in order to be able to detect and correct them.