|
Astragalus
root
(A. membranaceus) * |
Strengthens
the immune reservoir and Wei Qi. It is a superior adaptogen used
for rebuilding depleted endocrine/immune activity. It is useful for
chronic lung infections, as part of a cancer protocol and for
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Astragalus is also effective for lowering
blood sugar levels, inhibiting ulcers, protecting the heart from
Coxsackie B virus and strengthening the upright qi, making it useful
for organ prolapse.
|
|
Schisandra
berry/Wu Wei Zi
(Schisandra
chinensis) * |
Translates as
Five Flavor Fruit, this herb is a powerful adaptogen strengthening
hypothamic/adrenal funciton and normalizing nervous system and
immune activity. Schisandra also acts as a mild, non habit forming
stimulant and an anti-hepatotoxin.
|
|
Eleuthero
root
(Eleutherococcus senticosis)
* |
An excellent
adaptogen, this herb normalizes blood pressure and immune activity,
reduces fatigue, stress, and depression, reduces atherosclerosis.
It is frequently used especially by athletes to increase
performance.
|
|
Licorice
root
(Glycyrrhiza glabra or G. uralensis) * |
Has an ancient
history of use in China and the Middle East. This intensly sweet
root is an adaptogen, demulcent, expectorant, pectoral, antiviral
and antidepressant. Licorice strengthens endocrine function,
especially the adrenals, ovaries, Isles of Langerhans and
hypothalamus making it useful for chronic fatigue syndrome
menopause, hypoglycemia and autoimmune disease. The demulcent
action heals mucus membrane tissue especially the stomach (ulcers),
large and small intestine (IBS) and lung (dry, irritated cough).
Excessive use of Licorice can elevate blood pressure.
|
|
Reishi
mushroom
(G. lucidum, G. sinensis) * |
Indicated for
immune hypo (cancer, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue) or hyper functioning
(Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, and Ankylosing
Spondylitis). Reishi is an active antihepatotoxin as well as a
cardiotonic, antioxidant and nervine.
|
|
Dang Shen
root
(Codonopsis spp.) * |
An excellent
mild adaptogen often used in China instead of the more expensive
Ginseng. It tonifies Qi and lowers blood pressure by dilating blood
vessels. Codonopsis treats anemia by increasing erythrocytes and
hemoglobin levels. In Chinese medicine it is often used to treat
deficient or collapsed spleen qi which manifests as conditions such
as diarrhea, fatigue, hemorrhoids, or prolapsed uterus and for
wasting and thirsting diseases. It is also used for deficient
energy in the lung, and stimulates all levels of the immune system.
|
|
Ligustrum
dried fruit
(Ligustrum lucidum) * |
Ligustrum
berries are used as a tonic for the Chinese kidney and liver. It
stimulates immune activity especially increasing white blood cell
count depleted by chemotherapy or radiation (leukopenia).
|
|
Bai Zhu Atractylodes root(Atractylodes
macrocephalae)* |
Atractylodes tonifies the middle jiao
(burner) and dries excessive dampness caused by edema, diarrhea,
vomiting or other fluid retention. Laboratory studies with human
cancer cells demonstrate that Bai Zhu is effective in inducing
apoptosis (cell death) in liver cancer and leukemia cells |
|
Bibliography: |
Chang, H. M and
But, P. P. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia
Medica, World Scientific, 1986
Dharmananda, S. Chinese Herbal Therapies for Immune Disorders,
Portland,
OR,
1991
Enger, B. and Long. E. [Ed.] AIDS, Immunity and Chinese Medicine,
Long
Beach,
CA,
1989 |
|
*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |