good health
Strenghthen Your Immune System
Herbal Allies to Help you Avoid Catching the Flu!

by Susun S. Weed
inter is when we are most
W

Echinacea root is the all-American
Usnea, a common lichen, is especially
likely to catch a cold or the
immune system strengthener. It trig-
rich in a powerful antibacterial bitter
flu. It’s time to prepare yourself with
gers production of white blood cells,
called usnic acid (also usinic acid).
herbs and home remedies to avoid
interferon, leukocytes, T-cells, and
I use the tincture of Usnea barbata
infection and to build a strong immune
B-lymphocytes, as well as directly
(a dose is 1-2 dropperfuls), but other
system.
inhibiting the growth of most bacte-
lichens show similar immune-enhanc-
ria and viruses. Peter Holmes, au-
ing and tonifying properties. There are
I prefer safe antibacterial herbs such
thor of Energetics of Western Herbs,
no side effects reported from use of
as echinacea, usnea, or poke root,
cites it as being effective against
even large amounts of usnea tincture.
which not only kill infection, but also
anthrax. Echinacea tincture is my
help us keep our immune systems
first choice for countering infection.
Poke root tincture (Phytolacca ameri-
strong. These herbs have an extensive
(Capsules and pills of Echinacea,
cana) kicks the immune system into
history of countering resistant bacteria
if used for lengthy periods, may be
gear incredibly fast. I’ve seen chronic
and strengthening the body’s natural
counter-productive.) A dose of the
infection of many years’ standing
defenses. I also recommends medici-
tincture is one drop for every pound
resolve after only one dose, and acute
nal mushrooms, garlic, and ginseng
of body weight. I take this several
infection subside in a matter of hours.
to help you during the winter season.
times a week as a preventative;
Poke’s effect seems to be focused on
And, she reminds us that our thoughts
several times daily when there is
the lymphatic and glandular tissues of
affect our health too!
active infection.
the throat and chest, making it the per-

44 Organic Shopper Winter 2010
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