fect counter to inhaled anthrax, which
attacks the lymph nodes around the
lungs. Poke is a specific against pneu-
monia and a protector of the lungs. It
contains an antibacterial alkaloid and
a special antiviral protein. It magnifies
the effects of Echinacea and they work
wonderfully well together.
Poke root is powerful medicine - in
fact, a potential poison - and the dose
is very small. One drop of poke tinc-
ture may be taken daily for no more
than three months as a counter to pos-
sible infection. Alkaloids in poke root
tincture can accumulate in the kidneys,
making extended use risky. Caution:
You can feel spacey and out of your
body when taking poke, especially at
higher doses. The first few times, take
it after dinner and stay home so you
can judge your reaction.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococ-
cus) is widely considered the single
most effective immune tonic and
adaptogen in the herbal realm. Safe
Susan Weed and Autumn Athos at the SE Women’s Herbal Conference
and inexpensive, it helps the immune
system respond quickly to infection
stiff cone was made of paper or bark,
and mitigates the effects of stress.
parts of building strong immunity.
stuffed with garlic and spices (cin-
Astragalus root is also an excellent
Candace Pert, visiting professor of
namon, cloves, nutmeg), and tied on
ally for building powerful immunity.
neuroscience at Rutgers University,
over the nose to help prevent conta-
Both, or either, may be taken daily for
has proven that every cell of the
gion. That’s a little cumbersome for
extended periods with no ill effects. I
body participates in the immune sys-
modern times, but inhaling the aroma
throw several pieces of these roots in
tem through an integrated network
of a cup of spicy tea (there are many
every pot of soup I cook.
of chemical, electrical, and hormonal
blends available, or make your own)
signals. The immune system is a
could help you avoid catching conta-
Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius
network, she says, which resonates
gious disease.
or Panax ginseng) is another excep-
with the vibrations that surround it.
tional ally for the immune system,
It is as affected by emotions as by
Medicinal mushrooms are not only
especially when there is physical or
bacteria, as impacted by thoughts
immune system tonics, they possess
emotional stress. In any form (tincture,
as by drugs.
antibacterial properties which make
tea, extract) it nourishes production
them ideal for preventing anthrax
of interferon, phagocytes, antibodies,
infection, according to expert Paul
Long-standing low-level depression,
and killer T-cells. So long as you need
Stametes. A tincture or strong infusion
smoldering anger that is never ex-
ginseng, there’s no overdose; if you
of any shelf fungus with pores can
pressed, bitterness and vengeance
take it when you don’t need it how-
be used, he says. If you prefer to buy
projected into the future are all
ever, it may produce an unpleasant,
your mushrooms, rather than hunt for
known to depress immune function-
jittery, speedy sensation.
them, look for reishii (Ganoderma lu-
ing. Prayer, affirmations, positive
cidum) or shiitake (Lentinus edodes).
thinking - no matter what you call
Garlic has been used to prevent infec-
Both are adaptogenic, revitalizing,
it, talking lovingly to yourself builds
tion for thousands of years; and it still
regenerative, and able to directly
powerful immunity. One of the fierc-
works! No need to upset your stom-
suppress infection. Side effects, even
est old women I know, healer Margo
ach (and loved ones) by eating it raw;
from large doses, are rare.
Geiger, taught me to not only think
cooked garlic retains its antibacterial
good thoughts but also to unthink
powers, so long as you eat enough
But herbs and medicinal foods alone
immune system stressing phrases
of it. During plague times, healers in
are not enough. What we think, and
like: “This is killing me,” or “I’m dying
some areas wore a “bird’s beak:” a
what we consume, are also important
to . . .” (“Let’s live for it!” she’d say.)
organicshoppermag.com 45
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52