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Richard Mandelbaum RH (AHG)

richardmandelbaum.com

arborvitaeny.com

Herbs for Immune

System Health

The Conventional

“Military” Paradigm

The immune system is a network of cells,

tissues, and organs that work together to

defend the body against attacks by “foreign”

invaders. These are primarily microbes—

tiny organisms such as bacteria, parasites,

and fungi that can cause infections.

-National Institutes of Health

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Anatomy/Physiology

The Immune System is not one “system”

per se, but rather interacts closely with

the nervous, endocrine, and lymphatic

systems, as well as the GI tract (gut) and

microbiome in general - but also

extending to less obvious glands such as

salivary and sweat glands.

Major components of

Immune System

� White blood cells, macrophages

� bone marrow

� thymus

� lymph

� appendix

� tonsils

� spleen

� skin

� G.I. tract (HCl and flora) and liver

� mucus membranes

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Re-establishing Immune System

Homeostasis

Self versus Other:

An Out-Dated Paradigm?

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Establishing the Context

The notion that all of these things would be harmful to us, of course, is …just a terrible human fallacy, number one. And number two, the idea that…if you could again, flip that switch, suddenly all the viruses on the planet disappear. The effects, the ripple effects would be so incredibly profound on all of the microorganisms, in the ocean systems, in coral, in sort of soil communities, would be so dramatic…there's every reason to suspect that we would die and probably die out as a species very quickly if we did that.

-Nathan Wolfe, author, The Viral Storm

NPR, October 11, 2012

The Human

Microbiome

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The “Macrobiome”

Germ versus Terrain Theory

Terrain = Strong Underlying

Immune Function

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Contributing Factors to an Imbalanced

Immune System

� Dysbiosis / Hyper-permeability / other GI imbalances (incl. antibiotic use esp. in early life)

� Impaired hepatic function

� Poor nutrition

� Pollutants

� Chronic Stress

� Sleep deprivation

� Social isolation

� Lack of adequate physical activity

� Chronic pain or other illness

� Lack of natural exposure (“hygiene theory”) and alienation from our natural world –

biodiversity deficiency

Nutrients and foods specific to

Immune Function

� Vitamin C

� Vitamin E

� Vitamin D

� Antioxidants in general (in addition to the specific ones here)

� Carotenoids

� Bioflavonoids

� Selenium

� Omega 3 fatty acids

� Sulfur compounds (Brassicas, Alliums)

� Zinc

� Probiotic foods

� Bitters

� Honey

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Immunization and

Vaccines

The Wei Qi

� Our Protective Qi

� Housed in the Lungs,

Opening to the Skin

� Our sense of Self

� Emotional patterns of

sympathy, grief

and sadness

� Winter tends to be cold and

dry, diminishing Lung Yin

and Wei Qi

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Herbal approaches

� Immuno-modulators

� Immune tonics (builders)

� Immune stimulants

� Antimicrobials: anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal

� Diaphoretics (sudorifics)

Plus:

� Adaptogens

� Lymphatics

� Bitters (hepatics) and digestive tonics

� Nervines

� Expectorants / Antitussives

For a Weakened Resistance:

Tonics and Modulators

� Adaptogens: licorice, reishi, ginseng, Eleuthero, Cordyceps, Schisandra, Rhodiola*

� Immune tonics: Astragalus, chaga*

� Immuno-modulators: licorice, reishi, maitake, shiitake, chaga*, turkey tail, Cordyceps

� Respiratory tonics: elecampane, tai zi shen, Schisandra, thyme, marshmallow, mullein, Cordyceps, turkey tail, chaga*, reishi

� * Avoid using when possible for ecological concerns

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Addressing Acute infections

Holistic approaches mean to support the body’s immune response rather than to fight it.

Address the individual pattern – address the person not the illness.

� Immune boosters/stimulants

� Antibacterial and antiviral herbs as indicated

� Expectorants / antitussives

• Diaphoretics and sudorifics

• Plus: nervines, anodynes, lymphatics, digestive tonics

Herbal Approaches to Immune System

Imbalances: Re-establishing Immune

System Homeostasis

Chronic vs. Acute

Immuno-modulators Immune stimulants

Adaptogens (infections)

Nervines Antivirals

Antimicrobials

Diaphoretics

Deficiency* vs. Excess*

Immuno-modulators Immuno-modulators

Adaptogens and nervines Adaptogens

Immune stimulants Anti-inflammatories

Immune tonics (builders)

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Herbal Approaches to Immune System

Imbalances: Re-establishing Immune

System Homeostasis

A good herbalist works with an individual not a

condition, taking into account in addition to

a biomedical diagnosis or explanation:

� Constitution

� Energetics or tissue states

� Comprehensive state of health

� Traditional diagnostics

Energetics

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Major Herbs for the Immune system

� Adaptogens: Ginseng, Licorice, Codonopsis, Ashwagandha,

Reishi, Cordyceps, Holy Basil, Schisandra, Rhodiola*

� Immunomodulators – normalizers: Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake,

Turkeytail, Licorice

� Immune tonics/builders: Astragalus, Chaga*

� Immune stimulants: Echinacea, Boneset, Spilanthes, Elder, Osha,

Thuja

� Antimicrobials:

� Antifungals / Antibacterials

� Black walnut, Garlic, Usnea, Barberry , Elecampane,

Goldenseal, Tea tree, Neem, Propolis, Wild Indigo,

Umckaloabo

� Antivirals Licorice, Honeysuckle, Elder, Lemon balm, Isatis

(woad), St Johnswort, Thuja , Hyssop, Basil

Diaphoretics: Yarrow, Boneset, Elder flower

Medicine Chest for winter

colds/flu/bronchitis etc.� Tonic / immune nourishing herbs if needed

� Echinacea

� Boneset

� Elder

� Ginger

� Osha*

� Honeysuckle

� Elecampane

� Thyme

� Sage

� Barberry / goldenseal* / Coptis

� Garlic

� Honey and propolis

� Licorice

� Umckaloabo

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AstragalusAstragalus membranaceus

Sweet, slightly warm Part used: root

General immune system tonic, Qi tonic in

(esp. wei qi and Spleen qi),

hepatoprotective, antiviral, mild

cardiotonic, hypotensive, diuretic

Generally avoided during acute

inflammation or fever

Used for:

� Immune deficiencies: Low resistance,

proclivity to colds, flus, bronchitis, etc.;

� Tonifies Spleen (fatigue with low

appetite); strengthens digestion

� Weakness of lungs, shortness of breath

� Reduces excessive sweating

LicoriceGlycyrrhiza glabra, G.uralensis

Mildly warming and moistening

Part used: root

Adaptogen, Lung Yin and general Yin and Qi tonic, anti-viral, demulcent, anti-inflammatory

Indicated for:

� Acute and chronic viral infections

� Irritation and dryness of the

mucus membranes:

cough, bronchitis, laryngitis, etc.

� Adrenal deficiency, chronic stress

� Mild to moderate depression, melancholy

� Chronic inflammatory conditions

� Spleen qi and Upright Qi tonic; Yin tonic

Licorice should be avoided by people with hypertension or edema / fluid retention

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Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma spp.

Bitter, warm

Immunomodulator, adaptogen, nervine,

anti-inflammatory, antihistamine,

hepatoprotective, anti-tumor

Lifts the Spirit, Calms the Mind

Used for:

� Cancer

� Immune deficiency, low resistance

� HIV / AIDS

� Immune excess conditions: allergies, auto-

immune disease

� Stress, insomnia, nervousness

� Adrenal exhaustion

� Hepatitis, cirrhosis

� Disturbed Shen – forgetfulness, fatigue,

anxiety, insomnia

Shiitake

Lentinus edodes or Lentinula edodes

Mildly sweet, neutral

Immunomodulator, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-

cancer, nutritive, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory

Used for:

� Prevention and treatment of cancer

� Chronic infection: HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis (A,B, C),

etc.

� Low resistance; immune deficiency

� Environmental allergies; hay fever

� Autoimmune disease

� Liver damage and/or disease

� Cardiovascular benefits: Normalizes lipid profile

(cholesterol and triglycerides); may reduce platelet

aggregation

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EchinaceaEchinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea spp.

Pungent, bitter, cooling and drying

Part used: root, flower, seed

Immune system stimulant, anti-inflammatory,

vulnerary, anti-microbial, sialagogue,

alterative: dyscratic, lymphatic, hepatic

Used for:

� Preventing and treating acute infection:

“enhancement of non-specific resistance”:

(Weiss) colds, flus, sinus infections,

bronchitis, septicemia

� UTIs; cystitis and candidiasis

� Facilitating wound healing: external

wounds, ulcers, boils

� Mouth wash for infections, toothache

� Poisonous bites and stings: insects,

spiders, etc.

Honeysuckle; jin yin huaLonicera japonica

Cold, dry

� Part used: dried flower bud (and stem)

� One of the strongest scientifically documented anti-viral herbs

� Used topically and internally

� Aids the Wei Qi in fighting acute infection

� Expels toxic heat: lesions, abscesses, sores

� Disperses damp heat

� Often combined with Forsythia, Coptis, Isatis, Platycodon

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ElderSambucus canadensis, S. nigra

Gently cooling and moistening

Part used: flower, fruit

Immunostimulant, anti-viral, expectorant, diaphoretic (flower), anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory

Used for:

� Cold, flu

� Flower is more diaphoretic and immuno-stimulant

� Inflammation and irritation of the upper respiratory tract: cough, bronchitis, hay fever, sinus infection and sinusitis

� Has demonstrated antiviral activity against cold, flu, viral bronchitis, herpes simplex, hepatitis

A wonderful remedy for adults and children; a common childhood remedy often combined with lemon balm, yarrow, peppermint, catnip

GarlicAllium sativum

Pungent, warming and drying

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, expectorant, immunostimulant, diaphoretic

“The whole drug has to be taken as it is, as a biological product of nature”

- Rudolf Weiss

Used to support immune response in cases of:

� Bronchitis

� Tuberculosis

� Cold and flu

� Pertussis, pneumonia,

sinus infections

� Chronic infection including Lyme

� GI infections

Plus:

� Cardiovascular indications

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Thyme

Thymus spp.

Pungent, drying and warming

Part used: leaf, flower

Expectorant, antitussive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, astringent

� Respiratory indications:� Acute or chronic cough, especially

spasmodic coughs

� Asthma

� Emphysema

� Bronchitis, pertussis, pneumonia

� Sore throat; laryngitis

� Cold, flu

� GI indications:� Dyspepsia, bloating, cramping, flatulence

� Gastritis

� Dysentery, giardia, other GI infection

GingerZingiber officinale

Hot and dry

Part used: rhizome

Carminative, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, diaphoretic, antioxidant, expectorant, anti-tussive

� Acute illness: colds, flu, bronchitis

� Opens the Exterior

� Warms lungs and transforms phlegm

� Dispels cold and dampness� Fresh (shen jiang) used more for

acute/external conditions, particularly respiratory ailments, cold and flu

� Dried (gan jiang) for more constitutional/internal conditions, particularly deficient cold conditions, arthritis, chronic GI complaints

� For colds and flu ginger can be used as a topical poultice with honey

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GoldensealHydrastis canadensisBitter, cold and dry

Part used: rhizome

Antimicrobial, especially antibacterial and antifungal, bitter tonic, cholagogue,

stomachic (GI tonic), immunostimulant

� Inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes

� Infection, especially with signs of heat and inflammation

� Sinus infections

� Staph, Strep, fungal infections, GI parasites, E.coli, giardia, dysentery

� Stimulates macrophage production to aid in fighting infection

� GI indications – the Eclectic physician Finley Ellingwood writes “in its

influence upon the gastro-intestinal tract it is tonic, restorative, and soothing

in its action. It promotes the appetite, increases the secretion of the gastric

and intestinal juices and conduces to a restoration of the normal condition.”

At risk; use cultivated herb only and consider using barberry or other

substitutes

Propolis / Honey

Warming and moistening

Both propolis and honey have been demonstrated to have potent antiviral and antibacterial activity, and as a solid vulnerary, validating traditional uses in acute upper respiratory Infection, cold, flu, sore throat, as well as topical use for cuts, burns, and wounds

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Allergy

Allergies of all kinds (food, drug,

environmental, etc.) have been

increasing dramatically since the early

1980s (doubled oner past 20 years).

Approximately one in five Americans suffer

from allergies of one kind or another.

40 million Americans suffer from seasonal

allergies / hay fever.

Seasonal Allergies

� Allergens, pollen, mold, dust mites, etc. trigger antibody production

� Upon exposure, Mast cells lining the mucous membranes initiate inflammatory response in mucosal lining (including histamine)

� Cross-reactivity can then develop

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Importance of Distinguishing

Allergic Rhinitis from Colds and Flu

Cold:

Thick, yellow/green

mucus discharge

Sneezing

Fever, weakness,

fatigue

Incubation period of 1-

3 days, generally

seasonal; lasting 5-7

days.

Allergic rhinitis:

Clear thin watery

mucus discharge

Congestion, wheezing

Rarely fever or muscle

ache

Can be sudden onset

of symptoms, lasting

as long as exposure

continues.

Hyperimmune response leading to

chronic inflammation

� Allergens, in this case mainly pollen, trigger antibody production

� Upon exposure, Mast cells lining the mucous membranes initiate inflammatory response in mucosal lining (including histamine)

� Cross-reactivity can then develop

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Contributing Factors to

Seasonal Allergies� Micro- and macrobiome imbalance

� Hyper-permeability / dysbiosis / GI imbalances

� Inflammatory diet

� Food triggers

� Poor nutrition

� Pollutants

� Impaired hepatic function; hepatic congestion

� Stress

� Intestinal permeability

� Adrenal insufficiency

� Genetic disposition

Herbal Approaches to Allergies

� Immuno-modulators

� Anti-inflammatories

� Decongestants

Plus:

� Nervines

� Adaptogens and adrenal tonics

� Hepatics

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Key Herbs for Seasonal Allergies

� Reishi

� Licorice

� Turmeric

� Eyebright: anti-allergic,

antihistamine, anti-

inflammatory,

decongestant, expectorant,

astringent

Key Herbs for Seasonal Allergies

and Hay Fever

� Nettle: antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, nutritive, alterative, astringent to MM

� Butterbur (PA free) Anti-allergic, antihistamine, expectorant, antitussive, antispasmodic, analgesic

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Additional helpful herbs for seasonal allergies

Licorice

Goldenseal or Coptis

Hyssop

Dandelion root, gentian, artichoke leaf

Astragalus

Other medicinal mushrooms: shiitake, maitake

Huang qin (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Bupleurum

Elderberry

Green tea

Herbal steam inhalations or nasal irrigation (neti)

Specific remedies for asthma:

Khella

Schisandra

Ginkgo

Other Immune Imbalances

(for another day)

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Autoimmune Disease

Some of the more common

recognized autoimmune diseases

� Alopecia areata

� Diabetes (type 1)

� Graves’ disease

� Guillain-Barré

syndrome

� Multiple Sclerosis

� Pernicious anemia

� Psoriasis

� Rheumatoid Arthritis

� Scleroderma

� Sjögren’s syndrome

� SystemicLupus

Erythematosus

� Hashimoto’s

thyroiditis

� Vitiligo

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Cancer and Herbal Remedies

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