Richard Mandelbaum RH (AHG) richardmandelbaum.com … · Reishi Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma spp....
Transcript of Richard Mandelbaum RH (AHG) richardmandelbaum.com … · Reishi Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma spp....
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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
thank you