Echinacea Angustifolia Root (Echinacea angustifolia) is well known for its use in helping the body to recover from acute infections. Echinacea is a wildflower native to North America and was used by some Native American tribes to treat venomous bites. It activates white blood cells and may increase interferon production, which is important in fighting viral infections. Echinacea is especially indicated for people who are fatigued and present with swollen lymph nodes. Recent research indicates that echinacea is most helpful at the onset of acute infections rather than for prevention of colds and flu. Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) is native to China and used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Qi (chi) tonic. Astragalus is thought to act as an immune tonic. This herb may increase bile flow to improve appetite and digestion hence it is especially indicated for people in a weakened state. Astragalus is also used to treat hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy for people with cancer. Pau d’Arco Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a Latin American herb with possible applications for both acute and chronic illnesses including infections and cancer. In vitro studies have shown it to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Indigenous people in Central and South America as well as Caribbean healers use pau d’arco for infectious diseases, wounds, and other health conditions. Cat’s Claw Bark (Uncaria tomentosa) is another South American herb with many traditional applications including rheumatism, intestinal complaints, and wound healing. In vitro studies suggest that cat’s claw bark stimulates immune function. This herb has also been clinically proven to improve osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Maitake Mushroom (Grifolia frondosa), Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), and Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinusedodes) contain complex polysaccharides that enhance immune function. These mushrooms are traditionally classified as immune modulators. Reishi mushrooms have wide applications in addition to immune function including decreasing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, and improving the health of people with hepatitis B, cancer, and diabetes. In addition to its benefits in improving survival in some people with cancer, shiitake has also been shown to reduce the recurrence of genital warts. Eleuthero Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is also known as Siberian ginseng. Eleuthero has a long history in Asia of being used to prevent respiratory infections, cold, and flu. In Russia, Eleuthero has been used to enhance endurance of athletes, prevent stress-related illness, and to counteract the effects of radiation exposure from the accident at Chernobyl.
