Herbs

[Guest guest]

Ah. Found it

http://www.skyeherbals.com/hepc/symptoms.html

Rhonda

Re: [ ] Herbs

> Rhonda, my husband has been using milk thistle since before treatment.

What is dandelion and red clover supposed to do?

> Sue and gidget

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

echinacea I used to take to support my immune system and melentonin

for help sleeping. On the bottle of these 2 herbs says that you are

not to take IF you have an auto immune diease.

Same with ginseng. My rheumatologist told me. I had been drinking a

cup of " tension tamer " herb tea every evening and had to give it up

because ginseng is an immune system stimulant.

S

[Guest guest]

Deficits or defects in specific immune cells favor specific types of infections. For example, a T-cell deficiency increases your chances of getting bacterial sepsis, CMV, Epstein-Barr, and yeast infections. A B-cell defect or deficiency increases your susceptibility to Streptococci, Staphylococci, Enteroviral encephalitis, intestinal giardiasis, and chronic meningitis (Cotran et al., 1999). Your general immunological characteristics, such as your ABO blood type, can affect your susceptibility to specific diseases. People with type O blood get more peptic ulcers because the markers on the surface of their blood cells make it easier for H. pylori to attach to their stomach lining ( et al., 2000). Similarly, people with type A blood get more gastric cancer (Bland, 1999). Because plant proteins called lectins bind to the surface of your cells and act like specific antibodies, there is no doubt that your blood type can also partially

determine your individual response to specific herbs. In fact the plants themselves use similar sensitive chemical recognition mechanisms to activate defense-related genes just as we do (Nurnberger et al., 1997). This can certainly help explain why some people react differently to certain herbs and foods than do others, and is a fascinating area for future herbal research.The Immune System Players and HerbsMany people still believe that the effects of herbs are either very weak, or can only stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. We are now learning that individual herbs have powerful and often very specific effects on immune function—another exciting area of natural medicine. The ability to see these effects both in the clinic, with regard to blood tests and patient response, and in the laboratory, is gradually changing our understanding toward greater respect for herbal medicines,

awareness of potential dangers, and a desire to understand in greater detail what these medicines are capable of doing. However, it is still true that herbs, because they are complexes, tend to act in multi-faceted ways. Here we will examine the various immune system players, and give examples of herbs that can modify or enhance their actions.Introducing the Immune System Team The two arms of the immune system each contain important blood cell players, and important molecular weapons and signaling chemicals. The two most important white blood cell components are lymphocytes and macrophages, and the most important molecular chemical components are antibodies and cytokines. Lymphocyte blood cells work with antibody chemicals to destroy specific antigens (foreign particles) in cellular immunity. Macrophage blood cells work with cytokine chemicals for general destruction of invaders, damaged cells and debris in

non-specific immunity. We will call the two branches of the immune system Team Cellular and Team Non-specific. Cellular Immune System PlayersThe White Blood Cells of Team CellularT lymphocytes (T-cells) are formed in the thymus gland. T-cells comprise 60-70% of the lymphocytes in your blood. Each T-cell contains a genetically programmed receptor that allows it to recognize a specific "bad guy" antigen. Along with neutrophils (see below), T-cell proliferation acts as an aggressive first-strike process. T lymphocytes and neutrophils are the body’s primary specific defenses. There are three basic types of T-cells, which neatly fit into the Vata, Pitta and Kapha overview:• Killer T-cells (our aggressive Pitta T-cells), travel to the site of a problem, where their cell surface receptors allow

them to target and release killing chemicals into our own cells that are damaged, infected or cancerous. They release other chemicals that attract phagocytes to the area, as well as interferons, which prevent viral replication. • Our Vata-like T-cells, or helper T-cells, work more as messengers, helping the killer T-cells to do their job. They secrete IL-2 (described below) which amplifies the immune response, and "tells" the body to grow more killer T-cells. There are two forms of helper T-cells, called Th1 and Th2. Th1 cells focus on response to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Th2 cells focus on allergic reactions.• Kapha-like suppressor T cells, slowly arrive on the scene, sometimes days or weeks after an infection, where they suppress and turn off the killer T-cells. If suppressor T-cells are low, the inflammation continues and damages the

body.Garlic bulb, katuki rhizome (Picrorhiza kurroa), ginseng root, scute root, astragalus root, shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes), cuscuta seed (tu si zi or C. chinensis), pycnogenol (from Pinus maritima) and licorice root are among the many herbs and phytochemicals that have been shown experimentally to activate or modulate T-cells (Baylor et al. 1992, Kim KH et al., 1998, Lau et al., 1991, Liu et al. 1998, Sinha et al., 1998, Tang Z et al. 1997, Utsunomiya et al., 1997, Yamamoto et al., 1997, Zhao KS et al., 1990).B lymphocytes (B-cells) are produced in the bone marrow (of adults) and distributed to outlying lymph tissue (spleen, tonsils, gastrointestinal tract, etc). They constitute 10-20%

of the lymphocyte population in the blood. When some B-cells encounter and bind to foreign antigens, they are activated and transform into plasma cells, which produce a vast amount of antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgE etc.) specific to that particular invader. Other B-cells transform into memory cells, which patrol the body for the next appearance of the bad guy antigen so they can signal a quick response. Licorice root, ginseng root, ashwaghanda root, Siberian ginseng root bark, astragalus root, oldenlandia (bai hua she she cao or O. diffusa), pycnogenol, carthamus flower, and several types of seaweed (particularly Hizikia fusiformis, a kind of algae, and Meristotheca papulosa) have been shown experimentally to modulate the activity of B-cells (Kawakita et al., 1987, Kupin et al., 1986, Liu FJ et al., 1998, Liu JN et al., 1997, Shohat et al.,

1978, Wakabayashi et al. 1997, Yang G et al., 1990, Yoshida et al., 1997). The Chemicals Used by Team CellularAntibodies are specific immunoglobulin proteins that act against the foreign substances called antigens. The antibody attaches to the invader creating an antibody-antigen complex, after which it stimulates the immune system to recognize the invader. Think of the antibody as the "neighborhood watch" member who grabs a criminal in the street, holds on and yells for the police. Antibody response can be either primary, occurring at the first exposure to an antigen, or secondary, after exposure to the same or similar antigen at a later date. This is called sensitization. It is the reason why certain pollens, for example, only affect people who have become sensitized. The most common antibodies tested for by physicians are called IgG, IgA, and IgE. High levels in the blood

indicate you are fighting an invader.A few of the many herbs shown experimentally to modulate antibody response include rehmannia root, cuscuta seed, punarnava root (Boerhavia diffusa), echinacea root, golden seal root, cordyceps mushroom, ginseng root, berberine (from Berberis species plants), bitter melon (Momordica charanta), ziziphus seed (suan sao ren or Z. spinosa), cowhage seeds (kapikachu or Mucuna pruriens) and guduchi stem (Tinospora cordifolia). (Ivanovska et al., 1996, Lee YS et al. 1997, Leung et al., 1987, Mathew and Kuttan, 1999, Mungantiwar et al., 1999, Rehman et al. 1999, Yoshikawa M et al., 1997, Aguiyi et al., 1999).In one

dramatic (but unreplicated) study, a TCM formula containing leonorus (yi mu cao or L. heterophyllus), white peony root, banksia rose ( banksia - a variety of rose petal), angelica root (bai zhi or A. archangelica) and Sichuan lovage root (Ligusticum chuanxiong) was shown to prevent hemolytic disease caused by maternal-fetal blood group (Rh-type) incompatibility (Bian et al., 1998). • IgA (Immunoglobulin type A) is an antibody found primarily in the secretions of mucosal surfaces including those of the upper respiratory tract and the digestive tract, and in tears. There is IgA in mother's milk, which helps protect the delicate upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract of infants. Consequently, breast-feeding helps protect against allergies and infections.

Think of IgA as the "neighborhood watch" guy or gal who signals the immune system at the first sign of the landing of an invader on the surface of your mucous membranes.Degradation of the epithelial membrane surfaces in the mouth, lungs and intestinal tract can lead to IgA reduction, increasing invasive capacity of foreign proteins and microbes, so the key strategy here is to maintain membrane health.Scute root, and licorice root increase IgA supply (Smol’ianinov, et al, 1997, Dharmananda, 1988). Carotenes and vitamin A are essential for IgA. A TCM Yin-tonifying formula containing cornus fruit (shan zhu yu or C. officinalis), dioscorea, moutan, poria mushroom, cooked rehmannia root, water plantain rhizome (ze xie or Alisma plantago-aquatica ), schisandra

berry, and honey-fried astragalus root has been shown to significantly stimulate small intestine IgA secretion in an animal model (Sakushima et al., 1997).• IgG (Immunoglobulin type G) is the most abundant antibody in the blood serum, comprising about 60-70% of the total. In the early stages of infection, increasing IgG can improve the speed of the immune response. In many cases of chronic inflammation and allergy it is important to modulate IgG response downward to reduce the inflammation. White atractylodes, licorice root, kochia fruit (Di fu zi / Kochia scoparia) and guduchi stem have been shown to modulate IgG response (Chang, et al., 1997, Kapil and Sharma, 1997, Matsuda, et al, 1997, Dharmananda, 1988). Long-term oral administration of ginseng root

extracts has also been shown in animal experiments to decrease certain subtypes of IgG, such as IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 (Kim YW, et al., 1997). Additionally, a clinical trial of the traditional treatment for the common cold, using echinacea root and golden seal root (Hydrastis canadensis), increased production of IgG and IgM (Rehman, et al, 1999).• IgE (Immunoglobulin type E) is found primarily in the linings of the respiratory and intestinal tract. It binds to mast cells and basophils and stimulates the release of inflammatory substances (such as histamine), making it the most common "neighborhood watch" member concerned with allergic reactions.Echinacea, garlic bulb, ginkgo leaf, feverfew, golden seal root, er bu shir tsao herb (Centipeda minima), rehmannia root, salvia root and turmeric root are among the many herbs that may reduce or inhibit IgE-mediated allergic reactions (Kim HM, et al, 1998, Duke, 1999, Kobayashi et al., 1997, Wu et. al, 1991). In one study, a water extract of an herbal formula prepared from the very cold TCM herbs scute root, coptis rhizome (C. japonica), phellodendron bark and gardenia fruit (zhi zi or G. jasminoides) suppressed anaphylactic histamine release in a dose-dependent manner (Kim and Park, 1998). However, these herbs cannot be used directly as alternatives to antihistamines. This will not work. Rather, allergy must be treated in a comprehensive way using herbs as part of the total picture. Use of strongl drugs or steroids to treat allergies via simple suppression often fails over the long term. Non-specific Immunity PlayersThe Blood Cells of Team Non-specificPhagocyte is a general term for the white blood cells that engulfs and digests foreign bodies in a non-specific manner (a process called phagocytosis). These cells are either chemically attracted to sites of inflammation by the release of histamine and other messengers into the blood, or lay in wait at specific locations. They are easiest to understand if you think of them as vacuum cleaners or vultures. There are two types based upon size-- smaller microphages, which primarily ingest bacteria, and the larger macrophages, which gobble up and digest dead tissue and cellular debris. Phagocytes also release pyrogens, which induce fever in response to infection Monocytes, the precursors of macrophages, comprise about 3-7% of the circulating white blood cells. Macrophages are actually monocytes that have taken up residence in specific tissue areas such as the liver, spleen, connective tissue or lymph nodes. Physicians give them different names, depending on where they live. In the liver they are called Kupffer cells; in the skin, they are called Langerhans cells; in the spleen and lymph nodes they are called dendritic cells; in the lung they are called alveolar macrophages; in the connective tissue they are called histiocytes; in the brain they are called microglia.Macrophages are capable of fusing together into huge granulomas to combat and engulf larger pathogens. All the above-mentioned phagocytic cells are collectively known as the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). Many, many herbs have been shown to increase the numbers and action of phagocytes, including ginseng root, rehmannia root, isatis root, codonopsis root (dang shen),

mistletoe (Viscum album), cordyceps mushroom, cat's claw inner bark (Uncaria tomentosa), licorice root, astragalus root, celosia seed, guduchi stem, ashwaghanda root, olive leaf extract, garlic bulb, ganoderma mushroom, Siberian eleuthero root bark, maitake mushroom, lycium fruit, white atractylodes and echinacea (Bussing et al, 1999; Stein et al, 1999; Chen YJ, et al, 1997; Sonoda, et al, 1998; Dharmananda, 1988; Xie, et al, 1985; Hase, et al, 1997; Hayakawa, et al, 1998; Kapil and Sharma, 1997; Kumar VP, et al, 1999; Lee YS, et al, 1997; Lemaire, et al, 1999; Mathew and Kuttan 1999; Nose, et al, 1998; Rittenhouse, et al, 1991; Rui, 1997; Visioli et al, 1998).According to a systematic study of more than 200 TCM herbs and formulas used for Qi energy tonification, all had

the ability to increase the phagocytic index of the RES from two to five times above normal (Wenlong, 1994). Natural Killer (NK) cells make up approximately 15% of all circulating white blood cells. They roam the body and are capable of acting spontaneously, rather than in response to orders from other immune components (such as antibodies). Individual NK cells are like Dirty Harry. More deadly than even cytotoxic T- cells, NK cells are very important first line fighters of cancer and AIDS. In fact, the level of NK activity is a good estimator of chances of survival in these types of deadly diseases. NK cells release interferons, chemicals which interfere with viral replication. A weakening or cessation of function in NK cells indicates that death is near. Many herbs, especially medicinal mushrooms like maitake mushroom, ganoderma mushroom, and shiitake mushroom are known to strongly increase NK cell activity (Kurashige et al., 1997, Won et al. 1992, Yamamoto et al., 1997). Other herbs that stimulate NK cell function include celosia seeds, licorice root, garlic bulb, ziziphus fruit, ginseng root, gymnostemma (jiao gulan or G. pentaphyllum), Western larch bark and mistletoe (Lamm and Riggs, 2000, Kamei, et al, 1998, , 1999, Schink and Bussing, 1997, Tang et al., 1997, Yamaoka et al., 1996, Dharmananda, 1988, Yang et al., 1990, Zhang C et al., 1990).Neutrophils are short-lived cells stored in the bone marrow and called into action to prevent and treat bacterial infections. These aggressive cells engulf and destroy bacteria, fungi, parasites, foreign particulate matter and cancerous cells, destroying themselves in the

process. Think of them as the body’s kamikaze cells. Garlic oil, ginseng root, guduchi stem, shiitake mushroom, black cumin seed (krisnajirakam or Nigella sativa) and mistletoe have been shown to increase neutrophil activity. Cooling herbs like scrophularia root (xuan shen or S. ningpoensis ) reduce neutrophil activity, an important mechanism for controlling some inflammations (Akamatsu et al., 1998, Fernandez et al., 1998, Gao et al., 1993, Nabil H et al., 1998, Sonoda et al., 1998, Thatte et al., 1994, Timoshenko et al., 1998, Sia et al., 1999).Eosinophils and basophils, like other immune cells, secrete a wide variety of toxic chemicals that break down and destroy antigen-antibody complexes related to allergy. Basophils, for example, release heparin and

histamine. Eosinophils release several major basic proteins, eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin and eosinophil peroxidase. All of these chemicals can cause tissue injury in prolonged inflammation. Boswellia gum, ephedra, feverfew, perilla leaves, and turmeric root extract all affect eosinophil function, as does the patent medicine Pe Min Kan Wan and several other TCM classical formulas ( CA et al., 1999, Bao L et al. 1997, Gupta I et al., 1998, Ishihara et al., 1999, Kaneko et al., 1999, Kobayashi et al., 1997, Tahara et al., 2000, Ohta Y et al., 1999, Aizawa et al., 1999, Tohda et al., 1999).The TCM Minor Bluegreen Dragon formula—composed of ephedra, cinnamon twigs, ginger root, Chinese wild

ginger (xi xin or Asarum sieboldii), schisandra berry, white peony root, pinellia tuber and licorice root—has been shown to significantly down-regulate eosinophils in animal studies (Okubo et al., 1997, Sakaguchi, et al, 1999). In an article appearing in the journal Carcinogenesis, the combination of an antiobiotic (ampicillin) and Minor Bupleurum Decoction, (bupleurum root, scute root, pinellia tuber, ginger root, ginseng root and jujube fruit) was tested for its effect on lung cancer formation in rats given a cancer-causing chemical. The combination was found to inhibit cancer formation completely (Tsutsumi et al., 2000).• Mast

cells are tissue based cells which that have an affinity for blood vessels. They are activated when antigens bind to their surface IgE receptors, causing allergic reactions. Like basophils, they release histamine and other chemicals that increase vascular permeability and allow other immune cells and complement to enter the tissues from the blood stream. In chronic allergic situations, it is important to stabilize mast cell activity. Among the many, many herbs which seem to help stabilize or inhibit the activity of mast cells are shilajatu, aguru wood, licorice root, ganoderma mushroom, ginkgo leaf, cooked rehmannia root, er bu shir tsao herb (Centipeda minima) , lavender oil, xi xian cao herb (Siegesbeckia pubescens), gunja seed (Abrus precatorius), katuki rhizome (Picrorhiza kurroa), salvia root, devadaru (Cedrus deodara), aged garlic extract, andrographis (chuan xin lian or A. paniculata), vasaca leaf (Adhatoda vasica), and milk thistle seed. (Ghosal, 1988, Wu JB, et al, 1999, Dharmananda, 1988, Dorsch et al., 1991, Gupta PP et al., 1997, Gupta PP et al., 1998, Kang et al., 1997, Kim H et al. 1998, Boik, 1995 Kim HM et al., 1999, Kim HM et al., 1999, Kim YC et al., 1997, Kyo E et al., 1997, Shinde et al., 1999.).In one study, the phytochemicals luteolin, baicalein and quercetin were shown to inhibit the release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other immune chemicals from mast cells in a dose-dependent manner. Luteolin was the most potent (Kimata

et al., 2000). Dr. Duke's database reveals that luteolin is found in many anti-inflammatory plants, including celery seed (Apium graveolins), water plantain, wild indigo, arjuna bark, buddleia flowers, echinacea, ginkgo leaf, devil's claw root, flaxseed, honeysuckle flower, peppermint leaf, and grapes.The Molecules Used by Team Non-SpecificImmune response involves multiple interactions between phagocytes, NK cells, basophils, neutrophils etc. Many of these responses happen from cell-to-cell contact. Nearby, however, interactions depend upon immune system messenger molecules called cytokines. The number of these chemicals is huge. Among the things they do are: attack viruses, initiate

non-specific anti-inflammatory effects, up-regulate immune response, down-regulate immune response, activate immune cells, attract immune cells, stimulate blood cell formation, interfere with viral replication etc. Cytokines secreted by monocytes are called monokines, and cytokines secreted by lymphocytes are called lymphokines.As you might expect, many herbs affect cytokines in general and specific ways. Among the herbs that affect cytokines are several from the Immunity/Longevity group—ginseng root, mistletoe, cooked rehmannia root, astragalus root, garlic bulb, numerous medicinal mushrooms, marine algae, and echinacea, among others (Burger et al. 1997, Gao QP et al., 1997, Hajto et al., 1999, Hirabayashi T et al., 1995, Huang 1999, Kim KH et al., 1998, Kyo E et al. 1988, Liu F et al., 1999, Murayama T et al., 1992, Nakano T et al., 1997,

Teucher T et al., 1996, Wang SY et al., 1997).• Interferons are chemicals secreted by cells as a result of viral infection. These chemicals signal the killer T cells to increase activity, and, as their name implies, also interfere with viral replication and help non-infected cells resist viral penetration. There are three primary classes of interferons, called alpha, beta and gamma, as well as various subsets. Most cells can secrete interferon. Think of them as immune system bullhorns.Herbs that have been shown to directly affect interferon include ginseng root, garlic bulb, mistletoe, ashwaghanda root, noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) and numerous herbal formulas (Matsumoto and Yamada, 2000, Lamm and Riggs, 2000 , Mori K et al., 2000, Stein GM et al., 1999, and Kuttan, 1999, Hirazumi and Furusawa, 1999, and Smolina et al., 1998).• Interleukins are proteins that stimulate white blood cell activity. There are dozens of different kinds of interleukins. Think of them as immune system coffee. Interleukin-1 helps produce fever. Interleukin-2, also known as T-cell growth factor, is very important. This is because it not only stimulates T-cell production, but also exerts potent effects related to nerve cell growth, survival, and bioelectric activities Herbs or herbal extracts shown to modulate production of interleukins, by themselves or in formulas, include ginseng root, astragalus root, bupleurum root, cordyceps mushroom, mistletoe, ashwaghanda root, rehmannia root, garlic bulb, celosia seeds, sophora flower (huai hua mi or S. japonica ), black cumin seed, and cat's claw inner bark. (Matsumoto and Yamada, 2000, Yang and Wu, 1998, Mori K

et al., 1999, Matsumoto T et al., 2000, Yamashiki M et al., 2000, Stein et al., 1999, Qun L et al., 1999, and Kuttan, 1999, Yang LY et al., 1999, Iijima et al., 1999, Sakurai eet al., 1999, Kim HM et al., 1999, Min B et al., 1999, Haq A et al., 1999, Kuo YC et al., 1999, Lemaire et al., 1999, Tang Z et al., 1997, Nakajima S et al., 1998, Hayakawa Y et al., 1998).• Complement is a group of blood proteins that helps to destroy invaders. Complement works like a tag team, and each protein is released sequentially. Complement proteins attach macrophages or neutrophils to antigen-antibody complexes. Think of it as if someone is chaining the watchdog to a burglar in the house. The complement cascade also is capable of punching holes into the invader. Medicinal mushrooms that contain beta-glucan, such as ganoderma

and maitake, enhance complement activity (Ross GD, et al, 1999). Herbs containing rosmarinic acid, such as prunella (xie ku cao or P. vulgaris) and bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) inhibit complement activation. The heartwood of su mu (Caesalpinia sappan), used traditionally in China to reduce swelling, pain and numbness, also inhibits complement activation (Oh et al., 1998, Al-Sereiti et al., 1999, Arvind et al., 1999).• Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a chemical released by macrophages (TNF-alpha), and activated T-cells (TNF-beta). It causes fever, and can kill some types of cancer cells by attacking their blood vessels. Other variegated systemic effects include increased sleep, and decreased appetite. In some cases of cancer, overproduction of TNF-alpha leads to

cachexia, a pathological state of appetite suppression and weight loss.Dandelion root, ginseng root extracts, mistletoe, several types of seaweed, garlic root and aged garlic extract, scute root, schizonepeta (jing jie or S. tenuifolia), carthamus flower and ganoderma mushrooms have been found to stimulate TNF. Conversely in animal and pharmacological models, green tea, cooked rehmannia root, coptis root, milk thistle seed extract, ashwaghanda root, and turmeric root extract (3 different compounds) were all found to inhibit either TNF-alpha production and/or block some of TNF's inflammatory actions. (Lamm and Riggs, 2000, Manna et al., 1999, Shin et al., 1999, and Kuttan, 1999,

Gupta and Ghosh, 1999, Plummer et al., 1999, Fujiki H, 1999, Kim HM et al., 1999, Smolina TP et al., 1998, Abe et al., 1999, Bouic et al., 1999, Cho JY, 1999, Kimura Y et a., 1997, Kyo E et al. 1998, Lee HJ et al. 1998, Mannel DN et al., 1991, Plohmann B et al. 1997, Shan BE et al., 1999, Wang SY et al., 1997). Posted on Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 09:01AM by posted by Dr. Tillotson in Disease encyclopedia | Comments Off View Printer Friendly Version Email Article to

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[Guest guest]

Hi Wallace, I did that with cats claw, sarsaparilla, in the beginning,

before I got the machine.

It's alright if you don't have nausea. I think it works as good as, but

the problem is the taste. A bit of guessing with the measures too...

And someone said (Gigi) that if you add a bit of good salt (very little

amount) in the bottle and shake it with herbs, it'll help to have herbs

absorbed.

I also did teas (decoctions) from a few of the herbs (sarsaparilla,

knotweed, and other Chinese herbs), I did the whole portion for the

day, cooled it and drank it during the day, it's more tasty than the

powdered 'juice'. I don't know if the effect is a bit lost though, as

you only drink what goes to the water...

Selma

>

> Most of my herbs are in powder form. ly I am already getting a

> little tired of putting them all in capsules(I have a machine) so I

> have started adding a little water to the powder and taking them that

> way. Anyone else do this?

>

> Sunny thoughts,

> Wallace

>

[Guest guest]

Just in case anyone misses a previous reply I wanted to share a

company with everybody who I've always been very pleased with. So

incase anyone is looking.

My naturopath used Nature's Sunshine herbs. And it's all I've taken

since her death. She taught me alot while working with her and I've

never been disappointed with their products. For anyone with

intestinal problems, they make a product called intestinal soothe and

build. It's great. My ex husband use to take it for his heart burn,

indegestion. A bottle is a months worth and it may take two to start

noticing a difference depending on the tissue damage of the

individual. All herbs take sometime to work before they work

differently than chemicals. This particular product cleanses and

rebuilds the tissue instead of suppressing and covering up the

symptoms like over the counter drugs. This combined with a good

digestive enzyme works really well. They have some wonderful fungal,

parasite, and total body cleanses as well. They also have a heavy

metal detox and blood purifier that could helpful to all of us too.

Here is the link.

http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/index.aspx

A total body cleanse that she put together was liquid chlorophyll,

aloe vera juice, and a table spoon of psyllium hulls combination

which is ground up, not in capsule form. All these are found on this

site. You mix all these with organic apple juice and drink within

seconds (because the hulls will start expanding and get thick.) I

will def be going back on this very soon myself. The products A-Z

will give a brief discripion of each and if you join, the member

price is usually 4 to 6 $$$$ cheaper.

Just thought I'd throw this out to everyone.

[Guest guest]

Here's my little two cents on the subject of herbs. Herbs can be effective. Although they do have side effects, they are usually less dangerous than their synthetic conterparts. Many herbs have similar mechanism of action as medications-pushing a specific biochemical or enzymatic pathway, others work by tonifying and healing organs, improving function overall. There is actually lots of research out on herbs-they are not some mystery. Just to dispel the idea has anyone has any idea about how multiple medications are interacting in our's and our kids' systems-we don't. We may know a few contraindications, and drug interactions, but if you or someone you know is taking more than three, its only a guess based on mechanism of action and clinical experience. I recommend finding a naturopath to help you, as they are trained in both pharmaceutical medications and herbs, and their

interactions-to the extent that is possible. Unlike MD's, who are not trained in herbs and their uses, side effects, contraindications, and interactions with meds, naturopaths are. It's not that that information is not out there, it's just that you have to go to a specialized medical school to be trained in it. Naturopaths go to a four year post graduate medical schools, and can help a lot to integrate alternative and conventional care. On a side note, you might also be interested in looking a little bit into homeopathy-I find it much more effective, easier and safer with our spectrum-y kids in my clinic (and at home!) than herbs. Good luck. Dr. Gruber-CooleyForest Family Medicine10 Crossroads PlazaWest Hartford, Ct 06117860-570-9825

[Guest guest]

Nan,

Thank you for your response. I usually do not use my name because it is so long

and takes extra time to type. If I do use it, then people usually butcher it or

make up a nickname. I'll try it once to see what happens.

I just saw 3 herbs on the site. I saw Oils of oregano and clove and also black

walnut husks (I believe), 2 of which are part of the H. triumverate with

wormwood lacking. I thought there might be others.

Thanks

Gurubandhusingh

> >

> > I just joined this group. What do people think the best herbs for candida?

I know about garlic and others but especially interested in what people have

actually found that works well. Also supplements.

> >

> > Thanks

> > GB

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Bee,

>

> Thanks for responding. However, I am even more confused. I do understand the

" immunity " vs. the " germ " theory very well. However, I also use herbs to help

my immune system. I am the biggest garlic supporter on the planet. I went to

the link Nan gave and saw oils of clove and oregano on the link. I think it was

your site but maybe I am wrong.

> These studies below seem to contracdict what you are saying about herbs not

killing " bugs " . Please explain. I have also read many places about using

caprylic acid and of course probiotics.

+++Hi GB,

What you need to understand is that most literature, studies, books, etc. comply

with current medical information and thinking. And medical field slants all

information to their advantage because they are a business that must make money!

Therefore I don't put much faith in most studies, nor most medical information,

etc. My two areas of knowledge are " proper nutrition " for humans, and how the

body heals itself naturally.

The medical field also explains immunity to their advantage, and if you studied

the body's processes (Physiology) like I have, you'd see that their description

of immunity and how it works doesn't align with how the body actually works.

They base immunity on their " Antibody Theory " which is totally false - see these

articles:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu5_3_2.php

The germ theory of disease is also false, which was originated by Louis Pasteur.

Careful investigation of his research proved he was a fraud. See these

articles:

http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu5_3_1.php

Also do a search of our group's message since this was recently discussed.

The best in health, Bee

[Guest guest]

Bee

I do agree that immunity is by far the most important thing in healing. I have

known about Bechamp and his buddies you mention in your site for 18 years.

However, I don't think you can discount the germ theory. Don't you believe in

washing your hands before you eat or use the toilet? I know a doctor in LA

whose clinic was rated the best alternative (natural) clinic was rated #1 by LA

magazine. He is a stickler for washing hands, etc. Doctors should not wash

their hands before operations? The patients immunity will prevent them from

getting infections? I know hospitals and individuals go overboard by having

things overly sterile and use strong soaps that cause superbugs. Diseases have

reduced dramatically since washing germs off was instituted in the 1800s. What

about epidemics or flu going around. It is not because whole populations

suddenly lose their immunity at once. It's been proven that these are caused by

" bugs " . O)f course, people with the most immunity do best. I don't see why

these theories can't go hand in hand. They are both balid but immunity as shown

by Pasteur's deference at his deathbed depict. I also think it is a little over

the top to call Pasteur a " fraud " and " impostor " .

Many of the experiments done with herbs and " bugs " were done in laboratories in

test tubes and petri dishes. They were not at all influenced by how immune a

person was to the " bug " as many experiments were not done on people or animals.

Many herbs enhance the immune system but many also kill bugs and or impede their

growth. I don't see how you can deny this.

Blessings,

GB

Some of the studies I gave you links to earlier were not done with humans or

animals but also done with petri dishes or test tubes

>

> +++Hi GB,

>

> What you need to understand is that most literature, studies, books, etc.

comply with current medical information and thinking. And medical field slants

all information to their advantage because they are a business that must make

money! Therefore I don't put much faith in most studies, nor most medical

information, etc. My two areas of knowledge are " proper nutrition " for humans,

and how the body heals itself naturally.

>

> The medical field also explains immunity to their advantage, and if you

studied the body's processes (Physiology) like I have, you'd see that their

description of immunity and how it works doesn't align with how the body

actually works. They base immunity on their " Antibody Theory " which is totally

false - see these articles:

> http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu5_3_2.php

>

> The germ theory of disease is also false, which was originated by Louis

Pasteur. Careful investigation of his research proved he was a fraud. See

these articles:

> http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/menu5_3_1.php

>

> Also do a search of our group's message since this was recently discussed.

>

> The best in health, Bee

>