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The Complete Home Guide tiomHmerubns,itNyatural Healing, and Nutrition
117
physical level, utilizing the chemistry of plants. Each plant has individual
traits and diverse uses as a means for empowering the immune system.
Some help to create interferon and T and B cells; some assist the
absorption of oxygen, which keeps cells alive and healthy; still others act
as antioxidants, preventing free-radical damage.
Sometimes it becomes difficult to know where the categorization of
immune herbs begins and ends. There are many choices, so we will start
with supporting the body both physically and emotionally by discussing
adaptogenic herbs.
The category of adaptogenic herbs can help you to adapt more
quickly to whatever is new in your surroundings, be it emotional, physical,
or environmental. They can help to strengthen and change hereditary
weaknesses. When the common cold virus came to Greenland from
America, many Inuit died. The virus was so alien to them that their cells
couldn’t cope. Their adaptability was overwhelmed, for there were no
immune-cell memories of the virus. The next generation fared
better— something common to all disease throughout history. This is an
extreme example of a situation in which adaptogenic herbs would be used.
In order to be classed as an adaptogen there are three qualifications the
herb must possess: It must increase the body’s immune function using a
wide range of actions, rather than just one specific action. It must restore
and maintain balance in all body systems at no expense or aggravation to
them. And it should not produce side effects.
In general terms, adaptogens are described by herbalist Christopher
Hobbs as working by supporting adrenal function, thus counteracting the
debilitating effects of stress; increasing the concentration of enzymes that
help produce energy in the body’s cells; helping cells to eliminate the
waste by-products of the metabolic process; and providing an anabolic
effect that helps build muscle and tissue, helping the body use oxygen
more efficiently and enhancing the regulation of biorhythms. Some
famous adaptogens are Siberian ginseng root, Schisandra berry, reishi
mushroom, and Pfaffia root.
The Russians have probably done the most research into adaptogens.
They have concluded that there are also secondary adaptogens— herbs
that are not quite as strong, but nevertheless very useful. These secondary
adaptogens help to balance and normalize the immune system, nervous
system, and hormone system. Those most recently studied include gotu
kola, wild oats, Astragalus, and burdock.
Adaptogenic herbs can be used daily as food, in herbal teas, as
tinctures, or in capsules. They are ideally suited to being combined with
other plants as they mix well and remain balanced and supportive.
The beautiful Siberian ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus
senticosus) is a herb of our time and, if used on a more widespread basis,
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