Infections
& Immunity
We are continually bombarded with bacteria, viruses and various foreign substances. The
immune system protects us from these by a combination of chemical agents, organic
biochemicals and antibodies, produced substantially by white blood cells.
Many of the symptoms experienced during an infection are not caused by the pathogen
itself, but rather by the body's attempt to rid itself of the invader. For example, during
an attack of the flu, the high temperature is induced by the body to kill or inhibit the
virus by heat, the sore throat is damage to tissue as a side effect of the body's chemical
attack on the virus, and fatigue is induced so that no energy will be wasted in
unnecessary activity and all effort concentrated on fighting the infection.
The immune system is normally very efficient but sometimes becomes overwhelmed. This
may be due to fatigue, stress, poor diet or various other factors. If this is the case
then these elements must be corrected in order for the immune system to function properly.
If left to deteriorate then conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome may develop. It
is important to get plenty of rest, eat well, and take very gentle exercise
- never pushing too hard. This will aid recovery, but time is needed.
Herbs are often used with these problems. Traditionally, echinacea is used as a mild
immune stimulant. This is often the first option for many people but other herbs are of
equal or more value, such as elder, astragalus, indigo root, myrrh and golden seal.
In cases where stress has been a component then either blue vervain or eleutherococcus
may also be considered.
In my clinic, I use a tonic compound which contains echinacea, myrrh, indigo,
liquorice, astragalus and galium. This is stronger than using individual herbs and has a
very bitten flavour but is perhaps the best compound I have come across and I use it
frequently. It usually combines well with vervain, but eleutherococcus, if required,
should be used separately.
