Some
Russian researchers investigating Siberian Ginseng observed that these deep immune
tonics seem to generally aid the body in dealing with stress and coined the term
"adaptogen" for them.
(see "adaptogens" in "herbology" under
"modalities" for a discussion of these herbs as adaptogens: a paper similar but
slightly different from this one)
Deep immune tonics/adaptogens need
to be used over a relatively long period of time (six weeks, for example).
Again,
as with most herbs "the formula is the thing": they work better, synergistically,
in combination.
Asian Ginseng
Panax ginseng
deep immune tonic, adaptogen
Asian Ginseng is a "hot"
remedy (best used for "cold" conditions)
North American Ginseng
Panax quinquifolium
deep immune tonic, adaptogen
North
American Ginseng is considered a "cold" remedy (best used for "hot" conditions)
Siberian Genseng Eleutherococcus senticosus
deep immune tonic, adaptogen, circulatory tonic, surface immune stimulant,
antineoplastic
Eleuthero has most of the properties of its cousin, Ginseng,
but is neither "hot" nor "cold" and is therefore of more general use.
It is
a useful part of almost any immune support formulation and is helpful in chemotherapy
both in reducing side effects (as an adaptogen) and in enhancing the therapeutic
effects of the chemotherapy.
Astragalus Astragalus
membranaceus
deep immune tonic, adaptogen, surface immune stimulant, antineoplastic
synergistic with Siberian Ginseng, and with Echinacea.
It is helpful in
chemotherapy both in reducing side effects (as an adaptogen) and in enhancing
the therapeutic effects of the chemotherapy.
Reishi mushrooms
Ganoderma lucidum
deep immune tonic, adaptogen, surface immune stimulant,
antineoplastic, antiviral
may be used in small doses as a "potentizer"
should
be used for 4 to 6 weeks (and then only repeated after a "holiday" of 4 to 6 weeks).
Can be used in severe immune depletion such as AIDS and cancer.
Particularly
useful in lymphoma with, for instance, cleavers and phytolacca.
It is helpful
in chemotherapy both in reducing side effects (as an adaptogen) and in enhancing
the therapeutic effects of the chemotherapy.
see also:Reishi.com
Other adaptogens/deep immune tonics include:
Shataki mushroom
Maitaki mushroom (the "D fraction")
Spiknard
False Sarsaparilla
for
Taheebo/Pau d'Arco see
surface
immune stimulants
A formulation might
include:
Siberian Ginseng 10 drops
Reishi
5 drops
Astragalus
10 drops
three times a day, in water, before
meals, for 4 to 6 weeks
(best used in alternation with a detoxification
formula)