N u t r i t i o n   N e w s l e t t e r
"equipping you for better health choices"

 
November/December  2000

COMBATING INFECTIONS
Integrative Approaches

Colds and Flu Infections is the no#1 reason people miss work in the US  Americans spend one billion dollars each year on nonprescription treatments.  Such over the counter drugs can produce unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, hyperexcitability, dry mouth, red eyes, constipation ( Americans
are the most constipated in the world to start with), and drowsiness.  And are they getting to the root of the infection?
Most times that cover up the uncomfortable symptoms, which in some cases is welcomed relief.  To date, no method has been developed to prevent influenza.  Antibiotics are not viable against viral infections.  Colds although self-limiting, can cause an acute respiratory infection, that can knock anyone off their feet.

So where's a body to go to fight off theses infections? Many people are finding relief from these awful symptoms, a shorter
time of feeling sick, and fewer infections even after being exposed to a sick person, from supplements, herbs and homeopathic mixtures.  Of course if you are on any medications or suffer allergies, always check with your doctor, before self-
treating your self!

ECHINACEA

Echinacea is the world's most common use phytomedicince
in the world!  This herb has a stimulatory effect on the immune
system (Snow JM Echinacea (Monench)  spp. Asteraccea,
Protocol J Bot Med 1996; 18-230).  It activates white blood cells then engulfs bacteria and cellular waste.  Echinacea produces an antimicrobial defense against bacteria, fungi and virus (Wichtl M. Bisset NA, editor., Herbal drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Scientific Press, 1994:  1182-4).

There are two kinds of Echinacea.

The first Echinacea angustifolia, this root is listed in the British Herbal Compendium as an herb for the treatment of colds and flu (vol. 1 England:  British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992; 81-83).  This form is the most active white blood cell activator.  Also, increases interferon, tumor necrosis factor due to the increased macrophage activity.  Roots are reported to have
greater macrophage-stimulating viability. 

The second form is Echinacea Purpurea, this one has an inflammatory property.  This can aid with the flu and colds.

An interesting fact is that researcher reported continuous does of Echinacea doses had a greater immune effect after ten weeks, than two weeks (Coeugnier EG, et al. Recurrent candidiasias:  adjuvant immunotheraphy with different formulations of Echinacin.  Therapiewoch 1986; 36:3352-8).

Common Dosage Range:  for prevention, 250mg up to 2 times
a day during flu season.  Acute 500 mg 3 times a day, than
250mg 4 times a day.

WARNING: DO NOT USE IN PEOPLE WHO ARE ALLERGIC
TO PLANTS IN THE DAISY FAMILY. Also people with
kidney disease should not take longer than ten days at a
time, due to possible mineral imbalance.  NO OBSERVED
TOXICITY HAS BEEN SHOWN.  Caution if you are a lactating
women, or if pregnancy occurs.  HIV patients should take no
longer than 10 days at a time.

GOLDEN SEAL
A golden answer to infections

Golden Seal a native herb used by the American Indians for many years.  Getting it's name from it's golden color. Combined with echinacea these are the two best selling herbs in the U. S. today.  It is a valid infection reducer, with many excellent properties.
Goldenseal contains antibacterial action and supports the mucous membranes to thin it's attackers.  The alkaloids in this famous herb produces anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous lining (Zhang MF,et al. Antidiarrheal and anti- nflammatory effect of berberine-a present alkaloid in goldenseal. Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao. 1989;10:174-6).
Berberine an active alkaloid, in goldenseal has been effective
treatment for upper respiratory.  This alkaloid has a great antibiotic effect on a host of disease-causing organism (Amin AH, et al. Berberine sulfate: antimicrobial activity, bioassay, and mode of action. Can J Micro 1969;15:1067-76).
Berberine is said to increase blood flood to the spleen, which in turn turns on the immune system to fight infections. Another great antimicrobial agent of this herb, is that it creates fever-fighting ability (Sabir M,et al. Further studies on pharmacology of beberine.  Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 1978;22 (1):9-23). 

Dosage Range:  125-250 mg, 2 to 4 times a day, during infections.  Tincture use 3 times a day.  Should have 10 percent alkaloids or 2.5 % and 1.5 to 5% hydrastine. another active alkaloid. Another guideline is to read your bottle's directions and asset dose in  range to body weight, an important factor to consider.

Cautions:  Dosages of 2 to 3 g may lower heart rate and at extreme high doses may cause central nervous system paralysis, this extreme high consumption would be termed "poisoning."  See study, Hardin J W, et al. "Human poisoning from native plants, 2nd ed. Durham NC; Duke Univ. Press;  1974;6-7.
Avoid during pregnancy or lactation, berberine compounds stimulate the uterus ( DeSmet P, et al. "Adverse effect on herbal drugs1." Berlin, Germany; Springer-Verlag;  1992; 1997-104).

Taken as directed Golden Seal is a powerful infection fighter!

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